Solar Power: Album Review
Since releasing her last album in 2017, Lorde is back and better than ever with her third studio album, Solar Power. This record blooms with an essence of 70’s and early 2000s pop. Having a nature-y, calming, and almost spiritual feel to it, Solar Power is the perfect end of summer album. Every single track on this record is unique and incredible in its own way allowing the album to flow beautifully and maintain an end of summer ambiance throughout. The combination of brilliant lyrics, instrumentals, and melodies make this record the best kind of trippy and confusing.
Solar Power, Mood Ring, Fallen Fruit, and Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen it All) were the songs that stood out to me the most.
Releasing the single Solar Power back in June of 2021, Lorde had her fans stunned with excitement after nearly 4 years of no new music. And let me tell you did she come back with a bang. On the surface, this upbeat song seems like it's just about having fun in the sun, but there’s more to it than one may catch from a single listen. It’s multiple layers contribute to its weird cult-like energy, in the best way possible.
As Lorde describes it, Fallen Fruit is about climate change, but disguised. She says the track is about escaping “to somewhere safe that takes place in the future where the world is inhabitable”. The feeling of this song is almost indescribable, as it has a gloomy, almost dark feeling to it yet still feels weirdly uplifting. You really just have to go listen for yourself.
In the upbeat, Secrets from a Girl, Lorde gives her past self advice as she reflects on previous experiences. Lorde ends the song metaphorically with a flight attendant guiding passengers as they arrive at their destination: acceptance. It is truly a beautiful track that is one of my favorites off the album.
Lastly, Mood Ring, which was released as a single just a few days before the album, as the singer describes it, is “full satire” and is about “feeling really lost and disconnected in the modern world and trying to feel well”. This song is upbeat with an early 2000s flare that makes it lively and captivating. Once again, the lyrics are genius, even more so with the knowledge that they are hyperbolized.
The vibe of this album is almost indescribable, as it transports you to this state of zen and calm, while still keeping you on your toes with its enchanting lyrics. If you have a real appreciation for music and lyrics, Solar Power is a must listen.