Title: Pure Heroine

Artist: Lorde

Genre: Pop

Release Date: September 30, 2013

Album Number: #1

Studio: Lava Records, Universal Records NZ

Review

At only 16-years-old, Lorde (Ella Yelich-O’Connor) has burst onto the scene with a strong voice, thought-provoking lyrics, and melodic song. Discovered when she was only 12, Lorde has been groomed for this. I first fell in love with her song “Royals” off of her EP called The Love Club. After that it was only a matter of time before the love of her music consumed me.

Her highly anticipated album, Pure Heroine does not disappoint. With 10 tracks this singer-songwriter amazed me with her ability to create such distinct, older sounding music. I could have swore she was in her mid-20’s. It has a heaviness to it that isn’t normally found in someone who is that young.

The whole album discusses relationships between various people and the mundaneness of life. She mentions “white/clean teeth” a lot as well as dedicating a song to this concept. I believe that it has to do with vanity and being focused on the materialistic things in life that eventually fade.

My top three favorites would have to be “400 Lux”, “Royals”, and “Team.”

“400 Lux” has to top the list at number one. I’ve listened to this song maybe 20 times in the last day. This song is about a couple at a stand still. They live in a world that doesn’t really change. Day in and day out they do the same thing. They live hollow lives with nothing left to say to each other, but they’re so comfortable with each other that we’re left questioning does that even matter?

“Royals” was originally in the number one spot, but sadly “400 Lux” pulled ahead. This catchy tune was all over the airwaves as the first single from the album. It’s a lot lighter than the rest of the tracks, but still fits fairly well. It talks about her dismay over the fact that pop and music in general is all about the “bling”, drinking, and living like you don’t care.

In “Team” you really hear the weariness of Lorde’s voice. She sounds so tired like she’s lived a full life. I love it. She’s not your typical pop artist. This particular song mentioned how she’s grown older and how she’s tired of the typical music of this generation. She’s tired of throwing her hands in the air.

Overall, I love this album. It’s very moody and thought-provoking. It flows really well and the heaviness of it really calls to me. She’s breaking the mold and calling out people over her generation to do better. I love it. I would suggest everyone giving it a listen. It’s totally worth it.

Later,