Lorde, Liability | Track Review 🎵

Lorde returns with a moving second single, “Liability,” ahead of her highly-anticipated sophomore album, Melodrama.

New Zealand standout Lorde turned heads with “Green Light,” her comeback single following the success of her 2013 debut album, Pure Heroine. “Green Light” didn’t outshine Grammy-winning juggernaut “Royals,” but renewed interest in the alt-pop musician. Her second single, “Liability,” provides a further lift to sophomore album, Melodrama, due June 16, 2017.

“Green Light” was electrifying modern pop record, while “Liability” is a reflective ballad. Singer-songwriter sensibilities are written all over it.  The lyrics are incredibly poetic and thoughtfully performed as well.  Lorde focuses on her smokier lower register, which truly adds drama.  As far as the production, it’s conservative, led by piano with no percussion.  The overall result is nothing short of beautiful.

On the chorus, she ascends higher, into her middle register, further amplifying the intensity:

“They say, ‘you’re a little much for me
You’re a liability
You’re a little much for me’
So they pull back, make other plans
I understand, I’m a liability
Get you wild, make you leave
I’m a little much for
Everyone.”

Focusing on the lyrics, Lorde sings about being high maintenance.  This has ruined her relationships.  She knows what she wants, and ultimately, has herself.  Her vulnerability sounds authentic.  On the first verse, she asserts:

“So I guess I’ll go home
Into the arms of the girl that I love
The only love I haven’t screwed up
She’s so hard to please
But she’s a forest fire
I do my best to meet her demands.”

On the second verse, she paints a picture of being misunderstood:

“The truth is I am a toy
That people enjoy
‘Til all of the tricks don’t work anymore
And then they are bored of me.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Lorde delivers another fantastic preview into Melodrama with “Liability.”  The song is beautifully and thoughtfully written, not to mention equally compelling vocals.  While this ballad may struggle to electrify the airwaves, it is impressive regardless.

Lorde • Melodrama • Republic • Release: 6.17.17

Photo Credit: Republic