Lorde returns with one final single, “Sober,” ahead of her highly-anticipated sophomore album, Melodrama.

Early in 2017, alternative pop artist Lorde got off to a quick start promoting her sophomore album, Melodrama.  Single “Green Light” showed the Grammy-winner in a more commercial light, while “Liability” showcased her ballad chops.  After a lengthy period of time elapsed, the Kiwi musician restarted the promo campaign dropping single “Perfect Places”. One week later, she issued the fourth and final pre-release single from Melodrama, “Sober.” 

“Sober” commences mysteriously, leaving the listener wondering, WTF is going on. The start is somewhat off-putting, with the lyrics “Night, Midnight, lose my mind” being uttered repeatedly. The verse follows, produced sparingly.  Ultimately, it’s accompanied by subtle synths and that signature, sick Lorde groove.  If anything, the start of “Sober” confirms that there’s still plenty of “alternative” sensibility about the artist. On the pre-chorus, she delivers some intriguing lyrics:

“But my hips have missed your hips
So, let’s get to know the kicks 
Will you sway with me?
Go astray with me?”

Okay.  She wants to dance.  Dance on girl, dance on:

“We’re king and queen of the weekend
Ain’t a pill that could touch our rush
(But what will we do when we’re sober?)
When you dream with a fever
Bet you wish you could touch our rush
(But what will we do when we’re sober?)...”

Like “Perfect Places,” there’s clearly some fun involved – maybe too much fun at that.  One of the best attributes of the single is the addition of the brass, certainly an unexpected treat. Additionally, nice vocal production touches help make Lorde’s voice robust.  Keep in line with times, Lorde also offers up some salty language on the second verse:

“Bodies all through my house
I know this story by heart:
Jack and Jill got fucked up and possessive
When they get dark.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Sober” is yet another captivating song by Lorde.  Arguably, it’s not quite as thrilling as the three preceding it, but nor it is far off base either.  If nothing else, “Sober” further amps up the anticipation for Melodrama.

Lorde • Melodrama • Republic • Release: 6.16.17

Photo Credit: Republic