Lorde, Solar Power | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winning alternative pop artist Lorde returns in a big way with her electrifying, summery single, “Solar Power.”

After a four-year hiatus (which feels much longer), 🏆 Grammy-winning alternative pop artist 🎙 Lorde (Ella Yelich O’Connor) is back! Just to recap, in 2017, the Kiwi musician released one of the best albums of the year – and the decade to be honest – in 💿 Melodrama.  Following up such a critically acclaimed effort will be a tall task but O’Connor’s promo single, 🎵 “Solar Power” marks a truly great start.  She wrote and produced the record with 🏆 Grammy-winning artist/producer extraordinaire, 🎼✍ 🎛 Jack Antonoff. It’s minimal sounding to some extent (picks up heat as it progresses), but perfectly suits her artist sensibilities.

“I hate the winter, can’t stand the cold / … But when the heat comes, something takes a hold.” Yeah, baby! “Solar Power” is a V-I-B-E for sure, period.  While Lorde sings in relatively low-key fashion, she still exudes ample personality – the same magic she had on Melodrama.  The songwriting, as evidenced by the aforementioned lyrical excerpt, is terrific.  She touts the power of summer and everything associated with it, including ‘the heat’ in a more passionate sense (“My cheeks in high colour, overripe peaches / No shirt, no shoes, only my features”).  Of course, the centerpiece is the glorious chorus, which is readymade for a carefree, fun and sexy summer:

“Turn it on in a new kind of bright
It’s solar (Solar, solar, solar, solar)
Come on and let the bliss begin
Blink three times when you feel it kickin’ in.” 

Final Thoughts 💭

As we’ve seen consistently from Lorde, she takes her time returning with new music.  That said, what she’s served up over the years has been nothing short of brilliant.  “Solar Power” marks an utterly sublime return from O’Connor.  Low-key but expressive vocals, solid production, and on-point songwriting make this a must-hear.

🎙 Lorde • 🎵 “Solar Power” • 🏷 Universal Music New Zealand Limited • 🗓 6.11.21

[📷: Universal Music New Zealand Limited]