Lorde has finally released her much anticipated second album . New Zealand fans were the first in the world to hear the album in full in two ways. There was an album listening party 2 days before the album was released. It just so happens that little old New Zealand at the bottom of the world is the first country in the world to experience the new day so by luck it was the first country in the world to experience the album fitting that it is Lorde’s home land.
The album is full of surprises and on the whole it is raw and real. You can definitely tell there has been a massive change in Lorde’s life and you can hear in her music that there has been a change in what’s important to her. ‘Pure Heroin’ glorified life, “Jet planes, islands, tigers on a gold leash” ‘Melodrama’ on the other hand is definitely stripped back and stark. “I ride the subway, read the signs. I let the seasons change my mind.” Anyone who has experienced life changes will be able to relate to the music from Melodrama. Whether it be a change in school, moving out of home or a break up you will find comfort in the lyrics and melodies. I feel like this album pulls Lorde down to the same level and personifies her. Lorde has always presented herself in a mysterious way. The long hair dark lipstick have been replaced with a fresh energy. The artists approach to life remains strong with the new album.
The thing I love the most about this album and Lorde in general for that matter is the fresh perspective she provides life. Her mind is so intricate that her experience and lyrics make you see things in a different way. One of my favourite lyrics comes from a song called ‘Hard Feelings’ the lyric is “I care for myself the way I used to care about you” when you fall in love with someone often you do put them first. It’s a strange feeling when you have to put yourself first again. It’s a foreign feeling but it’s important you do look after yourself.
I know for a fact there are going to be people that don’t like this album. For one reason or another. Music is a very spiritual thing. Music is something totally personal. If there’s a song you like listen to it proudly. Don’t worry about what other people think of it. You have your own reasons for listening to the song.
Cam Mansel 