Lorde’s Solar Power Album: A Sustainable and Refreshing Sound

Lorde’s third studio album, “Solar Power,” was released on August 20, 2021, and has since captured the attention of her fans and critics alike. The album, produced by Jack Antonoff, explores themes of nature, spirituality, and self-reflection and features a more stripped-down sound than her previous work.

The album’s lead single and title track, “Solar Power,” was released in June 2021 and received mixed reviews from critics and fans. However, the album’s unique sound and introspective lyrics have been praised.

Key Takeaways

• Lorde’s third studio album, “Solar Power,” explores themes of nature, spirituality, and self-reflection and features a more stripped-down sound than her previous work.
• The album’s lead single and title track, “Solar Power,” received mixed reviews, but the album has been praised for its unique sound and introspective lyrics.
• Produced by Jack Antonoff, “Solar Power” showcases Lorde’s growth as an artist and solidifies her place in the music industry.

Album Overview

Release Date

Lorde’s third studio album, “Solar Power,” was released by Universal Music New Zealand on August 20, 2021. Fans highly anticipated the album, as it was Lorde’s first release since her critically acclaimed album “Melodrama” in 2017.

Genre

“Solar Power” showcases a departure from Lorde’s previous work, moving away from the electronic and pop-infused sound of “Melodrama” to a more acoustic and organic sound. The album is heavily influenced by folk and beach rock, with elements of reggae and world music. Lorde has described the album as “a celebration of the natural world, an attempt at immortalizing the deep, transcendent feelings I have when I’m outdoors.”

Critical Reception

The album has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised Lorde’s experimentation with a new sound and her exploration of themes of nature and spirituality. At the same time, others have criticized the album as too simplistic and lacking in depth. Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos praised the album as “smooth and beachy, searching for serenity in anxious times,” while The Guardian’s Kitty Empire noted that “sometimes, Solar Power feels like the polar opposite of Melodrama: it is filled with calm, sun-kissed serenity.” AllMusic’s Neil Z. Yeung gave the album a mixed review, stating that “while Lorde’s intentions are admirable, her execution is sometimes too slight and undercooked to leave a lasting impression.” Overall, “Solar Power” is a departure from Lorde’s previous work, showcasing her artistic growth and experimentation.

Track Listing

The Solar Power album by Lorde features ten tracks, all written and produced by Lorde and Jack Antonoff. The album was released on August 20, 2021, by Universal Music New Zealand.

Singles

“Solar Power” was the lead single released on June 10, 2021. The song has a summery vibe and features a stripped-down sound compared to Lorde’s previous work.

“Stoned at the Nail Salon” was released as the second single on July 21, 2021. The song reflects on growing older and losing touch with old friends. The music video for “Stoned at the Nail Salon” was directed by Lorde and features her getting a pedicure while reflecting on her life.

“Mood Ring” was the last of the three singles released on August 18, 2021. The song reflects the trend of natural wellness being a cure-all for any situation. Although a satirical song, “Mood Ring,” highlights the yearning for an easy fix to these emotions.

Songwriting Credits

All ten tracks on the Solar Power album were written and produced by Lorde and Jack Antonoff. However, there are a few additional credits on some of the tracks. “Stoned at the Nail Salon” features additional production from Clairo and backing vocals from Phoebe Bridgers. “Fallen Fruit” features additional production from Andrew Wyatt and backing vocals from Marlon Williams. “Big Star” features additional production from Mark Ronson.

Overall, the Solar Power album showcases Lorde’s growth as an artist and features a more stripped-down sound than her previous work. The album has received generally positive reviews from critics and has been praised for its summery vibe and introspective lyrics.

Production

Producers

Lorde collaborated with American musician Jack Antonoff on “Solar Power” for the second time, following their work together on her previous album, “Melodrama.” Antonoff co-wrote and produced several tracks on the album, including the lead single “Solar Power.” In addition to Antonoff, Lorde also worked with producer Malay on the album’s closing track, “Oceanic Feeling.”

Recording Locations

“Solar Power” was recorded in various locations, including Lorde’s home studio in Auckland, New Zealand, and Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Lorde has described the album as being heavily influenced by the natural world, and the recording locations reflect this theme. In an interview with Apple Music, Lorde explained that she wanted to capture the feeling of being outside and connected to nature in the album’s production.

Overall, the production of “Solar Power” showcases Lorde’s growth as an artist and her commitment to exploring new sounds and themes. The album’s producers and recording locations reflect Lorde’s desire to create a project that is both deeply personal and connected to the world around her.

Themes and Style

Lorde’s “Solar Power” album departs from her previous works with a psychedelic pop and indie folk sound driven by acoustic guitar arrangements. The album’s themes revolve around environmentalism and escapism, with Lorde’s lyrics exploring her relationship with nature and her desire to escape from the pressures of modern society.

Environmentalism

The album’s title track, “Solar Power,” celebrates the sun and its power to sustain life on Earth. Lorde sings about the joys of spending time in nature and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations. The song’s music video features Lorde and her friends dancing on a beach, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal clear waters.

Other tracks on the album also touch on environmental themes, such as “Stoned at the Nail Salon,” which reflects on the fragility of life and the need to cherish the natural world. “Mood Ring” explores the impact of technology on our relationship with nature, with Lorde singing about the “blue light on the phone screen” that distracts us from the beauty of the world around us.

Escapism

In addition to its environmental themes, “Solar Power” also explores the concept of escapism. Lorde sings about her desire to escape from the pressures of modern society and her longing for a simpler, more carefree life. The song “California” is a tribute to the state’s laid-back lifestyle, with Lorde singing about “driving down the PCH” and “dancing until the morning with everybody else.”

Other tracks on the album also touch on the theme of escapism, such as “Dominoes,” which reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the need to seize the moment. “Leader of a New Regime” is a defiant anthem about breaking free from the constraints of society and forging one’s own path.

Overall, “Solar Power” is a bold and adventurous album that showcases Lorde’s growth as an artist. With its themes of environmentalism and escapism, the album encourages listeners to appreciate the natural world’s beauty and embrace a more straightforward, more authentic way of life.

Live Performances

To promote “Solar Power,” Lorde embarked on her third concert tour, the Solar Power Tour. The tour began on April 3, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee, and ended on April 21, 2023, in Hastings, New Zealand. The tour includes North America, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania stops.

Lorde also performed on several television shows to promote the album. On June 20, 2021, she performed “Solar Power” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She also performed “Stoned at the Nail Salon” on The Late Late Show with James Corden on August 17, 2021.

Overall, Lorde used a combination of music videos and live performances to promote “Solar Power.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the available formats for purchasing the Solar Power album?

The Solar Power album is available in various formats, including CD, vinyl, and digital download. The CD and vinyl versions of the album come with a 12-page booklet featuring exclusive photos and artwork.