Lorde, the acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter, is set to make a significant return with her upcoming album, Virgin, scheduled for release on June 27, 2025. This marks her first album in nearly four years, following the release of Solar Power in 2021. The excitement surrounding Lorde's new music has been palpable, especially with the launch of her lead single, "What Was That," which has already made waves by debuting in the UK Top 10.
In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders, Lorde opened up about the creative journey leading to Virgin. She revealed that collaborating with fellow pop star Charli XCX on the remix of "Girl, So Confusing" from Charli's album Brat played a pivotal role in her artistic evolution. "Brat coming out really gave me a kick in a lot of ways," Lorde said, emphasizing how the project inspired her to explore her vulnerabilities in her own music.
"I’d been kind of cooking this album up, we were like quite a way into it, but Brat coming out really forced me to further define what I was doing because Charli had so masterfully defined everything about Brat," she explained. This acknowledgment of Charli's influence highlights the collaborative spirit within the music industry and how artists can inspire one another.
Lorde's journey through Virgin began with a personal reckoning. "I wrote this from the perspective of, 'well I could never say that,'" she shared, reflecting on her songwriting process. The album is not just a collection of songs; it is a document of her experiences and emotions, with Lorde stating, "It’s about going to the core of who I am in the purest way possible, stripping away anything unnecessary." This approach is a departure from her previous work, as she aims to reconnect with her younger self and the raw emotions that defined her early music.
The single "What Was That" has already resonated with fans, hitting No. 1 on Spotify in the US, marking Lorde's first top single on the platform since her breakout hit, "Royals," in 2013. The accompanying music video, filmed in New York City, features Lorde engaging with fans in Washington Square Park, capturing the essence of her new artistic direction.
Reflecting on her experiences, Lorde expressed a sense of liberation in her new music. "I had come back from London to New York after this period of great turbulence in my personal life," she said, alluding to her recent breakup and her ongoing journey of self-discovery. Lorde described the process of creating the video for "What Was That" as one of maximum aliveness, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her work.
In her collaboration with Charli XCX, Lorde found a kindred spirit. The two artists have been compared over the years, and their joint effort on the remix allowed them to explore their vulnerabilities together. "It’s just this amazing thing when a peer throws the gauntlet down like that," Lorde remarked, highlighting the impact of Charli's work on her own creative process.
During their performance at Coachella in April 2025, Lorde and Charli showcased their collaboration, further solidifying their artistic bond. Charli even teased a potential "Lorde summer 2025," hinting at more to come from the New Zealand star. This playful banter underscores the camaraderie between the two artists, who continue to uplift and inspire each other.
As Lorde prepares to release Virgin, she is keenly aware of the expectations surrounding her music. "I’m proud and scared of this album. There’s nowhere to hide," she admitted, acknowledging the deeply personal nature of the project. The album's artwork, featuring a bold X-ray of a pelvis with a zipper and an IUD, speaks to themes of womanhood and openness, reflecting her desire to explore the complexities of her femininity.
With Virgin, Lorde aims to deliver a sound that resonates with her audience while staying true to her artistic vision. "The language is plain and unsentimental. The sounds are the same wherever possible. I was trying to see myself, all the way through," she explained. This commitment to authenticity is evident in her lyrics, which delve into themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance.
As anticipation builds for the release of Virgin, fans are eager to hear more from Lorde. The singer has teased that the album will feature contributions from notable collaborators such as Dev Hynes, Daniel Nigro, Fabiana Palladino, Andrew Aged, and Buddy Ross. With such a talented lineup, Virgin promises to be a significant addition to Lorde's discography.
In the lead-up to the album's release, Lorde has been actively engaging with her fans through social media and personal messages. She recently shared a voice memo with her supporters, expressing her excitement for the upcoming changes in her music and life. "Everything is about to change," she cryptically stated, hinting at the transformative journey she is embarking on.
As the release date approaches, Lorde's fans are ready to embrace the new chapter in her career. With her unique blend of introspective lyrics and captivating melodies, Virgin is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene. Lorde's ability to connect with her audience on a personal level sets her apart as an artist, and her return is eagerly anticipated.
In a world where pop music often prioritizes commercial success over authenticity, Lorde's commitment to vulnerability and self-expression is both refreshing and inspiring. As she prepares to unveil Virgin, the singer-songwriter is not just releasing an album; she is sharing a piece of her soul with the world.
