Lorde has officially returned with her new single, "What Was That," marking her first original solo track since the release of her album, Solar Power, in 2021. The New Zealand pop sensation teased the release through a series of cryptic social media posts, voice notes, and audio snippets, building anticipation among her fans. The cover art for the single was shot by Talia Chetrit.
The song made its live debut on April 22, 2025, in a spontaneous event at New York’s Washington Square Park. Hours before the performance, Lorde sent a message to her fans via her text line, inviting them to join her at the park at 7 PM. However, local police and park rangers quickly shut down the gathering due to the overwhelming crowd size. Footage from this event is featured in the official music video for "What Was That," which was released shortly after the performance.
Co-written by Lorde and Jim-E Stack, the song was also produced by Stack and Daniel Nigro. Stack contributed drums, keyboards, piano, synthesizer, and engineering, while Nigro added bass, electric guitar, piano, synthesizer, and engineering. Another notable contributor to the track is Andrew Aged from Inc. No World, who played electric guitar. The song features a nostalgic sound, reminiscent of her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Melodrama.
In the lead-up to the release, Lorde shared a TikTok clip on April 9, where she lip-synced snippets of the lyrics, including the lines: "Since I was 17 / I gave you everything / Now we wake from a dream / Well baby, what was that?" Fans have noted that the track echoes themes from her previous work, particularly from songs like "Sober" and "Homemade Dynamite," where she captures the exhilarating buzz of youth and party culture.
During her Washington Square Park performance, Lorde danced along to her new track, which was played on a portable speaker by musician Dev Hynes, also known as Blood Orange. Despite the police intervention, the atmosphere was electric as fans joined her in celebration. The singer’s playful engagement with her audience, including her quirky fashion choice of a wallet chain, added to the event's charm.
"What Was That" is the lead single from Lorde's upcoming fourth studio album, which has yet to be titled. The track serves as a significant return for the artist, who has kept a relatively low profile since the release of Solar Power. In the intervening years, she made appearances, such as joining Muna onstage at New York's Terminal 5 in 2023 and contributing a cover of "Take Me to The River" for A24's Talking Heads tribute album in 2024.
Following her time away from solo releases, Lorde's collaboration with Charli XCX on the remix of the track "Girl, So Confusing" further stoked the fires of her fanbase's excitement. The two artists have performed the remix together at various venues, including Charli XCX's Madison Square Garden concert and during Coachella earlier this month.
In a candid message on her website, Lorde reflected on her creative process while working on the new album. She described her experiences of late 2023, mentioning themes of a deep breakup, stopping birth control, and the emotional challenges of navigating her artistic rebirth. "Every meal a battle, flashbacks and waves, feeling grief’s vortex and letting it take me," she wrote, capturing the raw emotion that permeates her new music.
Thematically, "What Was That" explores nostalgia and the complexities of past relationships. The lyrics delve into memories of youthful love, capturing both the euphoria and the pain that accompany such experiences. As she sings about moments of intimacy and reflection, the song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings.
Critics have already begun to draw comparisons between this new single and Lorde's earlier works, particularly Melodrama, which is celebrated for its exploration of heartbreak and personal growth. The new track's production, featuring a sparse bassline and gently undulating synths, builds in intensity, leading to a cathartic release that has become a hallmark of Lorde's style.
As the music video for "What Was That" unfolds, viewers are treated to a visual representation of the song's themes, with footage from the impromptu park event interspersed with artistic imagery that reflects Lorde's introspective lyrics. The video serves not only as a celebration of the song's release but also as a testament to the strong connection Lorde has with her fans.
With the arrival of "What Was That," it seems that Lorde is poised for a triumphant return to the music scene. As she prepares for the rollout of her fourth studio album, fans are eagerly anticipating what else she has in store. The excitement surrounding her new music suggests that "Lorde Summer" could indeed become a reality, as she continues to captivate audiences with her unique sound and poignant storytelling.
In a world where pop music often prioritizes commercial success over artistic expression, Lorde remains a refreshing voice, unafraid to delve into the complexities of life and love. Her return with "What Was That" not only marks a new chapter in her career but also reaffirms her status as one of the most important artists of her generation.
As fans reflect on the journey that has led to this moment, they can look forward to the upcoming album and the promise of more music that speaks to the heart of human experience. With each release, Lorde continues to prove that she is not just a pop star, but a true artist committed to exploring the depths of her emotions and sharing them with the world.
