Lorde’s new song “What Was That” marks a powerful return to the emotive pop sound that many have missed since Melodrama. After the more mellow, acoustic direction of Solar Power, this track feels like a reawakening — blending synth-driven pop with raw, personal storytelling. The song leans into a minimalist but rich production style, with pulsing basslines, soft percussion, and gradually building layers of synths that create a dreamy but slightly aching atmosphere. It’s catchy without being overproduced, emotional without being overwhelming, and feels unmistakably Lorde.
Lyrically, “What Was That” dives deep into themes of heartbreak, memory, and healing. Lorde reflects on a period of emotional turbulence — nights spent chasing highs, the lingering aftermath of a breakup, and struggles with body image and self-worth. The writing is vivid and vulnerable, painting snapshots of a time when she felt both wildly alive and profoundly lost. Her voice carries these emotions with a balance of restraint and intensity, moving between tender verses and a chorus that feels almost like a sigh into the night.
While “What Was That” isn’t built for the club in the way “Green Light” was, it has its own quiet magnetism. There’s a bittersweet energy to it, capturing the confusion and clarity that often follow big life changes. Some listeners might find it less explosive than her past singles, but that seems to be the point — it’s more about sitting with the past rather than trying to escape it.
Overall, “What Was That” is a beautiful, honest snapshot of Lorde in transition. It shows an artist who is unafraid to document her real, messy experiences, and it suggests that her next album will continue to blend introspection with the kind of smart, emotionally charged pop music that has made her a standout voice of her generation.
Photo Credit: Lorde.
