When Lorde made her global breakthrough with her debut "Pure Heroine" and the megahit "Royals", the singer was just 16 years old. Since then, the New Zealander with Croatian roots has made herself heard every four years with great regularity. Her eagerly awaited new album "Virgin" also follows this cycle.

On "Solar Power", the now 28-year-old made an excursion into sunny guitar pop. It reached number 4, her highest chart position in Germany to date. Nevertheless, Lorde has listened to her heart and returned to the danceable indie-electro sound of her first albums on her fourth full-length album.

Perhaps the celebrated collaboration with hyperpop queen Charli XCX on the 2024 remix of "Girl, So Confusing" contributed to this. In any case, Lorde's raw, honest lyrics on "Virgin" are once again mostly underpinned by driving beats and futuristic synth sounds. The artist also produced the record herself, together with hip sound tinkerer Jim-E Stack.

The pre-released singles "What Was That" and "Man Of The Year" are perfect examples of what fans can expect on "Virgin". Namely irresistible catchy tunes in the unique Lorde sound.