I’ve been listening to Lorde for many years and like her music, but I was never a super fan. However, her new album, “Solar Power,” is right up my alley. The songs still possess her notable dark lyrical undertones, but with a higher, happier sound.

The album has a Hozier-esque feel, making you feel at home. Lorde paints pictures with her lyrics and makes the listener imagine that they are in the scenes she describes with her. I feel that I have been growing with the artist in her absence post Melodrama.

Being thrust into the limelight at such a young age, and then taking a break to mature, was clearly pivotal in Lorde’s life and was the focus of the first half of the album. She speaks a lot about how happy she is to have grown and spent time moving into a different phase of life. She seems to be more Zen and prioritizes herself.

Taking time away has allowed her to step into who she really is. However, the second half of the album has to do with how small Lorde feels and how others have put her down. She begins to question her self-worth and delves into how difficult things have been for her concerning interpersonal relationships.

We also received one of our first investigations into Lorde’s love life in a very long time. Though there has been much speculation about who she is with, if anyone, nothing has been confirmed.

She discusses a heartbreak, the bitter feeling, and moving on that follows in two songs. She discusses doing the best you can with what you are given and trying to figure out if you’re growing up or not.

As a college student, I completely relate to moving into a different phase of life and having faith that it will all go well in time.

Although the album took a sad turn, more than anything it is a coming-of-age album highlighting the peace that comes with finding yourself. When I initially listened to “Solar Power,” I was sad it didn’t come out earlier in the summer, as it felt like a summer driving and picnic having soundtrack.

The backing vocals are ethereal, the lyrics were happy, and I felt connected to others by listening to it. In the end, I’m happy it came out when it did because it is representative of seasons changing.

I felt that I was taken on the emotional journey that Lorde herself went through. With the success of the song “Solar Power” on TikTok, and two songs on the album being in her Spotify top 5 most popular, I had faith that the album would be reputable.

Overall, I enjoyed the album and am thankful I listened to it all the way through, even though I might not have without the influence of friends. I would recommend this album to those who like Lorde, pop folk enthusiasts, and those going through a difficult time.

Maya Kurth is a sophomore public relations major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or rameyer@eiu.edu