Pure Heroine is the debut studio album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. It was released on 27 September 2013 by Universal,Lava,and Republic Records. After several unsuccessful sessions with songwriters,Lorde was paired with Joel Little by A&R representative Scott Maclachlan,who assisted with the album's production. Recording took place at Golden Age Studios in Auckland. Pure Heroine has been described as an electronica,electropop,and dream pop album with minimalist production,deep bass and programmed beats.
Pure Heroine received generally positive reviews from music critics,many of whom praised its songwriting,production,and Lorde's vocal performance. It appeared on several year-end critics' lists,and was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. The album deals with themes of youth and critiques mainstream culture,exploring materialism,fame,consumer culture and social status. Pure Heroine has been noted for its influence on modern pop music.
Lorde released the album's lead single,"Royals",to critical and commercial success;it was followed by "Tennis Court","Team" and "Glory and Gore". The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart,selling 129,000 album-equivalent units,and topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand. Pure Heroine was one of 2014's best-selling albums. It was certified platinum in the United Kingdom,double platinum in Canada,triple platinum in Australia,as well as quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America,selling more than 5 million copies worldwide.[1]
Background and development
Since she was 14 years old,Lorde worked with Universal to develop her sound and artistic vision. She was signed to Universal by her manager,Scott Maclachlan,at age 13 and was paired with a succession of songwriters in unsuccessful attempts to develop her own music.[2] Maclachlan told HitQuarters,"Fundamentally I think she understood that she was going to write her own music but would need someone to help with the production side of it."[2] Lorde began writing songs on guitar at the age of "13 or 14".[3] She was eventually paired with New Zealand writer and producer Joel Little in December 2011,and their working relationship clicked almost immediately.[2] Lorde's debut extended play (2013's The Love Club EP) was praised by music critics,who compared the EP to work by other female alternative pop artists such as Sky Ferreira,Florence and the Machine,Lana Del Rey,and Grimes.[4] It reached number one in New Zealand,number two in Australia,where it was certified five times platinum for shipments of 350,000 copies,[5] and number twenty-three on the US Billboard 200.[6]
Before beginning work on Pure Heroine,Lorde said that she intended her debut album to be a "cohesive" work.[3] Like The Love Club EP,Pure Heroine was recorded with producer Joel Little at Golden Age Studios,a small studio without expensive technology,in Auckland,[7] and was completed in less than a year.[8] Initially,Lorde and Little played demos to A&R Scott Maclachlan in which they discussed songs,exchanged comments and changed aspects of the songs.[8] She later showed the lyrics to James Lowe,her boyfriend at the time,saying that sharing things with him inspired her to write most of the album.[9] Recording of the album was overseen by Lorde and Little,and was described by Maclachlan as a fairly-short process;most of what Lorde played for him ended up on the album.[8] Lorde wanted to write her own music,and the album's content was co-written with Little.[10] Ten songs were included in the album's final track listing,with seven or eight tracks not making the cut.[8] Lorde and Maclachlan decided to keep the final track listing at ten to avoid "filler material."[8]
Music and lyrics
Pure Heroine was compared to the works of female artists such as Florence Welch (pictured left) and Lana Del Rey (right).[11]
Lorde's vocals on Pure Heroine have been noted for her range and powerful delivery.[12][13] She said that she felt it essential for her voice to be the album's focus, since she was unfamiliar with playing instruments.[14]The A.V. Club editor Kevin McFarland called the singer's voice the "alpha and omega of her talent. ... Her voice isn't booming or overpowering, but rather mystifying and alluring, both floating on its own in a sea of reverb and digital blips and awash in an army of chorused overdubs."[15]PopMatters's Evan Sawdey described Lorde's vocals as being "unique and powerfully intriguing",[16] while Billboard noted her vocals for being "smoky and restrained".[13]
The album deals with themes of youth,[22] and critiques mainstream culture,[23] exploring materialism,[24]fame,[21]consumer culture,[25] and social status.[23] Classic teen pop themes such as social anxiety,[26] romance,[26] and "adolescent aggrievance and angst" are also present on the album.[27] According to NME, its lyrics indicate that Lorde is "bored".[28] In an interview with the magazine, she said that she used words of inclusion (such as "we" and "us") throughout the album.[29] The singer's lyrics detail "the mundanity of teenage life" and celebrate the "often ignored intelligence of the next generation."[30] Lorde also uses metaphors involving teeth, describing the "Hollywood smile",[30] which several publications related to social class structures and economic inequality.[23] In an analysis piece from i-D, writer Wendy Syfret states that Pure Heroine presented suburban dreams and a realistic teenage life, saying the record is "perhaps the most direct and eloquent statement about the eternal teen juxtaposition of wanting it all ... but knowing deep down that to leave this stage is to make an exit you can never undo."[31]
The album's opening track, "Tennis Court", addresses Lorde's new fame[33][34] and criticises the "high life."[35] Described by critics as a downtempo hip hop and EDM-influenced alternative pop, art pop and electropop song,[36] it uses synthesisers and electronic pulses in its arrangement.[19][37] Little and Lorde first wrote the music and beat, and the lyrics were written later.[38] "400 Lux", named for the brightness of a sunrise or sunset,[19] was interpreted by critics as the album's first love song, with lyrics detailing suburban life. Lipshutz of Billboard described its instrumentation as "over canyon-sized bass and popping percussion".[13]
Lorde wrote the lyrics to "Royals" in half an hour and recorded the song within a week during a school break.[39] She was inspired after seeing a photo by Ted Spiegel in the July 1976 issue of National Geographic of Kansas City Royals player George Brett signing baseballs, with his team's name (Royals) emblazoned across his shirt. Although Lorde was also inspired by historic aristocrats and hip hop-influenced artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lana Del Rey when writing the song, she criticised their "bullshit" references to "expensive" alcohol and cars.[40] Lorde cited her fear of ageing and a party she threw at her house while her parents were away as the main inspirations behind "Ribs",[41] described by critics as a deep house-influenced electronica and electropop song.[42] "Buzzcut Season", influenced by tropical music,[43] uses a xylophone in its instrumentation.[43] Its lyrics, describing the "ridiculousness of modern life",[44] include themes of refuge and reassurance.[45]
The album's sixth song, "Team", is a hybrid alternative pop[36] and electro-hop[46] song which features synthesiser,[13]bass,[47] and snare drum instrumentation over a handclap-based beat.[48] Written when Lorde was travelling the world, the song was a "tribute to her friends and country".[49] The next song, "Glory and Gore" is a chillwave and hip hop-influenced electropop ballad[50] with pulsing synthesisers.[51] Lorde uses black satire throughout the song to express disdain for the modern emphasis on violence,[46][13] and compares celebrity culture to gladiatorial combat.[19]
"Still Sane" is a spare ballad, with lyrics grappling with Lorde's "ambition and fears of how fame will affect her."[34] "White Teeth Teens", influenced by doo-wop music, incorporates military drums with lyrics detailing the differences between the appearance and true character of a white-toothed teen.[13] In a PopMatters analysis, Scott Interrante describes the use of teeth in the song's lyrics as "preppy, popular teens, using their white teeth as their defining characteristic."[23] "A World Alone", the album's closing track, was described as a "dark disco diamond".[52] It begins with a "lonely guitar note" before transitioning into a "roaring dance beat".[53][13] The song's final line, "Let 'em talk", was cited by critics as a call and response to the album's opening line, "Don't you think that it's boring how people talk?" in "Tennis Court".[33]
Promotion
Lorde posted the album's release date along with its cover art and track listing to her Twitter account on 12 August 2013.[54] The album's release was preceded by an advertising campaign which had the lyrics of her songs displayed on buses and shop windows and faxed to media outlets.[55] On 23 September 2013, "Buzzcut Season" was released as a promotional single in several iTunes Stores in Asia.[56] "Ribs" was subsequently offered as the free single of the week on the iTunes Store during the week of the album's release.[57] An extended version of the album was released on 13 December 2013, featuring "No Better", previously released as a free promotional single,[58] and five tracks from The Love Club EP.[a]
The album received further promotion from her first headlining concert tour, the Pure Heroine Tour, which started on 28 July 2013 in Byron Bay, Australia.[70] It was Lorde's first concert tour with North American shows in August,[71] followed by two dates in Europe.[72] The singer returned to North America to perform in eight additional shows before flying to Australia for six shows. In 2014, Lorde performed an additional 40 shows in North America, 19 in Asia, 6 in Europe and 3 in South America.[73] 9 Oceania dates were cancelled; one due to scheduling conflict and 8 for a chest infection she was diagnosed with.[74]
The set list consisted of songs from The Love Club EP and Pure Heroine.[75] Lorde appeared on stage with new outfits to accommodate the mood of the songs.[76] The singer performed most of her songs in a silhouette; her face was frequently hidden from the crowd.[77] She also premiered an unreleased song called "Good Fights".[78] It received positive critical reception with critics complementing her vocal clarity, stage presence and minimalist setting.[79]
"Royals" was released as the album's lead single on 3 June 2013, through digital distribution.[80] The song received widespread acclaim with reviewers complimenting its minimalist production and lyrics.[81] It achieved commercial success by topping the charts in New Zealand,[82] Canada,[83] the Republic of Ireland,[84] the United Kingdom and the United States.[85] She became the youngest artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart since Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" (1987) and the first New Zealand act to reach number one as a lead artist.[86] The song received three Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, winning in the latter two categories.[87]
"Tennis Court" was released as the second single from the album.[88] It was also well-received from critics, most of whom praised the song's production and musical style.[89] To promote the song, Lorde released an accompanying EP of the same name through digital stores in the United Kingdom on 7 June 2013 and a physical CD single on 22 June 2013.[90] It performed modestly on international charts, debuting at number one in New Zealand[91] and charting in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.[92]
"Team" was announced as the third single from the album.[93] It was leaked by Australian radio station Triple J on 12 September and as a result, the single was released digitally in Australia and New Zealand on 13 September.[94] The single became available in the United States on 13 September as part of the pre-order for Pure Heroine.[95] The song was critically acclaimed by critics who praised its catchy production and "club-ready" atmosphere.[34][21] "Team" was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in New Zealand,[96] Canada,[97] Mexico,[98] and the United States.[97]
"Glory and Gore" was released as the album's fourth and final single on 11 March 2014 after being sent to US modern rock radio.[99] The song received mixed reviews. Some praised its hook while others criticised its forced lyrics and production.[13][21] It failed to match the success of the previous singles, charting outside the top 10 in New Zealand,[100] and at low-tier positions in Australia and the United States.[101]
Pure Heroine received generally positive reviews from critics; aggregating website Metacritic reports a normalized rating of 79, based on 28 reviews.[103] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard described it as "immaculate" and an "exploration into the soul of a quiet girl in the Internet age, trying to feel something and not envy everything."[13] In his favorable A− review, Ray Rahman of Entertainment Weekly said the album's production, vocal performance and lyricism "signals the arrival of a new kind of star."[105] In contrast, Spin reviewer Maura Johnston suggested that Lorde used her age as a "clumsy ploy", declaring her music "aggressively okay" and washed in "(possibly fake) teen-pop-star ennui".[109] Lindsay Zoladz, writing for Pitchfork, described Lorde as a "correspondent on the front lines of elegantly wasted post-digitalyouth culture and working-class suburban boredom".[107]
James Reed of The Boston Globe said Pure Heroine was similar to the production aesthetic of R&B singers the Weeknd and Jessie Ware.[110]PopMatters's Evan Sawdey suggested that the "album's production... [evokes] an ethereal, nighttime soundscape that just so happens to congeal into sturdy pop songs, sometimes in exciting, unexpected ways."[111]The New Zealand Herald's Lydia Jenkin concluded, "[Lorde's] knack for combining her insights, with strong phrasing, and ear-worm phonaesthetics ... make her a musical heroine ... The impressive level of self-awareness is what makes her youthful commentary so compelling."[112] Conversely, Adam Offitzer of Pretty Much Amazing awarded the album a B grade, asserting it was "no masterpiece", but engaging enough to keep Lorde relevant.[113]Robert Christgau gave the album a two-star honourable mention () and said, "Her ambition's in the right place, but the reason she always co-writes is that 16-year-olds don't just crank out hits."[114]
The album debuted atop the Official New Zealand Chart, and was certified platinum in its first week;[129] it remained at number one for the following two weeks.[130] After eleven weeks on the chart, Pure Heroine rebounded to number two and was certified triple platinum.[131] At week eighteen, it rose from number three to number one and was certified quadruple platinum.[132] The album also debuted at number one on Australia's ARIA Chart.[133] It then fell to number two, but was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).[134] The album was ninth on ARIA's 10 Albums of 2013, with sales of about 100,000 copies.[135]
It debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 129,000 copies.[139] In its second week on the chart the album fell to number six, with a 51-percent drop in sales to 63,000 copies.[140]Pure Heroine fell to number seven in its third week, selling 48,000 copies, but rose to number five the following week and sold 40,000 copies.[141] According to Nielsen Soundscan, the album sold 413,000 copies by 3 December 2013; by 19 December, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 541,000 copies.[142]Pure Heroine had a 14-percent US sales increase during the holiday season, selling 78,000 copies and moving from number eleven to number seven on the Billboard 200.[143] On 9 January 2014, the album rose from seventh to fifth on the chart and sold a further 46,000 copies; it held its position the following week, selling 33,000 copies.[144] In July 2014, Billboard released a mid-year chart; Pure Heroine was number four, selling 641,000 copies in the first half of the year.[145] It was the sixth-bestselling album of 2014, selling 841,000 copies and 6.8million tracks.[146]
Pure Heroine had an 86-percent increase in sales after Lorde's performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, rising from number five back to number three on the Billboard 200 and selling 68,000 copies.[147] After slipping to number eight for the week ending 19 February, Pure Heroine rose to number seven with 39,000 copies sold (a nine-percent increase).[148] It rose to number six the following week, selling 30,000 copies and passing the one-million mark with 1.01million copies sold.[149]Pure Heroine was the first debut album to reach the one-million mark since October 2013; Lorde was the first woman whose debut album sold a million copies since April 2011 and Adele's 19.[149] According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the album sold 1.4million copies in 2013 and two million copies in 2014,[150] with 3.4 million combined copies for both years.[151]
Impact and legacy
After its release, Pure Heroine was called a "game-changer".[152] It was further praised by critics for its minimalist pop production and for challenging current pop trends.[153] According to Paste, Pure Heroine expanded "what pop could sound like: exploratory, genre-fluid, and defiant of categorization and formula."[153] Similarly, the Recording Academy also stated that the album "influenced a generation" and paved the way for the "unconventional modern superstar".[154] English singer-songwriter David Bowie called her "the future of music",[155] while Dave Grohl saw her as revolutionary.[156]
The success of Pure Heroine affected Joel Little's career. According to The Guardian, the album's international success "thrust Little into the limelight".[157]Billboard ranked him at number 33 on their list of the 50 Best Music Producers of the 21st Century. The publication listed Pure Heroine as Little's defining work.[158] NME credits the album as forging a pop songwriter career for Little.[159] Since the album's release, he has assisted in producing albums for a range of artists such as alternative-leaning acts Imagine Dragons,[160]Noah Kahan,[161] and Vance Joy,[162] as well as pop-oriented musicians Taylor Swift,[163]Shawn Mendes,[164]Niall Horan,[165] and Khalid.[160]
Lorde opened the door for other smart, bold teen girls to say their peace and earn respect — not just in pop music, but in the world overall. Over the next several years, our culture saw a rise in young female musicians and actors like Billie Eilish, Amandla Stenberg, Zendaya, and Tavi Gevinson, girls who weren’t just accepted for speaking their minds and embracing their individuality, but celebrated for it.
– Shondaland, about Pure Heroine's influence on teen female personalities in the mainstream[166]
Forbes placed Lorde on their 30 Under 30 list of young people "who are changing our world".[167] She was the youngest person in the music category.[167] Lorde also topped Time's list of the world's most influential teenagers; according to Time, she was "forging her own path."[167]Forbes called Pure Heroine a "breakout success", with a "larger evolution on the horizon."[168]Billboard also named Lorde "your new alt-rock heroine" in their September 2013 cover story.[169]
Music publications have cited Pure Heroine as an influential album in mainstream pop music.[170] Lindsay Zoladz from The Ringer indicated that the album's "impact [was] larger and harder to define because it completely rewrote the rules for young women making radio-friendly pop."[171]The New Yorker's Carrie Battan echoed similar statements, arguing that the "pop scene—particularly for women—has altered radically since Pure Heroine was released", making it "almost unrecognizable from the sugary-sweet, overtly sexual realm of the early aughts."[172]
Lorde's vocal performance on the album was credited by Peter Robinson of The Guardian for contributing to the rise of "whisperpop" in mainstream music, defined as "deceptively understated, intricate vocal performances" in vocalists;[173] Robinson also noted that Lorde was one of several artists that inspired a "raft of major signings".[173] Elle Hunt, writing for The Spinoff said the album's "almost conversational style of singing is now so ubiquitous, it's easy to forget it would not have been associated with pop ten years ago or fewer."[174]
American singer Conan Gray cited Pure Heroine as a major source of inspiration while writing his debut EP Sunset Season (2018) and debut album Kid Krow (2020).[175][176] He credits the album for starting his "obsession with pop music".[176] In an interview with NME, American singer Olivia Rodrigo stated that the album served as inspiration for her debut single, "Drivers License" (2021).[177] Australian singer Troye Sivan stated that his debut album, Blue Neighbourhood (2015), took inspiration from Pure Heroine,[178] while American singer Gracie Abrams says the album "changed [her] life".[179][180] Similarly, Australian singer Amy Shark considered the album a pivotal moment in helping her "find direction" for her sound.[181] English duo Let's Eat Grandma selected Pure Heroine as one of their all-time favourite records and cited it as an influence on their 2018 album I'm All Ears.[182] The Recording Academy notes that the album's "one writer, one producer" formula was adopted by American singer Billie Eilish and Rodrigo on their album releases.[154]
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known professionally as Lorde, is a New Zealand singer and songwriter. She is known for her unconventional style of pop music and introspective songwriting.
The Love Club EP is the debut extended play (EP) by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. At the age of 12, she was discovered by Universal Music Group scout Scott MacLachlan, and began writing songs. In December 2011, MacLachlan paired Lorde with producer Joel Little, and within three weeks, the pair had co-written and produced all five songs on the EP. In November 2012, Lorde self-released the EP for free download via SoundCloud. On 8 March 2013 the record was commercially released by Universal Music Group and Virgin Records.
Joel Little is a New Zealand record producer, musician and Grammy Award-winning songwriter. He is best known for his work as a writer and producer with artists Lorde, Taylor Swift, Broods, Sam Smith, Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Khalid, Elliphant, Jarryd James, Shawn Mendes, Marina Diamandis, Amy Shark, Goodnight Nurse, Noah Kahan, Years & Years, the Jonas Brothers, and Niall Horan.
"Royals" is the debut single by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, included in her debut extended play (EP) The Love Club EP (2012) and debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013). Lorde wrote the song with producer Joel Little. "Royals" is a minimalist art pop and electropop song with influences of hip hop, R&B, and indie pop. The track's lyrics critique the sumptuous lifestyle presented in songs and music videos by popular musicians, making them appear like modern-day royalty.
"Tennis Court" is a song recorded by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. She co-wrote the song with Joel Little, with production handled by the latter. Universal Music Group (UMG) released the song as the second single from her debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013) in Australia and New Zealand on 7 June 2013. On the same day, the label released an extended play (EP) of the same name containing three additional tracks throughout Europe. It combines alternative pop, art pop, and downtempo music over hip hop beats, minimalist synthesisers, and an electronic pulse. Inspired by Lorde's fresh insights into the music industry, the lyrics address her newfound fame and nostalgia for Auckland.
"Team" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, taken from her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). The song was released on 13 September 2013 as the album's third single in Australia and New Zealand by Universal Music New Zealand, and the second in the United States and the United Kingdom by Lava and Republic Records. The track was written by Lorde and Joel Little and produced by Little, with additional production from Lorde herself. "Team" is a hybrid of alternative pop and electropop featuring synthesiser, bass and snare drum instrumentation over a handclap-based beat. Lyrically, the track is a tribute to her friends and country.
New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde has released three studio albums, four extended plays, 12 singles and 13 music videos. At the age of 13, she was signed to Universal Music Group (UMG) and started to write music. In November 2012, when she was 16 years old, she self-released The Love Club EP via SoundCloud. It was released for sale by UMG in March 2013; a song from the EP, "Royals", topped numerous single charts internationally, including the US Billboard Hot 100. The track sold over 10 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time.
"Buzzcut Season" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, taken from her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). It was released on 23 September 2013 by Universal Music Group (UMG) as a promotional single from the album. Written by Lorde and Joel Little, "Buzzcut Season" is an electropop song that features elements from tropical music and discusses the "ridiculousness of modern life."
"Glory and Gore" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde from her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). The song was released on 11 March 2014 as the album's fourth and final single by Lava Records and Republic Records. The track was written by Lorde and its producer, Joel Little. "Glory and Gore" is an electropop song influenced by chillwave and hip hop music. It speaks about modern society's fascination with violence and celebrity culture, comparing these to gladiators.
"Swingin Party" is a song written by Paul Westerberg and recorded by his band The Replacements for their fourth studio album Tim (1985). The song is an indie rock and rock and roll ballad with influences from jazz, country and new wave. Lyrically, it portrays the protagonist's "feigned nonchalance". It was well received by music critics, who praised Westerberg's songwriting talent. The song has been covered by other artists, notably Kindness in 2009 and Lorde in 2013.
Broods are a musical duo from Nelson, New Zealand, composed of Georgia Josiena Nott on lead vocals, with older brother and multi-instrumentalist Caleb Allan Joseph Nott on production and backing vocals.
"Ribs" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, from her debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013). Universal Music Group (UMG) released it as a promotional single on 30 September 2013. Written and produced by Lorde and Joel Little, "Ribs" is an electronica, indietronica and electropop song discussing Lorde's stress over ageing.
"Bravado" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, originally included on her debut EP The Love Club EP. It was later featured on her Tennis Court EP and the extended version of her debut album Pure Heroine (2013). The song was written by Lorde and Joel Little and was produced by the latter. The track was released as a single on 6 September 2013, via iTunes Stores, in a number of European countries and India. Characterised as a chamber pop and electropop song, "Bravado" addresses Lorde's introverted nature and the need to feign confidence in the music industry. The single was well received by music critics and peaked at number five on the New Zealand Artist Singles chart.
Broods is the debut extended play (EP) by New Zealand music duo Broods, first released digitally 31 January 2014 in select territories through Dryden Street, Island Records Australia and Universal Music Australia as the duo's debut studio effort. It was preceded by lead single "Bridges", which became a top-10 hit in their native New Zealand.
"No Better" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, taken from the extended version of her debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013). The track was released on 13 December 2013 by Universal Music Group as a promotional tool for the album. "No Better" is an electropop and trip hop ballad with elements of hip hop, in which Lorde discusses an infatuation. Music critics opined that the single has similar musical style to songs from Pure Heroine.
"Yellow Flicker Beat" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde released on 29 September 2014 as the lead single from the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 by Republic Records. Written by Lorde and Joel Little and produced by Little and Paul Epworth, it is as an art pop and electropop song with minimal synthesisers, drums, and vocal samples in its production. Music critics compared its instrumentation style to the singer's work on her 2013 debut album Pure Heroine. The track's lyrics refer to the rise of Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of The Hunger Games (2008–2010) young adult dystopian novel trilogy.
Melodrama is the second studio album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde. It was released on 16 June 2017 by Lava and Republic Records and distributed through Universal. Following the breakthrough success of her debut album Pure Heroine (2013), Lorde retreated from the spotlight, and travelled between New Zealand and the United States. Initially inspired by her disillusionment with fame, she wrote Melodrama to capture heartbreak and solitude after her first breakup.
The Pure Heroine Tour was the inaugural concert tour by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, in support of her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). Her first performance was at the Splendour in the Grass music festival as a last-minute replacement for Frank Ocean. Before the tour, Lorde performed at small nightclubs and bars around New Zealand and Australia. North American shows were announced in August 2013, followed by a series of dates in Oceania. Dates in Europe and South America soon followed.
References
Notes
↑ The tracks from The Love Club EP that were featured on the extended version of Pure Heroine include: "Bravado", "Million Dollar Bills", "The Love Club", "Biting Down" and "Swingin Party".[59] "Royals" was included on the original New Zealand release of the EP but was not duplicated.
↑ South Korea sales figures for Pure Heroine as of 2014[293]
↑ UK sales figures for Pure Heroine as of August 2021[296]
↑ US sales figures for Pure Heroine as of January 2018[298]
↑ Lorde (2013). Lyrical Influences (VEVO LIFT): Brought to You By McDonald's (video). VEVO/YouTube. Event occurs at 1:49. Retrieved 22 November 2013. I think my writing process with "Tennis Court" was quite different to how I normally write. Generally, I will have a lyric forming before I go into the studio. But with this one, we wrote the music and beat before we wrote anything lyrically
↑ Shachtman, Noah; Browne, David; Dolan, Jon; Freeman, Jon; Hermes, Will; Hoard, Christian; Lopez, Julyssa; Reeves, Mosi; Rosen, Jody; Sheffield, Rob (1 July 2022). "100 Best Debut Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
↑ "Årslista Album – År 2013" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Swedish Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
↑ "Årslista Album – År 2014" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Swedish Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
↑ "2014년 Album Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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