For this review, let’s imagine that it is currently 2014 and you’re reading this as a Tumblr post rather than a school newspaper article. “Pure Heroine” is a moody debut album by Lorde that truly encapsulates the rawness of adolescence and teenage angst. Produced by Joel Little and released through Republic Records, this album incorporates electropop, dream pop, and electronica as well as a fair share of deep bass and programmed beats. Like any good album circling around youth, themes of social anxiety, a desire to fit in, and romance are ever present. Lorde describes a unique perspective on youth culture: the glamorization of freedom and independence opposed by the sobering reality of disillusionment. Lorde’s lyrics also explore the concept of desiring authenticity in a society that thrives on materialism and superficiality, capturing the urge to stand out while also being expected to conform to the narrative of others. Teenagers know the feeling of grieving adolescence all too well. It is something no one really prepares you for, which is why I think this album is really special for what it represents: the perfect soundtrack for senior year.
The opening track, “Tennis Court,” showcases a reflection on fame, success, and the complexities of entering the music industry at a young age. The tennis court is a metaphor that represents a public arena where people are constantly judged and watched by the public, expected to be better despite whatever emotional struggles lie beneath. The next song, “400 Lux,” is perfect for driving around aimlessly with a fresh license and dreams of freedom. It delves into themes of adolescence and the comfort found in familiarity. The title itself refers to a measure of brightness intensity, symbolizing the soft glow of early mornings or the passing noon sun. It speaks of a setting that isn’t overly exciting but holds a special intimate value, regardless. Now, I think her most known song from this album is “Royals.” I can’t count the amount of times that I’ve heard this song play on the radio while driving to school on a crisp 2015 morning. This song criticizes the glamorization of wealth and luxury depicted in mainstream music, reflecting Lorde’s own perspective as a teenager who grew up in New Zealand without an extravagant lifestyle. She sings, “we’ll never be royals,” in the chorus to showcase her acceptance of authenticity and reality.
“Ribs“ is my favorite track on the album, it is the one song that truly makes you feel like you are the main character in a coming-of-age film. Its gorgeous melody and intricate lyrics allow the listener to really feel the anxiety of growing up and losing the simplicity of youth. It is bittersweet, coming to the realization that the change from adolescence to adulthood has come; Lorde reflects on carefree times spent with friends, juxtaposing them with a deep worry of their finite and fleeting nature. The imagery in the title showcases how deep some feelings lie, so deep that they can be felt beneath the bones. Another song that I personally really like is “Buzzcut Season,” an electropop dreamy production that delves into themes of escapism and disillusionment. Throughout the song, Lorde paints an image of creating a safe space with friends, where they can go and pretend that everything is okay and live in their own world even just temporarily. People choose to turn away from unpleasant reality by focusing on their own idealized ideas, a coping strategy, if you will. The term “buzzcut season” itself represents a time of change and simplicity where there is no fuss over things that cannot be controlled.
A beautiful album to listen to while reflecting on youth, identity, and contemplating the meanings of all the things that matter. The reason this album was such a success was because of how it resonates with listeners who might not have the words to describe what they’re feeling during a time of change. So, thank you Lorde for being a mysterious diva. I wish I listened to this album in the age of tumblr and early 2010’s grungy music, but the themes are still relevant even almost a decade later.
My ranking:
1: Ribs
2: Buzzcut Season
3: Team
4: Still Sane
5: A World Alone
6: Tennis Court
7:400 lux
8: Glory and Gore
9: Royals
10: White Teeth Teens
