CD Review [Flashback]: Love, Not War

When you turn on the radio, what do you hear? Oftentimes, it’ll be a pop
song with a sugary beat, or a rap song scattered with slang. Other times, you’ll
hear dance songs riding tidal waves of electronic sounds and acoustic melodies
with sentimental tones. Very rarely will you hear songs with an eerie rhythm and
lyrics that make you pause and think. And even more improbable will that kind of
music be the masterpiece of a 16-year-old teenager—someone like us.
Lorde, born Yelich-O’Connor and raised in New Zealand, is taking the
radio airwaves by storm—and she’s only 16. Currently best known for her song
“Royals,” which has been a hit for several months in New Zealand and several
weeks in the USA, Lorde is introducing to the world audible art that strays from
the stereotypical focus on budding and breaking love, self-empowerment, and
the glorified glamour of fame and fortune. Despite challenging the structure of a
“cookie-cutter” hit song, Lorde’s music remains incredibly insightful and relatable.
Being young in the industry can be a blessing and a curse. In terms of
producing music, however, Lorde’s youth is certainly a blessing. Entering the
limelight during the pinnacle of her teenage years gives her the opportunity to
create music that conveys real sentiments that many teenagers experience,
extending from teenage rebellion to the mundane daily routine. She sings of
realities that, as suggested in her song “Royals,” aren’t quite as glamorous as
many popular songs and other media portray. She sings for the normal kids who
spend free time watching TV, playing video games, and growing up, even if we
dream of becoming queens and kings, “Royals.”
Lorde’s EP album “The Love Club” was released on in March, and has
since received generous praise. Although the album features a mere five songs –
“Bravado,” “The Love Club,” “Mama Do,” “Royals,” “Million Dollar Bills,” and
“Biting Down” – the album establishes Lorde as a musical iconoclast who
certainly has something intriguing to offer to the world. Each of her songs feature
a distinct rhythm and layers upon layers of vocal, percussion, and electronic
beats. The result is a chilling ensemble that inspires deep thought and leaves a
lasting impression and desire to listen to more. One can only imagine the impact
Lorde will make upon the music industry when her first full-length album, “Pure
Heroine,” is released later this fall.