Album Review: Virgin

As a long-time Lorde fan and devoted listener, I was more than ready for this moment. Virgin, Lorde’s newest album, released on June 26, 2025, marks her first full project since Solar Power in 2021. That album got a lot of unnecessary hate. Personally, I think it’s one of her best. It captures the essence of summer so well, with each track offering something fresh. Songs like “Solar Power” and “Mood Ring” are bright and upbeat, while “Fallen Fruit” and “Leader of a New Regime” slow things down in a way that feels introspective and grounded. But that’s a conversation for another day. Today, we’re talking about Virgin.

The project includes 11 tracks, which fits with the structure of her past albums. Leading up to the release, we already got three singles: “What Was That,” “Man of the Year,” and “Hammer.” All three gained traction on streaming platforms, with “What Was That” reaching 80 million streams before the album even dropped. Each single has its own music video, and sonically they’re very distinct. “What Was That” and “Hammer” have an industrial edge, while “Man of the Year” is more emotional and personal, touching on Lorde’s gender identity.

After listening to the full album, here are some standout tracks:

Shapeshifter – This one took a couple of listens to click for me. The spoken-word style mixed with a cool violin, bassline, and layered background vocals makes it feel experimental. The breakbeat rhythm in the background makes it surprisingly catchy.

Favourite Daughter – Lyrically vulnerable and raw, this track is about wanting validation from her mother. It builds to a loud, cathartic release that contrasts beautifully with the delicate verses.

Current Affairs – The production on this track is incredible. I love the background vocals during the chorus and the way it builds. Around the 2:20 mark, her vocals become isolated and raw, making the emotion hit even harder.

Cleablue – Easily one of the most emotional tracks on the album. It’s just Lorde and her harmonies, singing about the experience of taking a pregnancy test. No instruments, just her voice. It’s deeply intimate.

GRWM (Grown Woman) – This track continues the theme of growing up and still feeling like a kid. It echoes lyrics from “Secrets From a Girl” and “Ribs,” reminding us of how fast time moves and how strange it feels to grow older.

Broken Glass – This is the catchiest track on the album. It has the energy of Melodrama and feels like it could easily become a fan favorite.

If She Could See Me Now – She cleverly references “Suga Suga” by Baby Bash in the lyrics, saying “got me lifted, feeling so gifted.” This track is all about growing out of the music you once loved and reflecting on your younger self. It’s both relatable and strong in its writing and sound.

David – This is one of my favorites on the album. It touches on gender identity, self-discovery, and the complexity of love. Around the 2:55 mark, there’s a static build-up that’s so emotionally charged it’s hard to put into words. It’s not immediately catchy, but it stirs something deeper.

I don’t think anyone should review an album without listening to it at least three times all the way through. So that’s exactly what I did. Of course, my opinions might shift over time. The more you live with an album, the more it transforms. Different settings and moods change how you hear the music. I listened to Virgin while walking to work alone. Listening in the car or with friends might bring out different layers.