Lorde – What Was That

Lorde has made a striking return to music with the release of her new single, What Was That, a shimmering synth-pop track that blends emotional vulnerability with infectious energy. Dropping on April 24, 2025, this marks her first original solo release since 2021’s Solar Power and signals a bold new era for the New Zealand artist.

The song was first introduced in an unconventional way—through a pop-up event in New York City’s Washington Square Park. Lorde invited fans via her text list and Instagram story to gather at the fountain, where after some initial disruption by authorities, she performed the song live to an impromptu crowd. Collaborator Dev Hynes (Blood Orange) played the track on a speaker, and later that evening, Lorde climbed atop a wooden platform to sing it in full—a raw and intimate debut that immediately captivated her audience.

In a deeply personal note shared on her website, Lorde explained that What Was That was written in the fall of 2023 during a period of significant emotional upheaval. She spoke candidly about experiencing a breakup and choosing to stop using birth control, both of which left her feeling “like a stranger to myself.” The song, she says, came from a place of clarity and catharsis, capturing the confusion and beauty of rediscovering oneself.

Musically, the track was co-written with Jim-E Stack and produced by Stack and Dan Nigro, with mixing by Spike Stent and mastering by Chris Gehringer. Its vibrant production and poignant lyrics showcase Lorde’s evolving artistry, while still retaining the introspective edge fans have come to love.

The music video for What Was That adds another layer to the song’s narrative. Shot in New York City, it follows Lorde walking and biking through quiet streets, eventually arriving at Washington Square Park to recreate her performance. The video mirrors the song’s mood—restless, searching, and quietly triumphant.

Early critical reception has been enthusiastic, with many praising the single as a return to Lorde’s Melodrama-era emotional intensity, wrapped in a lighter, more kinetic sound. Fans are already declaring the start of “Lorde Summer,” embracing the track as an anthem for transformation, closure, and moving forward.

Listen to this song and more new music premieres on “Drop Zone”, playing daily at 5.30pm PT/8.30pm ET on Channel R – Today’s Hits & Your All-Time Favorites.