Lorde makes her return to music with her new single, “What Was That,” released via Republic Records.
The track was first teased a few weeks ago on Lorde’s TikTok in a 17 second clip showing her lip syncing to the song while walking through Washington Square Park. The video quickly went viral, racking up over 34 million views and being widely shared across various media outlets.
“What Was That” was co-written with Jim-E Stack and produced by Lorde, Stack, and Dan Nigro. The song explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup, reflecting on memories and navigating the various stages of grief. It marks Lorde’s first solo release in four years, signaling a powerful return with a sound that feels both introspective and emotionally raw.
“MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up / We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that? / I remember sayin’ then, “This is the best cigarette of my life” / Well, I want you just like that / Indio haze, we’re in a sandstorm and it knocks me out / I didn’t know then that you’d never be enough, oh / Since l was seventeen, I gave you everything
Now, we wake from a dream, well, baby, what was that?” Lorde belts out in the chorus, capturing the dizzying mix of euphoria and heartbreak woven throughout the track.
Alongside the track’s release, Lorde unveiled its music video, which features her exploring various locations around New York City. Earlier this week, she surprised fans with a pop-up event at Washington Square Park, where she debuted the song just hours after the NYPD had initially canceled the gathering. Footage from the event is also featured in the video.
In a new statement via her website, Lorde shares the process of making “What Was That:”
“LATE 2023. BACK IN NEW YORK. DEEP BREAKUP. STOPPING BIRTH CONTROL. EVERY MEAL A BATTLE. FLASHBACKS AND WAVES. FEELING GRIEF’S VORTEX AND LETTING IT TAKE ME. OPENING MY MOUTH AND RECORDING WHAT FELL OUT. JIMMY SHOUTING IN THE BACKGROUND. A THOUSAND HOURS OF AUDIO EMBROIDERY. DAN TELLING US WHERE THE MOOG BASS SHOULD GO. ANDREW GIVING IT TEETH. THE NIGHT WE FINALLY GOT THE DRUMS RIGHT. THE SOUND OF MY REBIRTH.”
In “What Was That,” Lorde not only marks her return to the music scene but also showcases her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion with vulnerability. The song is a raw reflection on love, loss, and self discovery effortlessly blending euphoria with sorrow. As Lorde embraces both personal pain and creative rebirth, “What Was That” reaffirms her position as one of the most unique and introspective voices in music today. With her powerful return, Lorde invites listeners to experience her journey of growth and heartbreak, leaving us eagerly anticipating what comes next in her evolving musical journey.
