Lorde Returns with New Album 'Virgin': An Exploration of Femininity and Self-Identity

Liputan6.com, Jakarta New Zealand singer-songwriter Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, better known by her stage name Lorde, returns with her fourth studio album.

Titled "Virgin," the album was officially released on June 27, 2025, marking Lorde's return to the global music scene with a fresh feel.

"Virgin" is described as a dance-pop work, marking Lorde's return to her signature synth-pop style.

This represents a significant shift from the indie folk and psychedelic explorations of her previous album, "Solar Power," released in 2021.

Lorde explained that the title "Virgin" has a much deeper meaning than simply connotations of sexual purity.

She linked the word to the Greek root "parthenos," meaning "not tied to a man, a woman who is 'one in herself.'"

Lorde, whose full name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, was born on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand.

She comes from a multicultural background with a Croatian mother and an Irish father, giving her dual citizenship of New Zealand and Croatia.

In 2009, she signed with Universal Music Group (UMG), and in 2011, she began collaborating with producer Joel Little.

Lorde's breakthrough came with the release of her first EP, The Love Club EP, which was initially released for free on SoundCloud in 2012 before being commercially released in 2013.

The EP's single, "Royals", quickly topped the charts in various territories and spent nine weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.

"Royals" also made her the first solo artist from New Zealand to reach number one in the US and the youngest person at 16 to reach number one in the US in 26 years.

Lorde's fourth studio album, 'Virgin', was officially released on June 27, 2025.

This album marked Lorde's return to her roots in dance-pop, after experimenting with indie folk and psychedelic influences on 'Solar Power' (2021).

Central themes in 'Virgin' encompass femininity, self-discovery, and rebirth.

Lorde explains that Greek goddesses were called "virgins" not because they were inexperienced, but because they were strong and independent.

The album explores Lorde's personal journey with gender identity and family trauma, as well as personal experiences with eating disorders.

Critical reception to 'Virgin' has been overwhelmingly positive.

Olivia Horn of Pitchfork praised the album as a "ragged, tender, and often transcendent ode to freedom and transformation."

Meanwhile, Maya Georgi of Rolling Stone stated that Lorde "redefines who she wants to be on her most introspective record yet."

The album was preceded by the singles "What Was That" (April 24, 2025), "Man of the Year" (May 29, 2025), and "Hammer" (June 20, 2025).

Throughout her career, Lorde has garnered numerous prestigious awards, demonstrating her influence in the music industry.

She has won two Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards, and twenty Aotearoa Music Awards.

These accolades cement her position as one of the most respected musicians of her generation.

In December 2013, Lorde was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album.

She also became the youngest person ever nominated for Record of the Year, a remarkable achievement at such a young age.

Lorde was also named to Time magazine's list of the most influential teenagers in 2013 and 2014.

Furthermore, she was featured on Forbes magazine's "30 Under 30" list in 2014.

To support the release of her album 'Virgin' and celebrate her return to the stage, Lorde will embark on the Ultrasound World Tour.

The global tour is scheduled to run from September 2025 to February 2026.