LORDE RELEASES COMEBACK SINGLE “WHAT WAS THAT”
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After four years away from the limelight, Lorde has returned with a new single, “What Was That,” released on April 26, 2025. The track comes on the heels of mysterious teasers and an unconventional rollout.
“What Was That” is Lorde's first major solo release since her 2021 album, Solar Power, which reminded listeners why Lorde is still one of pop's most mysterious and intriguing voices. “What Was That” was written and produced by Lorde with Jim-E Stack (Bon Iver) and Dan Nigro (known for his work with Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan). The record features layers of synths, light percussion, with a minimalist bass playing underneath the warm and exciting production. Coming in at 3 minutes and 29 seconds, “What Was That” balances upbeat production with lyrics that focus on personal reflection.
On April 9, 2025 when Lorde teased the track in a brief TikTok video that included the song in the background as she walked through Washington Square Park. Immediately labeled “WWT,” the song began to gain a following with fans. After that, Lorde wiped her Instagram and website accounts and changed her profile picture to the image of a water bottle. On April 16th, she confirmed the title was “What Was That” and posted the artwork, which was a portrait image of Lorde in a bright red shirt, drenched in water, taken by Talia Chetrit.
The music video consisted of captured footage of Lorde escaping in NYC on her bike, including scenes from her pop-up show at Washington Square Park. After announcing the event, she immediately had to eliminate the initial idea of a show altogether due to the excessive number of people who showed up. Two hours later the original set time, she was able to dance along to a truncated recording of the track.
Musically, “What Was That” somewhat returns to the emotional shade of Melodrama (2017), Lorde's critically acclaimed sophomore album. The lines of “I covered up all the mirrors / Couldn't see myself yet” captured an emotional idea of representing the outcasting of a relationship. These memories included kissing "for hours on end," and “MDMA in the back yard.” In its end, the narration looks to change: “When I'm in the blue light, I can make it alright.”
Critics have consistently complimented the single with an ode to the honesty of lyrics and sonic progression. NME's Surej Singh compared the song to Melodrama's hazy narrative, and Rhian Daly added how the track has a subtle emotional build compared to “Green Light.”
With a new single and a trip to the desert for Charli XCX's “Girl, So Confusing” Coachella performance, “What Was That” marks the beginning of a renascent Lorde.
