Why did I review this album? I was impressed with Royals,
so I took a chance on the album
Did I like it? Yes
Will I listen to it again? Yes because her voice and
style fascinate me. The beats are also very relaxing.
The album as a whole was a bit
self-righteous. Part of the reason Royals was one of my favorite songs last
year was its level of charm and wit. It was making fun of the formulaicness of
mainstream music (which I agree with of course). It was almost like a middle
finger to mainstream music (and a satire except it’s not written its sung) and
I loved it, But as you keep listening to the rest of the album she continually
feels the need to tell you how much she hates mainstream music and it started
to ware on me a bit. The funny thing is I agree with her, but there's something
to be said about subtlety. The reason why I enjoy conscious rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco,J. Cole, and others is that they make their
own music but they don’t try to say that they're better than you because they
refuse to follow the norm. While Lorde never says I’m better than you, she
makes light of mainstream music so much she essentially is saying it.
I did like this album. She has
opinions about music, shares them, and doesn't apologize for it. I
can respect that. Also, most artist wouldn't dare make music
about the trivialities of her life, but she does and that gives the album a lot of charm. It’s a refreshing change
from typical albums and a fitting considering her disdain for mainstream music.
I am attracted to and amazed by
people that can do things that I can’t, and as I understand, she wrote the
whole album herself which is an amazing feat.
Also, her voice fascinates me because
I can't quite place where it belongs. It has elements of almost all the genres,
but doesn't quite fit into any of them. Somewhat like an Adele or Amy
Winehouse.
Because her voice is so unique at
the very least she'll be interesting to listen to and as she grows her writing
will improve and she'll probably learn a thing or two about subtlety,
A first album is supposed to
introduce the artist to the audience. Through that, the audience should learn
about the artist’s style. The album should leave the listener with a feeling
that the artist has potential for growth in future works. This album met those
requirements, so I thought it was a valiant first effort and will listen to her
future work.
My Favs
3. Still Sane
2. Team
1. Royals
Overall Rating: 73 with a recommendation to listen then decide
Tennis Court- An
interesting song that ponders the tradeoffs of fame. She’ll be able to travel
the world and buy new things, but wonders if it’s worth it considering the fame
won’t last long and could change her personality. 3.5/5
400 Lux- On the
surface its about spending time with a boy, but I wonder if it’s a metaphor for
her old life and the new life that fame has brought her. She afraid of the
answer, so she runs away from it 3/5
Royals- The most
scathing thrashing of mainstream music I’ve seen. She makes fun of other
artists that make music that the audience can’t connect with. Then has the nerve to tell them to live in
the realm of the average person. The second verse talks about what she likes to
do for entertainment which deeply contrasts the ideals described in mainstream
music. It’s not subtle, but I think its genius. 5/5
Ribs- She’s out
in the world surrounded by others, but feels alone until she meets someone that
takes the loneliness away. But in the end she wants something more 3/5
Buzzcut Season-
Lorde and another person are in a fantasy world together. 3/5
Team- This song
was doing a great job of providing the subtlety I was looking for until she
decided to ruin it. The song talked about people from an unknown town partying
and doing the same things artists talk about, but without the pomp and fanfare.
There was an underlying theme of camaraderie, friendship and loyalty that I appreciated.
But then there’s one line she says… it’s almost like she can’t help herself. The
way the line was delivered made it feel like a throwaway line, so why even add
it? It didn’t ruin the song, but it stopped it from achieving greatness. 3.5/5
Glory and Gore-
Not sure, but I think this song is a metaphor for the music industry. If it is,
it’s pretty clever 3.5/5
Still Sane- Some
people might find the voices in the background annoying, but I enjoy it. She discusses whether she will change as she grows
accustomed to fame. Then ponders whether she’ll have to change in order become
a legend. 4/5
White Teeth Teens-
Possibly a metaphor for perfect people that the media tries to make us aspire
for.3.5/5
A World Alone-
She knows that people will start to notice her as her fame rises, and because
of that people will start to talk about her both in a positive and negative light.
However she does not care because she knows what’s true and what isn’t. Plus,
she knows she’ll have a safe haven to rely on with her original group of
friends. 3/5
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