Lorde embraces vulnerability with the release of her new album Virgin

New Zealand pop artist Lorde released her fourth studio album, Virgin, on June 28, 2025, coinciding with her surprise live performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The album follows her previous project, Solar Power, and reflects a more personal and vulnerable approach as she navigates the complexities of her life, including the end of a long-term relationship and her struggles with self-acceptance. Lorde's live debut of the album showcased her commitment to her music and ability to connect deeply with her audience, even if some tracks don't resonate as strongly. Virgin features singles like 'What Was That,' which encapsulate Lorde's confessional songwriting style, presenting a blend of self-reflection and catharsis through her music, with an emphasis on themes of rebirth and reconnection. Throughout the album, she grapples with the challenges of growing up in the public eye while also celebrating her creative evolution and personal growth.