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Lorde Reveals ‘Virgin’ Album Inspired by Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’: A Deep Dive

Lorde Reveals ‘Virgin’ Album Inspired by Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’: A Deep Dive

Lorde is back, and she's crediting Charli XCX for a major creative push! The New Zealand singer-songwriter recently revealed that Charli XCX’s album, 'Brat,' served as a significant source of inspiration for her upcoming album, 'Virgin,' set to release this summer. This revelation has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans, hinting at a new chapter in Lorde's artistic journey.

According to recent interviews, particularly with BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, Lorde described 'Brat' as giving her a “kick.” She explained, "It forced me to further define what I was doing because Charli had so masterfully defined everything about 'Brat.'" This peer-to-peer influence emphasizes the supportive and competitive spirit among artists in the music industry.

Getty Images Lorde pictured in March. The singer has her dark hair braided in two plaits either side of her head. She wears gold shell-shaped earrings and a brown jacket over a checked blue shirt. She's pictured outside, with people walking behind her in the distance.
Lorde, whose upcoming album 'Virgin' is highly anticipated.

The collaboration between the two artists extended beyond mere inspiration. Lorde featured on the remix of Charli XCX’s track, 'Girl, So Confusing,' a moment she recalls as one of "rugged vulnerability". This collaboration not only strengthened their bond but also allowed Lorde to explore new emotional depths in her music.

Getty Images Charli XCX performing on stage at the Grammy's. The singer wears a denim look made up of a bra top and pants under a long-sleeved matching jacket. She sings into the crowd, her long dark hair worn loose. She's surrounded by dancers.
Charli XCX, whose album stimulated Lorde's creativity.

'Virgin' promises a return to Lorde's roots, following her 2021 album, 'Solar Power,' which she described as a stylistic departure. 'What Was That,' the lead single from 'Virgin,' has already debuted in the UK Top 10, offering a glimpse into the album’s exploration of Lorde's younger self and core identity. The album is described by Lorde as “100% written in blood,” hinting at raw and honest themes.

Lorde also mentioned experiencing a surge of self-confidence after the remix, stating, "I really suffer from this thing of not feeling my own power... and the remix just started me up." This newfound confidence seemingly propelled her to embrace her authentic voice with greater conviction.

Getty Images Lorde performing at Glastonbury in 2022. Her hair is bleached blonde and she wears a lilac body suit over red tights. She's accompanied by two guitarists who wear yellow suits and the staging includes a bright sphere to look like the sun.
Lorde performing live in 2022.

In addition to music, the album artwork for "Virgin" is notable. It's a blue-tinted x-ray of a pelvis, containing an IUD, and has a zipper going down the middle. This striking visual choice adds more depth to the album’s theme and sets up the audience for highly reflective content.

The collaboration recently reached new heights with Lorde joining Charli XCX onstage during her Coachella set, performing their collaborative track. This performance underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two artists, solidifying their positions as influential figures in contemporary pop music.

With 'Virgin' on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate experiencing Lorde's refreshed perspective and artistic evolution, shaped in part by the inspiring influence of Charli XCX. What aspects of 'Virgin' are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

Related issues news

What is the Lorde album cover?

Lorde Fans Go Wild Over the 'Symbolism' of Her 'Weird' & 'Intriguing' Cover Art for New Album 'Virgin' The cover features an X-ray of a woman's pelvis with an IUD visibly installed.

What is Lorde's new album?

Virgin is set for release on June 27. Lorde already released the lead single off of the record, u201cWhat Was That,u201d on April 24. In a newsletter emailed to fans, Lorde, who has sound-to-color synesthesia, described the project.

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