Solar Power
by Lorde
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Aug 20, 2021
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 1363 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,110 out of 1363
  2. Mixed: 119 out of 1363
  3. Negative: 134 out of 1363
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  1. venaskie18
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    another great album from lorde! I feel this album will divide the audience if you were expecting melodrama 2.0 this is probably not the album for you, if you don't like Mello /acoustic songs this album is not for you. What this album is like other albums a snapshot of her life in the last 4 years the lyrics and the production reflects that. She has definitely made an album for herself.Sheanother great album from lorde! I feel this album will divide the audience if you were expecting melodrama 2.0 this is probably not the album for you, if you don't like Mello /acoustic songs this album is not for you. What this album is like other albums a snapshot of her life in the last 4 years the lyrics and the production reflects that. She has definitely made an album for herself.She is a true artist and has made it very clear she is not chasing sales, streams and chart, radio success. She is making music that feels true to her. Much respect.… Expand
  2. 31ulai
    Aug 20, 2021
    6
    Этот альбом легко пролетел через меня, на 40 минут позволил расслабиться. Но что-то большее он мне не дал, да и не предназначен был дать. Текста очень хорошие, такие же как и всегда в принципе. Большой плюс ей за то, что через весь альбом сохраняется одна и та же тема и атмосфера, благодаря этому тебя глубоко погружает в какое-то тёплое лето.
    Я все-таки согласна с оценками критиков. Песни    Этот альбом легко пролетел через меня, на 40 минут позволил расслабиться. Но что-то большее он мне не дал, да и не предназначен был дать. Текста очень хорошие, такие же как и всегда в принципе. Большой плюс ей за то, что через весь альбом сохраняется одна и та же тема и атмосфера, благодаря этому тебя глубоко погружает в какое-то тёплое лето.
    Я все-таки согласна с оценками критиков. Песни в основном слабые и не особо блистают креативом. Дальше пост-карантинного альбома для меня не идёт. Наподобие такого например в начале года выпустила Хейли Уильямс свой альбом "Flowers for Vases", на который почти всем было все равно из-за отсутствия промо. Поэтому не была бы это Лорд, - Solar Power прошёл бы так же незаметно.    … Expand
  3. dewdewdew
    Aug 20, 2021
    9
    I don't understand why people were expecting Lorde to make a "Melodrama 2". She is UNIQUE and all her records are unique in their own way. Solar Power is strong, beautiful, excepcional and cathartic. The tracks fit togheter and the album lead you to a summer trip in Lorde's mind.

    The only detail I strange was the fact that some songs were too short, but at some point it helps build the    I don't understand why people were expecting Lorde to make a "Melodrama 2". She is UNIQUE and all her records are unique in their own way. Solar Power is strong, beautiful, excepcional and cathartic. The tracks fit togheter and the album lead you to a summer trip in Lorde's mind.

    The only detail I strange was the fact that some songs were too short, but at some point it helps build the album concept so it's okay!    … Expand
  4. hausofhonza
    Aug 31, 2021
    6
    Not the best album but there's a couple good tracks. I didn't feel that excitement of the past albums. I'm kinda disappointed.
  5. lwtos
    Nov 19, 2021
    7
    This is a really fair record. Lorde's comeback worthed the waiting. She served once again.
  6. JorgeSalazarW
    Aug 20, 2021
    5
    To be honest i really loved Lorde's second album "Melodrama". I was expecting something better or at least equally impressive. This album was not it. Cohesive album but very hard to finish. Personally, it was really really hard to even continue. Nothing sticks throughout and for some times i was thinking i was playing the same song over and over again. Only 3 songs where kinda "different"To be honest i really loved Lorde's second album "Melodrama". I was expecting something better or at least equally impressive. This album was not it. Cohesive album but very hard to finish. Personally, it was really really hard to even continue. Nothing sticks throughout and for some times i was thinking i was playing the same song over and over again. Only 3 songs where kinda "different" for me: the singles.… Expand
  7. viniciussawate
    Aug 20, 2021
    6
    Lorde's third album is a work thematically focused on reflections, I expected something more fun (I missed a more lively beach and sun atmosphere in the tracks). There's a departure mainstream sonic aesthetic from the other two albums.The songs have a more folk and indie style, stepping a bit into the vibe of the latest works by Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift. In short, despite the goodLorde's third album is a work thematically focused on reflections, I expected something more fun (I missed a more lively beach and sun atmosphere in the tracks). There's a departure mainstream sonic aesthetic from the other two albums.The songs have a more folk and indie style, stepping a bit into the vibe of the latest works by Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift. In short, despite the good intentions, Lorde creates a tiring journey with the album ‘Solar Power’ with highly monotonous songs.… Expand
  8. lux_lucis
    Aug 21, 2021
    5
    Given that she has synesthesia, I assume that Lorde must have had bright and shiny colors in mind when making ‘Solar Power’. However, my own synesthesia makes me see the artist’s third record as no other than a pale and tasteless shade of grey.
    In her third album, Lorde clearly finds herself hesitating between three main directions. She goes from early 2000s summer tracks that seem to    Given that she has synesthesia, I assume that Lorde must have had bright and shiny colors in mind when making ‘Solar Power’. However, my own synesthesia makes me see the artist’s third record as no other than a pale and tasteless shade of grey.
    In her third album, Lorde clearly finds herself hesitating between three main directions. She goes from early 2000s summer tracks that seem to come out from a teen rom-com's ending credits (hello Robyn and Natalie Imbruglia), to 70s psychedelia and to 60s bonfire hippie folk – ‘Fallen Fruit’ almost sounds like a song from the Mamas & the Papas. This summery musical journey would have been enjoyable had Lorde not failed to capture the thrill, the dreaminess and the emotion of the aforementioned genres.
    Having lost her creative energy and her love for risks, Ella Yelich-O’Connor now seems to have become your typical indie artist, recording minimalistic songs while high, writing pseudo-woke lyrics and listening to ‘super-dark-bands-you’ve-never-heard-of’ such as The Velvet Underground and Led Zeppelin. The result of Lorde’s transformation falls flat and feels boring, dull and even sleepy at times. It is all the more frustrating that muffled guitars instrumentals seem to be reused in virtually every song, giving the impression that the album only consists of one painfully long song.
    Four years after ‘Melodrama’, which was cathartic and full of emotion, Lorde wants us to believe she has turned into some kind tree-hugging, meditating hippie prophet. The sound of bongos, cicadas, pipes and the Bollywoodian vibe are there to show that the New Zealand star has reconnected with Mother Nature and is now mature enough to give 'deep' advice about life and how to enjoy it best. Yet, 'wise' Lorde – which kinda sounds like a more hollow version of Lana del Rey and a happy Phoebe Bridgers – does not display any of the sharp cheeky lyrics, addictive beats and intelligent harmonies she got famous for in the first place.
    When commenting her creative process for this record, Lorde said she wanted to make a 'weed' record and, in my humble opinion, getting high might possibly be the only way to appreciate this album. But despite all the criticism, there is still a light of hope. First of all, some songs do stand out (the more upbeat 'Solar Power' and 'Mood Ring' as well as 'Big Star' and 'Oceanic Feeling') and when listening to them, I realized what Lorde had in mind when making the record and how amazing of a summer album it could have been with a little more creativity and variation.
    Second of all, after making a masterpiece like Melodrama, we can forgive her for this kind of disappointment. Though I must say it saddens me to have to wait another four years to see her release another project.

    Rating: 1,5/3
         … Expand
  9. AlbertoMusic
    Aug 21, 2021
    5
    I will have to listen to the record again, because all the songs were very similar to me: many short ballads, acoustic guitar, but nothing memorable, forceful or exciting. At times, on songs like Mood Ring, I heard his unmistakable vocal style, but in the end the song just didn't get off the ground. I know the album is very different, but I expected more. Sorry, it's the first impressionI will have to listen to the record again, because all the songs were very similar to me: many short ballads, acoustic guitar, but nothing memorable, forceful or exciting. At times, on songs like Mood Ring, I heard his unmistakable vocal style, but in the end the song just didn't get off the ground. I know the album is very different, but I expected more. Sorry, it's the first impression you left on me, maybe I will change my mind after several listens.… Expand
  10. tman1441502
    Aug 20, 2021
    6
    This was just disappointing. Weak songwriting and bland production, leading to the whole middle of the album just blending together.
  11. bertobellamy
    Aug 20, 2021
    5
    I'm no the biggest Lorde fan, but I like her music. Unfortunately, 'Solar Power' feels not that exciting and empowering. There's a couple of good tracks here, but the rest is filler, in my opinion. I think Jack Antonoff's involvement is to blame here. The way he tries to incorporate Lana Del Rey and others' vibe into Lorde's music is kind of disappointing.
  12. valeriakerplunk
    Aug 20, 2021
    5
    Casi todas las canciones se parecen mucho entre ellas respecto al sonido. Las letras dejan mucho que desear. Para una espera de 4 años esto no cumple las expectativas.
  13. Marcks
    Oct 6, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lorde inicia seu álbum da melhor maneira possível, uma pena o álbum cair tanto na mesmice no final, não chega a ser um álbum ruim, mas perto do Melodrama e muito inferior!… Expand
  14. DramaManiac
    Aug 20, 2021
    5
    It is important to choose a good album theme, but more importantly, to express the theme properly. Lorde's latest album didn't really show that important thing.

    Except for 1-2 songs (Fallen Fruit, Mood Ring) , all songs are boring and similar and normal as if they were in the box.

    4.5
  15. davidaba7
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    What a powerful album!!!! Very different from Lorde, and that is so good wathing her grow and change.
  16. kevdrama
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Please THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING, f*ck the professional critics who's comparing this PIECE OF ART with her another PIECE OF ART "Melodrama", Lorde come to bless us, she did it.
  17. Sadsadturno
    Aug 20, 2021
    5
    So fckin booooooooring, all the songs sounds like the same, I know it's a "new phase" but maybe happiness it's not for Lorde, I mean, good for her but this album is a total floop.
  18. janas
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    WOOW this album is such a masterpiece, lorde you’re a goddess and you know that, come in summer!!
  19. Ellavoodoo
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    If you get this album you get it. If you don't, you don't. If you know, you know. And if you don't know like I honestly feel bad for you. I don't have the vocabulary to sit here and explain, either you get the vibe or you don;t get the vibe! So proud of Ella. This music sh*t- SHE GETS IT
  20. jesusbutpretty
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Impeccable album, pristine songwriting, superb production. The reason why this album gets such low reviews from publications like The In*****dent or P******rk is not because it is bad, but because it isn't what they expected: a Melodrama 2.0 (they rated Justin Bieber's 'Justice' higher, and I suppose you realize that there is no way in this world to even associate Lorde's craft with-Impeccable album, pristine songwriting, superb production. The reason why this album gets such low reviews from publications like The In*****dent or P******rk is not because it is bad, but because it isn't what they expected: a Melodrama 2.0 (they rated Justin Bieber's 'Justice' higher, and I suppose you realize that there is no way in this world to even associate Lorde's craft with- whatever it is that Bieber does). Lorde has grown and evolved and this is the most natural route that an artist like her could ever take: a more relaxed and pleasant route. Differently from her other records, she did not try to please the audience with this one, and she herself has said that all she intented was to 'please herself' with the perfect lyrics. Some of the hints of this album are cryptic, and we wouldn't get the references without Lorde herself explaining them to us (e.g. the lyric related to the princess of Norway in The Man with the Axe or the whole Big Star track which is, despite being sprinkled with Liability references, actually about her dog). Its an album that grows for anyone with each listen, and it is an album that you cannot enjoy by not paying attention to the lyrics. If u somehow happen to read this, please give it a chance regardless of what the critics say, following the lyrics on Genius for each track: that's what I did, and that's how I've fell in love it it. … Expand
  21. Bi_love_nya
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    As she promised, she´s back with an amazing album to dance to under sunlight.
  22. eyerainot
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Lorde’s newly released album saved me from the pandemic. Hail to the queen!
  23. JanGeraldi
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    A grower. Definitely deserves more attention and care before the "critics" press enter here
  24. mabernethy
    Aug 22, 2021
    9
    Third listen today and it's only getting better. I don't understand the "meh" reactions. This album feels like exactly what I need right now, and that makes it seem like it's exactly what the world needs right now: calm, reflective, wise, beautiful, unhurried and in tune with the natural world. The melodies and harmonies are astonishing in places, the music is memorable, and the lyrics areThird listen today and it's only getting better. I don't understand the "meh" reactions. This album feels like exactly what I need right now, and that makes it seem like it's exactly what the world needs right now: calm, reflective, wise, beautiful, unhurried and in tune with the natural world. The melodies and harmonies are astonishing in places, the music is memorable, and the lyrics are full of her trademark throwaway lines and observational humor. It's not Melodrama, but why would we expect that? This feels fearless and confident specifically because she's not repeating herself. That's the sign of an artist in command of their talent. Happy to follow where she leads.… Expand
  25. felipe22
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Este álbum é perfeito, e só minha opinião importa. Lorde se superou mais uma vez, não é um Melodrama é claro, mas também não é um Pure Heroine.
  26. CFMR
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Amazing comebak. Artist who innovates, those who expected a Melodrama 2.0 can leave.
  27. Iv_cmbyn
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    She is so smart and the concept of the album is beautiful, Lorde knows perfectly how not to get out of the color in all the songs of the album.
  28. Pablogcornejo
    Aug 23, 2021
    8
    The problem with 'Solar Power' is the expectation it had before its release. The acclaimed sound and lyrical content of 'Melodrama' makes you feel surprised and maybe dissapointed in your first listen. Nevertheless, listening to it without any background or exploring it through several listens, will make you enjoy its new sound and natural and summery ambient it evokes. Even though i findThe problem with 'Solar Power' is the expectation it had before its release. The acclaimed sound and lyrical content of 'Melodrama' makes you feel surprised and maybe dissapointed in your first listen. Nevertheless, listening to it without any background or exploring it through several listens, will make you enjoy its new sound and natural and summery ambient it evokes. Even though i find a lack of memoral moments and hooks in the LP as well as some more profound lyrics in time to time, listening to 'Solar Power', and emerging into its groovy, minimal production and connecting with its peaceful message is quite an experience.… Expand
  29. denversoup
    Aug 30, 2021
    4
    Boring, hardly any shining moments. I was not a fan of this direction. I wish that there had been more energy and less holistic healing ritual.
  30. Masterheart
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Uno de los mejores álbumes que han salido este año, las vibras espirituales, orgánicas y armónicas que transmite es algo que nunca había sentido antes con un récord como este. Lorde nos mostro un lado de ella que nunca habíamos conocido, y que estoy agradecida de experimentar.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Under The Radar
    Aug 30, 2021
    55
    All these connections Lorde is trying to make: her strange pastiche imagination of the ’70s, that random spoken word interlude by Robyn about climate change, and the themes of “sun healing,” never fully reach each other. Often, they come off as disingenuous and out of touch more than they read as brilliant, or comical. Whether the album is one big prank, or just one majorly failed experiment, the gist of having the “privilege to ignore” is lost in translation. All you are left with is just a handful of pretty alright songs.
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  2. AllMusic
    Aug 26, 2021
    60
    If you're riding and vibing with Lorde, this bright shapelessness is superb mood music. If you're not riding her wave, Solar Power can seem elusive, even cloying, as it circles and sways with a smile.
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Aug 26, 2021
    70
    This might not be the album that everyone wanted from Lorde, but it’s a solid, dreamy effort that deserves exploration. There’s plenty here worthy of attention if you can focus for long enough.
    Read full review
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