Lorde fans everywhere are celebrating the long-awaited news: the two-time Grammy winner has finally announced her new album, ”Virgin.” The record is set to be released June 27, following her tendency to release an album every four years.
The news comes after the late April release of lead single “What Was That,” which the artist teased on TikTok with a 15-second clip of herself running through Washington Square Park. On April 22, 2025, Lorde sent a text message to fans notifying them to meet her at said park. Unfortunately, because Lorde did not obtain a permit, the police cleared out her fans. Later, Lorde arrived and played the song while dancing along with the remaining people. Her appearances in Washington Square Park and onstage with Charli xcx at Coachella are not the only times she will be performing — the Ultrasound World Tour will kick off September 17, with shows throughout Europe and the U.S. until December.
In a candid email to her fans, Lorde described how she saw “Virgin.”
“The colour of the album is clear. Like bathwater, windows, ice, spit. Full transparency,” she said.
To the artist, who has sound-to-color synesthesia, this is not just a concept but a literal interpretation of how she sees the music. Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon where multiple sensory pathways are stimulated in a person’s brain simultaneously. Lorde’s specific type of synesthesia, sound-color, means that she sees specific colors when specific notes are played, and allows her to visualize her music as she is creating it.
“The language is plain and unsentimental. The sounds are the same wherever possible. I was trying to see myself, all the way through. I was trying to make a document that reflected my femininity: raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, masc,” she said.
As hinted at in the email, the album overall seems to reflect a broader exploration of the artist’s identity, particularly her gender.
“Becoming single, but also really facing my body stuff head-on, and starting to feel my gender broadening a little bit,” Lorde said in an interview with Document Journal, referring to the impetus behind the song “What Was That.”
Regarding the actual production of the album itself, Lorde has reportedly teamed up with several well-known artists and producers. Collaborators include Devonte Hynes (also known by his stage name, Blood Orange), Daniel Nigro, Fabiana Palladino, Andrew Aged and Buddy Ross. Though nothing of the nature is confirmed, fans also speculate about the possible addition of Charli xcx, whose song “Girl, so confusing” features Lorde.
All in all, “Virgin” seems poised to be one of the most influential albums of the year. Prepare yourselves — Lorde summer is imminent.
