How Charli XCX Helped Lorde Embrace Vulnerability in Her New Album "Virgin"

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After years of artistic evolution, Lorde is finally back—bolder, more vulnerable, and creatively fearless with her upcoming release, Lorde new album Virgin.

The New Zealand singer-songwriter has been a defining voice of a generation since her breakout at just 16. Now, with her fourth studio album Virgin set to arrive this summer, she’s reconnecting with her roots while embracing a newfound emotional openness. The first single, What Was That, quickly stormed into the UK Top 10—marking a powerful return that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.

A New Chapter Sparked by Charli XCX

Much of the emotional shift behind Lorde new album Virgin comes from an unlikely but powerful source: Charli XCX. After being invited to collaborate on the remix of Charli’s viral track girl, so confusing from the acclaimed album Brat, Lorde found herself stepping into a space of raw honesty.

Speaking to BBC Radio 1, she said, “Meeting Charli in that place of rugged vulnerability and seeing how people responded—it really gave me a kick.” The remix prompted Lorde to open up about personal struggles, including her experience with body image and comparison, which had long remained unspoken in her music.

“It started me up,” she admitted. “I realized people are listening, and my words carry real weight.”

Rediscovering Her Voice

For Lorde, Virgin isn’t just another album—it’s a return to form, but with more depth. She says creating it felt like going back to her teenage self, the version that made music to impress herself, not the industry. “I really went into it like, ‘Just make something for you.’”

The track What Was That was the first song she wrote for the album, and it immediately set the tone. Lorde describes it as “Lorde canon”—a signature blend of introspective lyrics and haunting melodies. Fans have embraced it, loving how it channels the spirit of Pure Heroine while exploring new emotional ground.

Inspired by Brat, Driven by Purpose

Charli XCX’s Brat didn’t just inspire Lorde personally—it raised the bar artistically. “It forced me to further define what I was doing,” she said. “Charli had so masterfully shaped Brat, and when a peer throws the gauntlet down like that, you want to rise to it.”

That challenge pushed Lorde to be intentional and precise with her storytelling. After the lighter tones of 2021’s Solar Power, Virgin strips everything back to the essentials. “It’s about going to the core of who I am,” she explained, “in the purest way possible.”

A Promising Summer Ahead

Lorde recently joined Charli XCX on stage at Coachella, performing their remix live in front of a roaring crowd. The moment wasn’t just a performance—it felt like a passing of creative energy. Charli herself hinted that after the “Brat summer,” a “Lorde summer 2025” could be on the way.

If What Was That is any indication, Lorde new album Virgin is shaping up to be one of the most impactful and emotionally honest records of her career. Fans can expect introspection, stripped-back production, and lyrics that hit where it hurts—and heals.

Lorde’s return isn’t just about music. It’s about reclaiming power, embracing imperfection, and rediscovering the magic that made her an icon to begin with.

About Post Author

Catherine Robert

Catherine Roberts is a seasoned news editor and writer at TheNewsTimes.co.uk, bringing her extensive expertise to the forefront of journalism. With a passion for storytelling, she has been engaging audiences through her insightful blog for the past five years, covering a wide range of topics with clarity and depth.

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