Lorde Returns With New Single "What Was That" After a Four-Year Silence
After a lengthy break from releasing solo music, Lorde is finally making a long-anticipated comeback. On Wednesday, April 16, the New Zealand pop sensation announced that her first official single in four years is on the horizon. Previously teased but now confirmed for imminent release, the new track titled What Was That is being awaited with much anticipation as Lorde posted what seems to be the cover art for the single on her Instagram, where she is clad in a bright red T-shirt and has her trademark dark hair in a braid as water flows down her face. Above all, the imagery sets a moody tone for the next chapter of her musical journey.
A Glimpse Into Lorde's New Era Through Art and Social Media
In her Instagram post, Lorde kept the caption minimal, stating simply, “My new song What Was That. Out soon.” She also credited photographer Talia Chetrit for the compelling image. On the flip side, Lorde’s announcement marks more than just a release—it signals a major shift for the artist. Her last complete album, Solar Power, launched at number five on the Billboard 200 in 2021. She has since made a few public appearances, mostly in collaborations, such as remixing “Girl, So Confusing” with Charli XCX, but has produced very little solo material. Nonetheless, her surprise appearance alongside Charli at Coachella reignited fan enthusiasm just days before this latest revelation.
Teasers and Hints: Building Anticipation for the New Track
Unlike her usually low-key social media presence, Lorde took to TikTok for the first time to tease the new single. She posted a video of herself strolling through Washington Square Park in New York City while listening to the dreamy synth-pop sound of “What Was That.” In the clip, she sings, “Since I was 17, I gave you everything/ Now we wake from a dream, well baby, what was that?” Even so, one must say that her lyrical preview seems to indicate a reflective, emotionally charged direction for the upcoming work. Soon after, she sent a voice note to her fans that said, “I just wanted to say hi, because everything is about to change,” an affirmation that they are about to enter a new, transformative era.
