Alt-pop princess Lorde is back in 2025 with her first single in years, a moody, intricate track titled “What Was That.” It’s a quiet but stirring comeback, one that doesn’t shout its presence but rather seeps into your senses with slow-burning emotion and finely tuned production.
On her website, Lorde offered a raw and fragmented glimpse into the song’s creation:
“LATE 2023. BACK IN NEW YORK. DEEP BREAKUP. STOPPING BIRTH CONTROL. EVERY MEAL A BATTLE. FLASHBACKS AND WAVES. FEELING GRIEF’S VORTEX AND LETTING IT TAKE ME. OPENING MY MOUTH AND RECORDING WHAT FELL OUT. JIMMY SHOUTING IN THE BACKGROUND. A THOUSAND HOURS OF AUDIO EMBROIDERY. DAN TELLING US WHERE THE MOOG BASS SHOULD GO. ANDREW GIVING IT TEETH. THE NIGHT WE FINALLY GOT THE DRUMS RIGHT. THE SOUND OF MY REBIRTH.”
“What Was That” is definitely not immediately anthemic. The drop in the first chorus is unusually subdued, feeling less like a climax and more like a hesitant exhale. Some might find that underwhelming, but in context, it’s a powerful restraint.
Songwriting-wise, the track is very emotional and somewhat reminiscent of her previous release “Melodrama,” but with a slightly more minimalistic take on contemporary electronic pop. Every sound feels intentional. Layers of synths, delicate percussion, and hidden ear candy are all stitched together with care and aching precision. It’s a headphone song, rich in texture and subtle detail.
“What Was That” might not be the most instantly gratifying lead single, but it’s a fascinating, beautifully flawed return from an artist who has never taken the obvious path. Lorde isn’t chasing trends. She’s documenting her own unraveling and reconstruction. And we can’t wait to hear what comes next.