Lorde Embraces "Full Transparency" with Forthcoming Album 'Virgin'

The wait is almost over for Lorde's devoted fanbase. Four years after the sun-drenched introspection of "Solar Power," the New Zealand phenom is set to release her highly anticipated fourth studio album, 'Virgin,' on June 27, 2025, via Universal Music New Zealand and Republic Records. This new era promises a bold shift, with Lorde herself describing the album's "colour" as "clear—like bathwater, windows, ice, spit. Full transparency."

'Virgin' marks a significant evolution for the acclaimed singer-songwriter, whose real name is Ella Yelich-O'Connor. After collaborating extensively with Jack Antonoff on her previous two records, "Melodrama" and "Solar Power," Lorde has embraced new creative partnerships for 'Virgin.' The album sees her co-producing alongside Jim-E Stack, with contributions from a diverse roster of talents including Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Dan Nigro (known for his work with Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan), Fabiana Palladino, Andrew Aged, and Buddy Ross. This fresh collaborative energy is expected to infuse the album with a new palette.

The album's rollout has been characteristically intriguing, beginning with a surprise performance in Washington Square Park in New York City where she debuted the lead single, "What Was That." Released on April 24, 2025, "What Was That" offered the first glimpse into the album's sound, quickly charting globally. This was followed by the second single, "Man of the Year," on May 29, 2025, and most recently, "Hammer," which dropped just days ago on June 20, 2025, and serves as the album's opener.

Lorde has teased that 'Virgin' is a deeply personal project, "100% written in blood." The album's striking cover art, an X-ray image of a pelvis, further emphasizes her commitment to raw honesty and vulnerability. Themes expected to be explored include gender identity (with lyrics hinting at fluidity), experiences with disordered eating, quitting birth control, and navigating the aftermath of a long-term relationship. She's described the language as "plain and unsentimental," aiming to reflect her femininity in all its forms: "raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, masc."

The excitement surrounding 'Virgin' is amplified by the accompanying "Ultrasound World Tour," set to kick off on September 17, 2025, in Austin, Texas. This tour will bring the new album's fresh sounds and Lorde's captivating live presence to stages worldwide.

As the clock ticks down to June 27, the anticipation for 'Virgin' continues to build. Fans are eager to witness this new chapter from an artist who consistently challenges expectations and bares her soul through her art. It seems "Lorde Summer 2025" is truly upon us.