Three years ago, Lorde released the song that reminded us commoners that we don't have that enviable blue blood "and we'll never be royals." To be honest, I hated "Royals" when it came out, and it still isn't my favorite jam. I found myself drawn to other songs by Lorde such as "Tennis Court" and "Team."
A few weeks ago, I started digging deeper to uncover a few other songs by the talented New Zealander. When I ask people if they've heard of songs by Lorde other than the iconic "Royals," many of them shake their heads in negative response. Occasionally, I might receive an incredulous look followed by a, "she has other songs?" Good to see that her music is so popular. Granted, these songs have been out for at least three years now, but I have no shame in blasting them in my room.
1. "Buzzcut Season."
This is my favorite song in the history of my favorite songs! "Buzzcut Season" came out in 2013 and, similar to many of the songs by Lorde, it echoes a cheerfully apocalyptic tune (come on, I know you get that slight sense of impending doom when listening to a Lorde song). Most of the song actually sounds like a soft (surprisingly bright) melody, but the lyrics warn of a detached fantasy amidst a faltering world.
2. "Glory and Gore"
Lorde doesn't hide the rumble of tragedy in this one. The first beat of the song sets a nearly morbid but calming tone for the entire three-minute and 30 second duration. "Glory and Gore" depicts the idea that nothing is without consequence. Also, sometimes, you might have to be prepared to get your hands a little dirty in order to advance.
3. "Million Dollar Bills"
Have you ever wanted to be immortal? To some, the mere thought of being incapable of extinguishing their life force is a valuable concept. "Million Dollar Bills" is a rather fun, almost bubbly, way to approach the idea of immortality. There's nothing anyone wants "but money and time" (a valid point considering there aren't enough hours in the day to do all of your homework, study for exams and remember to be human).
4. "White Teeth Teens"
This is one of Lorde's more timid songs, but the meaning is valuable nonetheless. It's basically a divine tune in tribute to being yourself, besides, everyone else is already taken! The "white teeth teens" are the popular kids, as she successfully categorizes them as a clique. Even growing up, we've all probably had that phase where we just wanted be the popular girl that everyone loves or the popular guy who everyone finds charming.
5. "Bravado"
OK, the beginning of this song literally sounds like an organ being played at a funeral. Leave it to Lorde to enchant you into wearing all black and forgetting your pocket full of sunshine at the door. Parts of this song are almost soulful, as she describes the process of seeking your own inner strength. The ones who surround you may have their own ideas with regard to your value, but sometimes you just need to find your own.
