Lorde has released her first solo single in nearly four years, titled “What Was That”, on April 24, 2025. The track marks a return to the dance-pop sound reminiscent of her acclaimed 2017 album Melodrama and delves into themes of heartbreak, identity, and personal growth .
Co-written and co-produced with Jim-E Stack and Dan Nigro, “What Was That” blends upbeat electronic sounds with reflective lyrics about a past relationship. The song includes references to MDMA, echoing the emotive and hedonistic tone of her 2017 album Melodrama, and contains allusions to personal struggles with body image and disordered eating .
The accompanying music video features Lorde walking and biking through New York City, culminating in a pop-up performance at Washington Square Park. Initially interrupted by police due to lack of permits, Lorde returned later that night to perform and express gratitude to her fans .
“What Was That” is the lead single from Lorde’s upcoming fourth studio album. The song was teased through a series of cryptic social media posts, voice notes, and audio snippets, with the title and cover art revealed on April 16, 2025. The track is available on all major streaming platforms.
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