Solar Power
by Lorde
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Aug 20, 2021
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 1363 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,110 out of 1363
  2. Mixed: 119 out of 1363
  3. Negative: 134 out of 1363
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  1. justAnna
    Aug 22, 2021
    5
    Lorde put her heart and soul into this new project, I have no doubts. However, Solar Power may lack emotions and feelings. The lyrics are pretty well written, but something is missing. It's like she doesn't have so much to say. Plus, according to the way Lorde described this new album, I was expecting lyrics more impressive, more powerful. I was expecting to feel something, but I barelyLorde put her heart and soul into this new project, I have no doubts. However, Solar Power may lack emotions and feelings. The lyrics are pretty well written, but something is missing. It's like she doesn't have so much to say. Plus, according to the way Lorde described this new album, I was expecting lyrics more impressive, more powerful. I was expecting to feel something, but I barely did.
    Next, the productions. This is high quality fore sure, but kind of repetitive. That guitar, I understand Lorde wanted a sound more chill, more soft, more simple on this album but all the songs sound the same. I can't find the originality and uniqueness of her previous albums. I wish there was at least one song more rythmic, more dancing, in the middle of the album just to " wake up " the listener. Indeed, Solar Power tends to fall into a soporific effect at some point.
    At the end, the main issue is that it's quite difficult to pick a standout track, a " coup de coeur " from Solar Power, because there is not. The songs are mainly unremarkable. The Path, Fallen Fruit and Mood Ring are the only songs that stands out a bit. I'm not going to say the album is boring because it would be rude, but it's definitely too " slow " for me. It's a relaxing album but that's it.
    I'm quite disappointed that Lorde released Solar Power at the end of August, when vacations come to an end and the beach and the sun are far away behind us. It's a summer album, I'm not seeing myself listening to Solar Power in October for example. It would have been better to release it in late June.
    I'm proud of Lorde for testing a new musical style and reinventing herself ! But it is just not for me. I mean, it would have be great as an EP, but as an whole album after 4 years of waiting, it's a bit weak.    … Expand
  2. LuqmanSazali
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    This album is literally healing the planet as we speak. A grower that deserves great attention to the songwriting and lyrics.
  3. PretentiousGeek
    Aug 21, 2021
    6
    The idea that I had to expect more of the same to be disappointed here is a fallacy. I know better than to expect the same from my favourite artists every time they release. It doesn't stop me being underwhelmed by how gutless this all feels. The breeziness is growing on me but the lack of consistent perspective and clear messaging is killing the writing, which is odd for someone soThe idea that I had to expect more of the same to be disappointed here is a fallacy. I know better than to expect the same from my favourite artists every time they release. It doesn't stop me being underwhelmed by how gutless this all feels. The breeziness is growing on me but the lack of consistent perspective and clear messaging is killing the writing, which is odd for someone so historically sharp.… Expand
  4. JanGeraldi
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    A grower. Definitely deserves more attention and care before the "critics" press enter here
  5. Eitangu
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    This is lorde untamed, at her most spiritual and self aware. Love this entirely
  6. miguelagcaoili
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Critics should realize that Lorde is not that angsty teen from Pure Heroine and Melodrama no more but a carefree, happy adult now in Solar Power.
  7. Wavyy
    Aug 21, 2021
    8
    Even tho this isn’t my favorite Lorde album, it is still a really great album. I think it actually says something when a artist can give you something different every album. I think the one thing Lorde do very well is give us music based on her mood. I think album is equivalent to Taylor Swift’s Folklore album. It’s a really great attempt of Indie Pop music. It also sound like she isEven tho this isn’t my favorite Lorde album, it is still a really great album. I think it actually says something when a artist can give you something different every album. I think the one thing Lorde do very well is give us music based on her mood. I think album is equivalent to Taylor Swift’s Folklore album. It’s a really great attempt of Indie Pop music. It also sound like she is really enjoying the summer. Oceanic Feeling is the perfect outro and song on this album. Obviously, a lot of people won’t like this album because it’s not typical somber and dark music like Lorde is known for but I think it is just as good as Lorde previous albums. I throughly enjoyed it and it will be replayed a lot.… Expand
  8. SSC123
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    To think this album is rated very low is shocking. I deliver mail to this masterpiece. A beautiful album.
  9. Helbert
    Aug 21, 2021
    5
    Not bad, but not great. Lorde could give us so much more. A little bit disappointing, especially after Melodrama.
  10. vaduqui97
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    So refreshing and thoughtful, perfect calmness after the melodrama storm, loved it.
  11. noahjwhite
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    In short, this is a Jack Antonoff vanity project. Lorde shines on a few tracks (Stoned at the Nail Salon). Unfortunately, most of the album sounds like a "Chemtrails" B-Side. It's like Jack said, "hey Lorde, I have these songs Lana couldn't work with, can you?" Lorde proceeded to polish Jack's turd. Why did I give it a 9? Because it's still great overall and few tracks are amazing.
  12. allanvixtor
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    So incredible! That's amazing! Lorde is wonderful! I feel in love with new álbum!
  13. Petlus
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Quem não curtiu é porque ainda não entendeu do que se trata este álbum. Superem, vocês não vão encontrar a lorde adolescente neste álbum.
  14. jesusfloresm
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    I love it so much!! Thank u for always make art Ella, we missed you❤️ Favorite tracks: California, fallen fruit and oceanic feeling
  15. robinlarsen
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    People didn't like Melodrama at first, and today it's considered a pop classic. I'm sure this will go down in the books as a memorable album in a year or two. Every summer from now on will have Solar Power as it's soundtrack. It's beautiful and heartfelt.
  16. chrismatan
    Aug 21, 2021
    0
    Extremely underwhelming album. Jack Antonoff needs to be stopped. Sounds like a bad Lana Del Rey album
  17. Danielchtus
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Solar Power nos dio la oportunidad de conocer a una nueva Lorde, una nueva etapa de su vida, con letras y sonidos diferentes, realmente quienes comparan estén álbum con Melodrama no se dan la oportunidad de disfrutar fuera de lo acostumbrado.
  18. asaprossy
    Aug 21, 2021
    0
    boring. awful mixing. clunky and cliche lyrics. I couldn’t get through it.
  19. erickc
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    IT'S a perfect album, lirically and musically, it grows on you the more you listen to it, it's so sad to see people not letting her grow up and unappreciating her artistical evolution, she's not a teen anymore, she already immortalized adolescence in pure heroine, go listen to it if that's what you want, go listen to melodrama if you want a synth pop euphoric break up album that's notIT'S a perfect album, lirically and musically, it grows on you the more you listen to it, it's so sad to see people not letting her grow up and unappreciating her artistical evolution, she's not a teen anymore, she already immortalized adolescence in pure heroine, go listen to it if that's what you want, go listen to melodrama if you want a synth pop euphoric break up album that's not gonna happen again, she's a happy grown woman now and solar power reflect it… Expand
  20. marciojose
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Diferente de tudo que já tinha feito porém fica melhor a cada vez que ouço! Solar Power é lindo
  21. Danishinsai
    Aug 21, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A solid 8 to me! i love this album so much that i have to create an account on this website to actually leave a review. After listen to 12 tracks from this album i can understand what Lorde wants us to feel. The warm of the sunset in summertime but slightly cold from the sadness of the rains we usually see in June and it’s just fascinating! She gives us so many moods in this whole album and you can also see her maturity in her lyrics “Spend all the evenings you can with the people who raised you
    'Cause all the times they will change, it'll all come around” this is from “Stoned At The Nail Salon” this album just fits the situation I’m dealing with right now in the middle of the pandemic all we need is to be safe and happy ! Spending all the good time with our favorite people as much as possible cause we don’t know when the time comes we might lose them “Cause i don’t know , maybe i’m just stoned at the nail salon… again?” Her experience with heartbreaks and how she heals in “The Man With The Axe” “I guess I'll always be this way
    Swallowed up by the words and halfway to space
    But there by the fire, you offered your hand
    And as I took it, I loved you, the boy with the plan”

    Old sad habits from the first part gives me blues and fire when he offered his hand to her gives me yellow again she loves him “the boy with the plan” gives me green the perfect mixture between blue and yellow we got green it’s time to turn on the “Green Light” again forgiveness, compassion, understanding that’s the meaning of the color green in this song . A few last words
    I don’t really care what other critics think about this album but it’s very special to me . This album needs to win The Grammys cause of the wholesomeness that we received from Lorde who gives us so many stories from her own experience throughout this album “Solar Power” . Love u Lorde    … Expand
  22. Dorantes
    Aug 21, 2021
    7
    Simplemente me dejó sin palabras. Lorde se reinventó por tercera vez, demasiado arriesgada la tercera a mi parecer, sin embargo, hay muchas cosas qué rescatar. Gran álbum, sin embargo, tiene varias canciones experimentales que no me terminan de convencer del todo, parecieran interludios en vez de canciones, y considerando que abarcan más o menos una tercera parte del álbum volvió un pocoSimplemente me dejó sin palabras. Lorde se reinventó por tercera vez, demasiado arriesgada la tercera a mi parecer, sin embargo, hay muchas cosas qué rescatar. Gran álbum, sin embargo, tiene varias canciones experimentales que no me terminan de convencer del todo, parecieran interludios en vez de canciones, y considerando que abarcan más o menos una tercera parte del álbum volvió un poco monótona la experiencia. Pero por las demás, por la primera mitad y las últimas dos canciones todo salió perfectamente. Esta mujer y Jack Antonoff son unos escritores maravillosos y jamás podré admirarlos lo suficiente.… Expand
  23. DonCalamardo09
    Aug 21, 2021
    0
    her worst album, we wait 4 years for this $h!t? she needs to retire because she sucks
  24. celofoda
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    dope. my favs are solar power, california, fallen fruit and oceanic feeling!
  25. SenzoFenjin
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absurdly bright and exotic 3rd era in which Lorde walks the Ellaphants into the Sun. Casting a folk-like and abundantly leafy aesthetic through restrained but honest vocals from Lode, masterfully blended into the murky instrumental from Antonoff. Covering ground from shining a blinding light on issues of leadership and following in 'The Path' and 'Leader of a New Regime' to addressing growth and departure from the girl in Pure Heroine in 'Secrets From a Girl' and 'Oceanic Feeling'.… Expand
  26. joshlcole
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    lorde’s third album is something audiences may not connect with on the first few listens. however, if heard in the right weather, right frame of mind, and right understanding, the singer/songwriter’s beautiful prose and eccentric persona shine through as bright as her beloved new zealand summer sun.
  27. finnyoboy
    Aug 21, 2021
    0
    This is the most flat, boring, and all around terrible album I’ve ever heard from a mainstream artist.
  28. arthurjvieira
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    After a long time waiting new stuff since Melodrama, we've been blesssed with another gorgeus work.
    Let´s speak the truth, we can't deny that Lorde grown up. She's not that weird-emo-goth teenager that shown up years ago and y'all should accept this immediately.
    Solar Power isn't a commercial album, this has been defined by the own singer since the pre releasing weeks. Even though the    After a long time waiting new stuff since Melodrama, we've been blesssed with another gorgeus work.
    Let´s speak the truth, we can't deny that Lorde grown up. She's not that weird-emo-goth teenager that shown up years ago and y'all should accept this immediately.
    Solar Power isn't a commercial album, this has been defined by the own singer since the pre releasing weeks. Even though the Antonoff's poor production contribute to the lack of exploration, she's demonstrating wisdom and evolution after every era. If you're Melodrama's or Pure Heroine's widows, wipe your tears out and enjoy the summer after pandemic    … Expand
  29. AlbertoMusic
    Aug 21, 2021
    5
    I will have to listen to the record again, because all the songs were very similar to me: many short ballads, acoustic guitar, but nothing memorable, forceful or exciting. At times, on songs like Mood Ring, I heard his unmistakable vocal style, but in the end the song just didn't get off the ground. I know the album is very different, but I expected more. Sorry, it's the first impressionI will have to listen to the record again, because all the songs were very similar to me: many short ballads, acoustic guitar, but nothing memorable, forceful or exciting. At times, on songs like Mood Ring, I heard his unmistakable vocal style, but in the end the song just didn't get off the ground. I know the album is very different, but I expected more. Sorry, it's the first impression you left on me, maybe I will change my mind after several listens.… Expand
  30. julialegre
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    She's grown so much, and this album absolutely shows that! The power of every song, lyrics and the feelings it gives you. I'm just gonna put this clear: you'll want to play repeat over and over, there's something missing from the first time you listen to the album, and once you fully understand how it's supposed to reach the public, hence all our senses, this album is a masterpiece.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Under The Radar
    Aug 30, 2021
    55
    All these connections Lorde is trying to make: her strange pastiche imagination of the ’70s, that random spoken word interlude by Robyn about climate change, and the themes of “sun healing,” never fully reach each other. Often, they come off as disingenuous and out of touch more than they read as brilliant, or comical. Whether the album is one big prank, or just one majorly failed experiment, the gist of having the “privilege to ignore” is lost in translation. All you are left with is just a handful of pretty alright songs.
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  2. AllMusic
    Aug 26, 2021
    60
    If you're riding and vibing with Lorde, this bright shapelessness is superb mood music. If you're not riding her wave, Solar Power can seem elusive, even cloying, as it circles and sways with a smile.
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Aug 26, 2021
    70
    This might not be the album that everyone wanted from Lorde, but it’s a solid, dreamy effort that deserves exploration. There’s plenty here worthy of attention if you can focus for long enough.
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