Lorde‘s second studio album Melodrama captures the many ups and downs that come with a shattered relationship. Through various modes of pop she frames the stages of her recovery — from anger and denial to acceptance. What separates Melodrama from other similar themed albums, is her practical state of mind; she is mourning the loss and growing as result, but she doesn’t lose her sense of self.
The production as a whole is sparse, subdued and at times bleak. It suggests that while she is making do, she is still saddened by what has transpired. As the album moves along, the production becomes more bold, mirroring the progress that’s being made. There is growth in Melodrama, but it isn’t forced or artificial. A stone has been turned, but she still understands that youth is on her side.
‘Green Light‘
Heartache and the memory of what once was has the heroine spiraling out of control. The minimal yet thunderous piano licks hit like bad memories, leaving her enraged and full of remorse. Through grit teeth she unleashes all her frustration, raging against the lies she’s been fed. She’s waiting for that green light moment, when she can forge on undeterred and leave all the pain behind: [LISTEN]
‘Sober‘
Slow sprawling synth and chunky drops of bass offer a proper launching pad for Lorde to lament even more. She’s looking to let loose and dance, forget all the pain and troubles that have been weighing her down. But amidst all the heavy drinking is the desire to see through clear eyes, and it’s a challenge she knows she’ll eventually have to face. For know though, the party continues unimpeded: [LISTEN]
‘Homemade Dynamite‘
A revelatory moment for Lorde as she enters the party. The beat is sparse, but crunchy enough to get the dance floor moving. The texture compliments her willowy vocals, and she courageously moves forward to see what the night will bring. She’s ready for an explosive night full of wild twists and turns. In the end she’s left breathless, marveling at life and the sheer joy that can come of it: [LISTEN]
‘The Louvre‘
Indulging in heavy reminiscing, she compares life with her now ex as something that could have been hung in a museum; picture perfect in every way. The puppy love phase takes center stage, and she’s blowing off everyone in her life so she can properly indulge. She’s willing to sit in the fiery pits of hell for him, and makes no qualms about who is left behind. Lovesick and unashamed about it: [LISTEN]
‘Liability‘
Fluffy and soft like a summer cloud. She scales back and speaks from a place of vulnerability. This level of comfort is uncharted territory, and she’s embracing every moment. The pain is injecting her with life and she’s exploring every angle that’s coming with it. The devastation has left her in shambles, but she’s making the best out of it by piecing her life back together one brick at a time: [LISTEN]
‘Hard Feelings/Loveless‘
A two-part confessional that captures the mercurial state of a broken heart. The beat starts off slow and then erupts, embodying the fire that is burning within. She’s relentless with her pain, tearing up all the keepsakes that remind her of him. He’s at the point where he is ignoring her calls, which is only inspiring her even more. She’s embracing the hurt knowing that eventually it’ll pass: [LISTEN]
‘Sober II (Melodrama)‘
Part two has her analyzing her emotions even further. The sweeping strings announce the end, and she’s mourning the passing of a great night out. The lights have cut on and all the faces that were once soaked in darkness are now open and exposed. The experience has left her blue and melancholy, and all that’s left is the future that lies ahead. She’s ready, but as nervous as ever: [LISTEN]
‘Writer in the Dark‘
The tears come pouring down in waves, a monsoon of anguish that won’t go away. The pain is in her bones now, and despite the bleakness she still believes that there is a chance for reconciliation. At the very least she is going to keep him in her heart, so that she might relive those tender moments once more. The beat is spacious and dark, a sonic interpretation of the growing hollowness: [LISTEN]
‘Supercut‘
Compiling all the wonderful moments that come with a stable relationship and piecing them into a magical collage. The images are that of every little girl’s dream relationship; full of tender moments and cute exchanges. There are no specifics, but the beat injects a feeling of buoyancy that carries on until the end. After the fun subsides, she soon realizes that it was all a dream: [LISTEN]
‘Liability (Reprise)‘
A continuation of a thought that in the end leaves her speechless. She is slowly coming to terms with the end, realizing that love is more than just Eskimo kisses and hugs. The notion is dawning on her that the true nature of love is not romance but the ups and downs that mirror everyday life. The thought eases her pain, and she’s slowly beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel: [LISTEN]
‘Perfect Places‘
A simple break beat helps Lorde articulate her thoughts. She’s in Neverland and enjoying ever moment of her freedom. What separates her from the pack is that she knows that she can’t stay young forever, that one day it will all come to an end. But that doesn’t mean she’s ready to hang it up and retire, she’s still young and going to enjoy the party for as long as possible: [LISTEN]
