Lorde has stirred excitement among fans with her return to music after taking some time off. The first single of this new chapter is ‘What Was That?’, from her upcoming album Virgin. Now, the New Zealand artist continues this journey with a second release, ‘Man of the Year.’
This new single follows the tone of an era shaped by her fourth studio album. This project has become a space for Lorde to not only explore new sounds but also to reflect on her own gender expression, which has become increasingly androgynous.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lorde shared that while she identifies as a cisgender woman, her evolving self-image and the complex relationship with her body—which she described as deeply challenging over the past year—have led her to explore gender fluidity. She described herself as feeling “in the middle gender-wise,” and said she’s found comfort in that fluid space.
She also recalled a conversation with Chappell Roan, who asked if she identified as non-binary. Lorde responded, “I’m a woman except for the days when I’m a man.’ I know that’s not a very satisfying answer, but there’s a part of me that is really resistant to boxing it up.”
Some of these elements are reflected in the music video, where Lorde appears semi-nude, wearing only jeans and two strips of gray tape across her chest. The video features a raw, expressive choreography that feels spontaneous, performed on the floor of an apartment filled with sand. The setting is a visual nod to Walter De Maria’s 1977 art installation The New York Earth Room.
Virgin: Tracklist and Release Date
Along with the single’s release, Lorde has revealed the official tracklist for Virgin, along with the album artwork and a release date set for June 27. The album will include 11 tracks, with titles that suggest a continued focus on themes of identity and transformation, such as ‘Shapeshifter’ and ‘If She Could See Me Now.’
Virgin: Hammer What Was That Shapeshifter Man Of The Year Favourite Daughter Current Affairs Clearblue GRWM Broken Glass If She Could See Me Now David. From me to you June 27 https://t.co/eKhZ63zVWcpic.twitter.com/NQRwkW2r0k
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