Solar Power: Finding Power from Within

SOLAR POWER:

Finding Power from Within

THE WITCHY WORLD OF LORDE'S THIRD STUDIO ALBUM Written by Nina Johnson, Arts Editorial Assistant Graphic by Ella Cunz, Contributing Graphic Artist

August marked the release of Lorde’s third studio album, one she describes as “a celebration of the natural world, an attempt at immortalizing the deep, transcendent feelings I have when I’m outdoors.”1 “Solar Power” brings forth a maturity to Lorde’s identity, introducing listeners to her embrace of a “witch” aesthetic through her own spirituality and appreciation for nature and wellness. And, as autumn eclipses, she gives her fans 12 nuanced and graceful songs to linger through summer’s end. Lorde first stepped into the musical spotlight in 2013 with her hit release, “Royals.” Since then, her dedicated fanbase has been growing up alongside her as well as observing and internalizing the ways her persona and passions have flourished. Her first two albums touched upon a budding witch aesthetic, seen in both Lorde’s casual comments in interviews and within the careful depth of her lyrics. After the release of Lorde’s second album, she told a reporter “it would be no surprise to anyone I am not weirded out by ghosts or spirits. I am basically a witch.”2 Her lyrics facilitate this gradual progression into a shifting sense of what it means to be a witch, something once marked by dark makeup and teenage angst that’s now lighter, more whimsical and has turned outward. Lorde is still the same person, but older and with more wisdom to share.

A witch is one with the elements and the world that surrounds them, and Lorde’s lyricism signifies her relationship with the Natural world. Lorde harnesses the beauty of the Natural world for inspiration; not in an attempt to control, but rather, to see and connect with the most genuine version of herself. To Lorde, magic is found through Nature.3 Her first single off “Solar Pow-

¹ “Lorde.” Genius. ² “Lorde Explains Why She Thinks She’s a Witch.” ZM, 4 June 2017. ³ Wang, Steffanee. “Lorde Is Blonde & in Love er” equates her child-like love of the ocean to something transformational, and a necessary part of her life. Climate change is a recurring undertone throughout the album, highlighted in the songs “Fallen Fruit” and “Stoned at the Nail Salon.” Many of us were raised outdoors, and going back to these roots is an essential part of spirituality for Lorde. Caring about the planet’s wellbeing is an obligatory extension of that.

Moderation is important, and Lorde’s satirical 11th track makes it clear how crucial it is to not push limits when delving into the world of spirituality, magic and the supernatural. “Mood Ring” is a catchy, deceivingly upbeat song that denotes the dangers of when spirituality becomes trendy and commodified, and in turn harmful for the Indigenous cultures and Eastern practices in which these practices originate. Modern society is already fully entrenched in “wellness” and “self-care” culture, making it difficult to remove oneself from it entirely. Crystals, pseudo-spirituality, horoscopes, wellness retreats, vacations and more are a part of American lifestyles, and Lorde is guilty of indulging, too. Sometimes self-care goes wrong, and defining the line between appropriation and appreciation is complex. With “Mood Ring,” Lorde’s commentary provides fans with the knowledge that spirituality done well must come with a degree of self-awareness. On the whole, “Solar Power” brings Lorde straight to her listeners. Adhering to the witch aesthetic and itching for the transcendental does not require abnormal experiences.4 Lorde shows that she’s as human as the rest of us— she’s saddened by grief, hurt by dogs

With Wellness in New ‘Mood RING’ VIDEO.” Nylon, Nylon, 17 Aug. 2021. ⁴ Chan, Stephanie. “An Itch for the Transcendental: What Lorde’s ‘Perfect Places’ Reveals about Our Postmodern Angst.” METANOIA, METANOIA, 24 July 2020. dying and confused by heartbreak. She’s wishful, eager for love and above all, wants to experience happiness.

Growing up and navigating the obligations of young adult life make it easy to muddle your search for something higher or more spiritual within yourself. This is especially true given the superficial and materialistic wellness culture that dominates Western society today. Through “Solar Power,” Lorde shares her experience with these issues and encourages us to seek the strength that lies within. Slowing down, opening yourself up to Nature and caring for the world around you is where purpose and connection can always be found. ■

Lorde harnesses the beauty of the Natural world for inspiration; not in an attempt to control, but rather, to see and connect with the most genuine version of herself. To Lorde, magic is found through Nature.