After nearly four years of musical silence, Lorde is back, and she’s ready to dance through the ghosts of her past. Today, the New Zealand star released her highly anticipated new single “What Was That”, officially ushering in a vibrant new era that blends nocturnal beats with raw emotion.

Lorde’s last album, “Solar Power“ (2021), found her embracing a sun-soaked, introspective world, reflecting on fame, grief, and personal growth. It was a notable shift from the intense house party heartbreak of “Melodrama”, the record that cemented her as a modern pop visionary. But with “What Was That”, Lorde leans back into the rhythm and urgency that made her early work so magnetic, this time, with a maturity that acknowledges the lingering shadows of old loves rather than trying to escape them.

Produced alongside Jim-E Stack (known for his work with Charli XCX, HAIM, and Caroline Polachek) and Grammy-winning Dan Nigro (Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan), “What Was That” feels both fresh and familiar. It’s a pulsing, synth-driven anthem that bridges the emotional honesty of her past records with the vibrant energy of dance music.

The single’s release was accompanied by a video that captures Lorde biking and wandering through New York City, a visual love letter to spontaneous city nights. It also nods to her surprise appearance in Washington Square Park earlier this week. After teasing fans with a cryptic group text inviting them to “Meet me in the park”, the scene quickly grew chaotic, with thousands gathering around the fountain. Police ultimately intervened, but Lorde didn’t disappoint, two hours later, she appeared to thank the loyal fans and danced with them as “What Was That” blared from a portable speaker.

Adding to her recent buzz, Lorde recently collaborated with Charli XCX on “Girl, So Confusing”, performing the track at Madison Square Garden last fall and at Coachella earlier this month. But “What Was That” marks her first true solo release since “Solar Power”, and it promises a thrilling chapter ahead.

With a full album rumored to be on the way, “What Was That” is more than a comeback single; it’s Lorde reintroducing herself on her own electrifying terms.

Check it out below!