On June 27, 2025, New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde unveiled her fourth studio album, Virgin, signaling a significant shift in her musical and personal journey. Departing from the sun-soaked tones of 2021’s Solar Power, Virgin embraces a minimalist, synth-driven soundscape, delving deep into themes of identity, transformation, and self-exploration.
Co-produced with Jim-E Stack, known for his work with artists like Bon Iver and Charli XCX, the album features contributions from a diverse array of collaborators, including Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Dan Nigro, Fabiana Palladino, and Buddy Ross. The production is characterized by its stripped-down instrumentation, allowing Lorde’s introspective lyrics to take center stage. Tracks like “Hammer,” “Shapeshifter,” and “Man of the Year” exemplify this approach, blending sparse electronic elements with raw, emotive vocals.
Lorde’s exploration of gender identity is a central theme throughout Virgin. In interviews, she has discussed her resistance to strict gender labels, expressing feelings of fluidity and moments of identifying with both masculine and feminine energies. This personal journey is reflected in her music, with lyrics that candidly address her experiences and emotions. For instance, “Hammer” includes the line, “Some days I’m a woman, some days I’m a man,” encapsulating her nuanced perspective on gender.
The album’s visual presentation further underscores its themes of vulnerability and self-examination. The cover art features a blue-tinted X-ray image of a pelvis, complete with a visible IUD, symbolizing transparency and bodily autonomy. However, the vinyl edition sparked controversy due to an accompanying eight-page insert containing a zoomed-in photo of Lorde’s crotch through sheer pants. While some critics deemed the image provocative, others defended it as a bold artistic statement aligning with the album’s introspective nature.
Virgin has received widespread acclaim from critics, who praise its emotional depth and sonic innovation. Pitchfork described the album as “a gritty, tender, and often transcendent ode to freedom and transformation,” highlighting its return to the emotionally resonant style of 2017’s Melodrama. The album’s exploration of personal themes, coupled with its minimalist production, marks a significant evolution in Lorde’s artistry.
To promote Virgin, Lorde embarked on the Ultrasound World Tour, her most extensive tour to date. The tour, which began in September 2025, includes sold-out performances at major venues such as Madison Square Garden and London’s O2 Arena. The live shows feature stripped-down arrangements of the new material, emphasizing the album’s intimate and introspective qualities.
In addition to the album and tour, Lorde made a surprise appearance at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, performing Virgin in its entirety during a secret set. The unannounced performance was met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, further cementing the album’s impact and Lorde’s continued relevance in the music industry.
Virgin stands as a testament to Lorde’s willingness to confront personal truths and push artistic boundaries. Through its exploration of identity, vulnerability, and transformation, the album offers a compelling and deeply personal listening experience, marking a bold new chapter in Lorde’s career.