Lorde is back in the spotlight, and this time it’s with a summery bikini photo and a tantalizing hint about her upcoming music. The New Zealand singer-songwriter recently posted a photo on social media, sending fans into a frenzy as she teased the imminent arrival of new material. Let’s dive into what we know about Lorde’s recent activity, her new album “Virgin,” and what fans can expect.
The Bikini Tease: “Virgin in Ten Days”
On June 19, 2025, Lorde posted a photo of herself in a bikini, casually enjoying watermelon. The caption read, “Virgin in ten days another song in a few.” This simple message sent her fanbase, affectionately known as “Lorde-lings,” into overdrive. The post not only showcased Lorde’s physique but also served as a countdown to new music.
Fans flooded the comments with excitement, expressing their anticipation for the new song and album. The phrase “Virgin in ten days” clearly refers to her upcoming album, “Virgin,” scheduled for release on June 27, 2025. The additional tease of “another song in a few” suggests that fans might get another single before the full album drops.
Decoding “Virgin”: Lorde’s New Album
“Virgin” marks Lorde’s fourth studio album, following 2021’s “Solar Power.” The album is highly anticipated, especially given the four-year gap since her last full-length release. Here’s what we know about “Virgin” so far:
Release Date
“Virgin” is officially set to release on June 27, 2025. This date has been confirmed through various sources, including official announcements and music news outlets.
Singles
So far, Lorde has released three singles from “Virgin”:
- “What Was That”: Released on April 24, 2025, this was the first original single from Lorde in nearly four years. The music video, filmed in New York City, features footage of a surprise performance in Washington Square Park.
- “Man of the Year”: Released on May 29, 2025, accompanied by a music video directed by Grant Singer. Lorde has described this song as “an offering from really deep inside me” and the track she’s “proudest of” on “Virgin.”
- “Hammer”: Released on June 19, 2025, the same day as her bikini post. Lorde described the song as “an ode to city life and horniness tbh.” The lyrics explore themes of city life and self-discovery. The music video, directed by Renell Medrano, is expected to be released soon.
Themes and Influences
Lorde has been open about the themes and inspirations behind “Virgin.” She described the album’s color as “clear. Like bathwater, windows, ice, spit. Full transparency.” This suggests a raw and unfiltered look into her experiences and emotions.
In a newsletter to fans, Lorde elaborated on the album’s themes: “THE LANGUAGE IS PLAIN AND UNSENTIMENTAL. THE SOUNDS ARE THE SAME WHEREVER POSSIBLE. I WAS TRYING TO SEE MYSELF, ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A DOCUMENT THAT REFLECTED MY FEMININITY: RAW, PRIMAL, INNOCENT, ELEGANT, OPENHEARTED, SPIRITUAL, MASC.”
These themes align with Lorde’s recent exploration of her gender identity. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she mentioned feeling “in the middle gender-wise,” stating, “I’m a woman except for the days when I’m a man.” This fluidity and exploration of identity are expected to be prominent in the album.
Collaborators
For “Virgin,” Lorde has collaborated with several notable producers:
- Jim-E Stack: Known for his work with artists like Gracie Abrams and Bon Iver.
- Daniel Nigro: A Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan.
Tracklist
While the full tracklist hasn’t been officially revealed, snippets and teasers suggest a diverse range of songs, each delving into personal and introspective themes.
Album Cover
The album cover for “Virgin” features an X-ray scan image of a woman’s pelvis, complete with a belt buckle, trouser zipper, and an IUD coil. Lorde’s Instagram bio also reads: “THE THEMES ARE ALWAYS THE SAME— A RETURN TO INNOCENCE— THE MYSTERIES OF THE BLOOD— AN ITCH FOR THE TRANSCENDENTAL.”
Lorde’s Health and Wellness
The recent bikini photo has also sparked interest in Lorde’s health and wellness routine. Here’s what we know about how the 28-year-old approaches her diet and fitness:
Diet
While specific details of Lorde’s daily diet aren’t readily available, it’s evident that she focuses on a balanced approach. The bikini photo itself shows her enjoying watermelon, suggesting a preference for fresh, natural foods.
Fitness Routine
Lorde’s fitness routine is varied and adaptable, often tailored to her touring schedule. According to her trainer, Allison Kimmel, Lorde doesn’t have a set workout schedule. Instead, they focus on incorporating fitness into her busy life whenever possible.
Her workouts typically include:
- Cardio: Starting with a 15-minute jog or other cardio activity.
- Yoga-Inspired Warm-Up: An “uptempo yoga-inspired” warm-up to prepare her body for more intense exercises.
- Strength Training: Traditional strength exercises combined with barre and Pilates.
- Stretching: Lorde emphasizes stretching, especially before performances, to maintain flexibility and prevent injuries.
Lorde herself has mentioned the importance of stretching for her physical performances: “I do lots of stretching, because when I perform my limbs fly all over the place. The boys laugh at me lunging across the room.”
“Man of the Year”: A Deeper Look
“Man of the Year,” the second single from “Virgin,” provides additional insight into Lorde’s current mindset and artistic direction. The song delves into themes of self-acceptance, gender identity, and personal transformation.
Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics of “Man of the Year” explore Lorde’s journey of self-discovery and her evolving understanding of her gender identity. The opening lines, “Some days I’m a woman/ Some days I’m a man,” succinctly capture this exploration.
Other notable lyrics include:
- “You met me at a really strange time in my life.”
- “Take my knife and I cut the cord/My babe, can’t believe I’ve become someone else/Someone more like myself.”
These lines suggest a period of personal upheaval and transformation, as well as a newfound sense of self-acceptance.
Gender Identity
Lorde’s exploration of gender identity has been a significant theme in the lead-up to “Virgin.” In an interview, she discussed a conversation with Chappell Roan, who asked if she was nonbinary. 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.”
She also mentioned that stopping birth control played a role in her gender discovery: “I felt like stopping taking my birth control, I had cut some sort of cord between myself and this regulated femininity.”
Music Video
The music video for “Man of the Year,” directed by Grant Singer, complements the song’s themes. It presents a visually striking narrative that reflects Lorde’s introspective journey.
“Hammer”: Embracing City Life and Self-Discovery
Lorde’s latest single, “Hammer,” offers another glimpse into the sonic and lyrical landscape of “Virgin.” Released just days before the album, “Hammer” is described by Lorde as “an ode to city life and horniness tbh.”
Lyrical Themes
The lyrics of “Hammer” detail the singer’s experiences exploring lower Manhattan and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. The opening verse sets the tone: “There’s a heat in the pavement, my mercury’s raising, don’t know if it’s love or if it’s ovulation.”
Other notable lyrics include:
- “Today I’ll go to Canal St, they’re piercing my ears, I’m makin’ a wish when the needle goes in, Take an aura picture, Read it and tell me who I am.”
- “Some days I’m a woman, some days I’m a man.”
These lyrics further emphasize Lorde’s exploration of identity and her connection to urban life.
Music Video
The music video for “Hammer,” directed by Renell Medrano, is highly anticipated. A trailer for the video shows Lorde running through London’s Hampstead Heath, suggesting a visual narrative that complements the song’s themes of movement and self-discovery.
“Virgin”: A Return to Innocence
As Lorde prepares to release “Virgin,” the album title itself suggests a rebirth or a new beginning. This theme aligns with her personal journey of self-discovery and her exploration of gender identity.
In her own words, Lorde is aiming for “full transparency” with this album. She wants to create a document that reflects her femininity in all its complexity: “raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, masc.”
With its diverse range of themes, introspective lyrics, and innovative sound, “Virgin” promises to be a significant addition to Lorde’s discography. Fans eagerly await the album’s release on June 27, ready to delve into the depths of Lorde’s artistic vision.
Ultrasound World Tour
To support the release of “Virgin,” Lorde will embark on the Ultrasound World Tour, kicking off in September 2025 in Austin, Texas. The tour will see her playing arenas across the U.S., before heading to Europe and the U.K.
This tour will provide fans with an opportunity to experience Lorde’s new music live and witness her evolving stage presence.
Anticipation Builds
As the release date for “Virgin” approaches, anticipation continues to build. Lorde’s recent activities, from her bikini post to the release of “Hammer,” have only heightened the excitement.
With her willingness to explore personal and introspective themes, Lorde is poised to deliver an album that resonates with listeners on a deep and meaningful level. “Virgin” promises to be a testament to her artistic growth and her unwavering commitment to authenticity.
