What Was That

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"What Was That"
Single by Lorde
from the album Virgin
Released24 April 2025 (2025-04-24)
Genre
Length3:29
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Lorde singles chronology
"Fallen Fruit"
(2021) 		"What Was That"
(2025) 		"Man of the Year"
(2025)
Music video
"What Was That" on YouTube

"What Was That" is a song by New Zealand singer and songwriter Lorde. It was released on 24 April 2025 through Universal and Republic Records as the lead single from her upcoming fourth studio album Virgin (2025). The song was written and produced by Lorde and producer Jim-E Stack, with production assistance from Dan Nigro. Inspired by the drums on the 2007 song "Reckoner" by English rock band Radiohead,[1] "What Was That" is an electropop and synth-pop song. The lyrics of the song reminisce on a previous relationship and its aftermath.

The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its lyrics and its production elements, which received comparisons to her earlier works. It reached number one in New Zealand, and charted inside the top 20 in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Billboard Global 200 chart. Lorde and Terrence O'Connor directed the music video for "What Was That", which shows Lorde walking alone through various parts of New York City before culminating in a spontaneous dance performance at Washington Square Park, where she was surrounded by fans recording the moment.

Background and promotion

[edit]

Following the release of her third studio album, Solar Power (2021), Lorde only gave sporadic updates and hints of being in the recording studio. In February 2023, she confirmed to Ensemble Magazine that she had started working on her fourth studio album, admitting that it would take her a long time to return.[2] In July 2024, Lorde shared a brief clip of new music on her Instagram stories. The next month, it was confirmed that she teamed up with American musician Jim-E Stack for the album.[3]

On 9 April 2025, Lorde first shared a snippet of an unreleased track to her TikTok account. The clip shows the singer walking through Washington Square Park in New York City.[4] The song was subsequently labeled "WWT", an acronym for "What Was That".[5] At the same time, the singer blanked her official website and her Instagram feed while changing her profile picture to a water bottle.[2] Lorde announced the song on 16 April 2025 through her social media.[6] She simultaneously shared the artwork on her Instagram that depicts herself in a bright red T-shirt staring at the camera while water drips from her face.[7] The aesthetic of the picture, taken by American photographer Talia Chetrit,[8] drew comparisons to Marina Abramović's 2010 performance The Artist Is Present.[9]

On 22 April, Lorde posted an Instagram story and sent a text message telling fans to go to Washington Square Park in New York City at 19:00 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC−04:00) that night.[10] Following the attendance of a large number of fans, the event was shut down shortly before it was scheduled to begin. A spokesperson from the New York City Police Department told Vulture they were alerted to an "unscheduled event" in the park, as well as stating that Lorde "did not possess either [of the permits required]" to host the event. Lorde's collaborator Dev Hynes played the track on a portable speaker to fans, before her arrival at the park around 21:30 EDT.[11] The next day, Lorde announced that "What Was That" would be released at midnight.[12]

Upon the song's release, Lorde's website was updated with a candid note, detailing the origins of the track. In the note, Lorde revealed that the song was conceived during a tumultuous period in late 2023. She described experiencing a "deep breakup" and the emotional upheaval that followed, writing: "Every meal a battle. Flashbacks and waves. Feeling grief's vortex and letting it take me. Opening my mouth and recording what fell out."[13]

Production and composition

[edit]

Lorde co-wrote "What Was That" with Jim-E Stack and co-produced it alongside Stack and Daniel Nigro. Stack played piano, drums, keyboards, and synthesisers, while Nigro played piano, synthesisers, bass guitar, and electric guitar. The track was engineered by Stack, Nigro, and Jack Manning; mixed by Chris Gehringer and Spike Stent; and mastered by Will Quinnell. Nigro additionally provided drum programming, while Koby Berman worked as an additional engineer. "What Was That" also features electric guitar work by Andrew Aged of Inc. No World.[14][15]

"What Was That" is 3 minutes and 29 seconds long and is primarily structured around two verses and two choruses.[16][17] It is an electropop[17] and synth-pop[18] track with an upbeat arrangement and reflective lyrics about a past relationship, nostalgia, and personal growth.[19][20] Lorde's vocals are accompanied by an electronic beat, a minimalist bassline, light percussion, and subtle, syncopated synths that gradually build up.[21][22][23]

Lyrically, the song's narrator reflects on times spent with her partner taking "MDMA in the back garden" and kissing "for hours straight". Although she has moved on, she expresses pain and regret, stating that she covered "up all the mirrors" because she could not "see myself yet" in the aftermath of the relationship.[24] Towards the end of the track, the narrator gradually reconciles with the idea of moving on ("When I'm in the blue light, I can make it alright / What was that?").[22]

Several music journalists drew parallels between "What Was That" and Lorde's second studio album, Melodrama (2017).[18][19][25][26] NME's Surej Singh thought that the song recalled the "hazy narrative" of Melodrama in both its themes and melodies.[22] Rhian Daly from the same magazine commented that unlike Melodrama's attempt to move past pain, the narrator in "What Was That" accepted the idea of "memories [...] haunting her". Daly also compared "What Was That" to Melodrama's lead single, "Green Light", but thought that it displayed less intense emotional and sonic peaks.[24]

Critical reception

[edit]

Robin Murray of Clash gave the song a 9/10 and noted that she is reclaiming center stage with the multi-faceted pop ambition of "Green Light", while refusing to re-tread old ground.[27] In a positive review, Mark Beaumont of The Independent noted that Lorde "returns to what she does best: crafting melancholic, minimal yet monumental tracks for heartbroken souls."[28] NME writer Rhian Daly gave "What Was That" four out of five stars, writing that the track lacks a "killer punch", but Lorde shines in her emotive, electric style, effectively recreating a "dance-in-the-dark" atmosphere.[24]

In mixed reviews of the song, Paolo Ragusa of Consequence wrote that "while it's not the most adventurous new offering from the singer, it does teem with maturity and wisdom" finding it "authentic and refreshing", but in its production "feels a lot like a step sideways than a leap in any direction".[29] Walden Green from Pitchfork stated that while Lorde's "writing is as evocative and rich as ever", the track production is "bloodless", noting that it is less riveting than the singer's past works such as "Green Light" and "Hard Feelings/Loveless".[30]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "What Was That" was filmed across various locations in New York City. In the video, Lorde is seen walking and biking alone around the East Side of Manhattan, dressed in a white shirt and jeans, complemented with silver accessories and a keychain. At times, the shirt is left open, revealing a black bikini top. She then emerges through a manhole and arrives at Washington Square Park, where she dances as fans record her with their phones.[18][31][32]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from Qobuz.[14]

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "What Was That"
Chart (2025) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[33] 9
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[34] 19
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[35] 45
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[36] 31
Croatia International Airplay (Top lista)[37] 43
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[38] 70
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)[39] 19
Germany (GfK)[40] 33
Global 200 (Billboard)[41] 18
Greece International (IFPI)[42] 28
Ireland (IRMA)[43] 6
Israel International Airplay (Media Forest)[44] 18
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[45] 12
Latvia (LaIPA)[46] 16
Lithuania (AGATA)[47] 26
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)[48] 40
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[49] 83
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[50] 1
Norway (VG-lista)[51] 43
Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)[52] 93
Portugal (AFP)[53] 67
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[54] 74
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[55] 54
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[56] 33
UK Singles (OCC)[57] 11
US Billboard Hot 100[58] 36
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[59] 6

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "What Was That"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various 24 April 2025
[60]
Italy 2 May 2025 Radio airplay Universal [61]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Lorde reveals that she used the drums from Radiohead's Reckoner while she was writing What Was That". Yahoo Entertainment. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  2. ^ a b Wickes, Hanna (10 April 2025). "Everything We Know: Lorde Teases New Music and the World Is Healing: Details on L4 Album Release Date, Tracklist, Singles & More!". J-14. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  3. ^ Sanchez, Chelsey (9 April 2025). "Everything We Know About Lorde's Highly-Anticipated Fourth Album". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  4. ^ Dailey, Hannah (9 April 2025). "Lorde Shares Snippet of New Song Ahead of L4: 'Since I Was 17, I Gave You Everything'". Billboard. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  5. ^ O'Dell, Liam (11 April 2025). "Lorde teases first original music in four years with 'What Was That' snippet". The Independent. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  6. ^ Strauss, Matthew (16 April 2025). "Lorde Announces New Song 'What Was That'". Pitchfork. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  7. ^ Dailey, Hannah (16 April 2025). "Lorde Announces First Single in 4 Years Titled 'What Was That'". Billboard. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  8. ^ Garcia, Thania (16 April 2025). "Lorde Announces New Single 'What Was That'". Variety. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  9. ^ Rendić, Mia (30 April 2025). "Lorde je izbacila novi singl, a nas je privukao zanimljivi cover" [Lorde Dropped a New Single, And We Were Attracted By the Interesting Cover Art]. Elle (in Croatian). Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  10. ^ Green, Walden (23 April 2025). "Lorde Debuts New Song 'What Was That' Live at Washington Square Park". Pitchfork. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  11. ^ Zhan, Jennifer (22 April 2025). "Does Lorde Know She's Famous?". Vulture. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  12. ^ Millman, Ethan (23 April 2025). "Lorde Debuts New Single 'What Was That' at Washington Square Park". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  13. ^ Nastasi, Alison (24 April 2025). "What Was That Lorde Moment on the Met Gala Red Carpet?". Vulture. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  14. ^ a b "What Was That | Lorde". Qobuz. Archived from the original on 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  15. ^ Corcoran, Nina (24 April 2025). "Lorde Releases Video for New Song "What Was That"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  16. ^ Lorde (24 April 2025). "What Was That - Single". Apple Music (US). Retrieved 24 April 2025.
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  18. ^ a b c Georgi, Maya (24 April 2025). "Lorde Unleashes New Era With Hypnotic Synth-Pop Stunner 'What Was That'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
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  20. ^ Harrison, Dan (24 April 2025). "Lorde Returns with Her Really Very Good Nostalgic New Single 'What Was That'". Dork. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  21. ^ "Lorde Retraces Her Steps on "What Was That"". Consequence. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  22. ^ a b c Singh, Surej (24 April 2025). "Listen to Lorde's nostalgic comeback single 'What Was That'". NME. Archived from the original on 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  23. ^ "Lorde Returns With New Single, 'What Was That'". Spin. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  24. ^ a b c Daly, Rhian (24 April 2025). "Lorde's 'What Was That' takes us back to the dancefloor for another emotional, electric journey". NME. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  25. ^ Jenke, Tyler (24 April 2025). "Lorde Enters Her Latest Era With New Single, 'What Was That': Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
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  27. ^ Murray, Robin (24 April 2025). "Lorde's 'What Was That' Is An Act Of Pop Re-Connection". Clash. Archived from the original on 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  28. ^ Beaumont, Mark (24 April 2025). "Alt pop star Lorde has returned for her crown on new single 'What Was That'". The Independent. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  29. ^ Ragusa, Paolo (24 April 2025). "Lorde Retraces Her Steps on "What Was That"". Consequence. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  30. ^ Green, Walden (24 April 2025). "Lorde Comes Up for Air on "What Was That"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  31. ^ "Watch: Lorde's new NYC-filmed video drops after cryptic teasers, surprise shows". The New Zealand Herald. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  32. ^ Bonanos, Christopher (24 April 2025). "Where Was That in Lorde's 'What Was That'?". Curbed. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  33. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 5 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  34. ^ "Lorde – What Was That" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  35. ^ "Lorde – What Was That" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
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  39. ^ "Top Radio Hits Estonia Weekly Chart: May 22, 2025". TopHit. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
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  42. ^ "Official IFPI Charts − Digital Singles Chart (International) − Εβδομάδα: 18/2025" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 7 May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  43. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  44. ^ "מדיה פורסט – המצעד הבינלאומי השבועי – Week 20 – 11/05 – 17/05/2025" [Media Forest – International Weekly Chart – Week 20 – 11/05 – 17/05/2025] (Select the year 2025 and the option "20 11-05-25 17-05-25" from the stretched lists, then click "שירים מובילים - רדיו - בינלאומי" to see the chart.) (in Hebrew). Media Forest. 18 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  45. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of May 7, 2025". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  46. ^ "Latvijas spēlētākās mūzikas topos iezīmējas populārāko hitu saistība ar etnomūziku" [Latvian charts of the most played music show the connection of the most popular hits with ethnomusic] (in Latvian). TV Net [lv]. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  47. ^ "2025 18-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  48. ^ "Top Radio Hits Lithuania Weekly Chart: May 15, 2025". TopHit. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  49. ^ "Lorde – What Was That" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  50. ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  51. ^ "Singel 2025 uke 18". IFPI Norge. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  52. ^ "OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie" (Select week 25.04.2025–01.05.2025.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  53. ^ "Top 200 Singles Semana 18 de 2025" (PDF) (in European Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. p. 8. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  54. ^ "ČNS IFPI". IFPI ČR. Note: Select SK SINGLES DIGITAL TOP 100 and insert 202518 into search. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  55. ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 18" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  56. ^ "Lorde – What Was That". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  57. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  58. ^ "Lorde Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  59. ^ "Lorde Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  60. ^ Rossignol, Derrick (24 April 2025). "Lorde Takes Over NYC In Her Highly Anticipated 'What Was That' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  61. ^ Vitali, Giacomo (28 April 2025). "What Was That - Lorde". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved 1 May 2025.