I bought the CD and the clear disc doesn't play in my CD player? Genius. First the no disc thing last time and now a disc I can't get to work.

I listened to it earlier on Spotify anyway and thought it sounded really strong on first listen.

I found this very strong on first listen! A massive return to form for her.

Pretty good review on Pitchfork:

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/lorde-virgin/

really loving how raw the album is

Album of the summer, honestly

Interesting little behind the scenes here — it looks like Nilüfer Yanya was on 'If She Could See Me Now' at some point. Potential deluxe in the future? 🌚

oh yes I need those leftovers :D

Ive sat with this now for a few days, and even though its better as a whole it kinda just falls flat production, lyrically for me. Considering how often she releases albums you'd think there would be better material. I obviously am a solar power lover and melodrama and I feel like tbis is just to much in-between the two where there's not necessarily a time mood place or season for me to fit with it. The last four songs are definitely better and david is probably my favourite.

6/10

This might be my (non MAYHEM!) album of the year.

It’s really struck me and I’ve actively wanted to play it again and again as a whole piece too. They’ve really done it this time around what an album!! Really really hope that this becomes a UK #1 album (it’s #1 in the mids!)

Her first UK number 1 album looks very secure based on the sales we have seen today, she is way out in front.

Virgin – Lorde – Mellope Album Review

1. Hammer (7.3/10)

Her accent felt like it was going to flood through, but thankfully it didn't because I think it makes the songs worse. "Hammer" is from Lorde's upcoming album "Virgin" and continues the alt-pop with artistic values. The song talks about love and identity and gives the song the meaning it feels like it needs. Hopefully the rest of "Virgin" can at least be as good as this.

2. What Was That (5.5/10)

I've always found her voice partly annoying, but I think it shows a lot more on this.
Alt-pop, which showcases that Lorde's album may not be as good as we think.

3. Shapeshifter (8.1/10)

The song has some great strings in the background that add to the surreal feeling of the song. The lyrics are about personal identity and relationship issues, which feel appropriate with the choice of sound.

4. Man Of The Year – Lorde (7.7/10)

Her accent doesn't come through as much on this (which I prefer), and it serves as a big improvement from "What Was That". It contains her artistic alt-pop sound, which makes her albums so strong, and if she keeps this up, then we could see the 2025 "Melodrama".

5. Favourite Daughter (8.1/10)

Lorde called this the hardest song to make on the album, and I can clearly see there's so much effort; the song's hook is uplifted with every component coming together to create an experience just like "Man of the Year" but with a new meaning.

6. Current Affairs (7/10)

The electronic input near the end was a strange and unique choice that didn't pay off, aside from the fact that the song follows the form of the previous songs. Good.

7. Clearblue (7.6/10)

The meaning is so real; it's emotional and provides an amazing storytelling side, but now it feels like production-wise she's following the same steps to make similar-sounding songs. It's still great, but a switch-up would be nice.

8. GRWM (7.5/10)

I don't have much to add to this; if you like the rest, then you'll probably like this.

9. Broken Glass (8/10)

The song's effects on the lyric "Broken Glass" felt a lot clearer and refreshing, adding to the song's score.

10. If She Could See Me Now (8/10)

Definitely the most interesting production yet, the synths, keyboards, electrics and key switches were just making the song burst with the life that "Virgin" craves.

11. David (9.3/10)

Casually ending the album with the best song on it is an interesting choice, but I'm also one for a great outro! The emotional value is brought up in the most powerful way to express vulnerability, and the song just feels like one that is the best too close, on a note that makes you zone off (in an amazing way) – true art.

OVERVIEW:

A record that shows Lorde still has her shine, with the album having well-approached storytelling, mostly good progression of the sound and, of course, the Lorde we know and love.

BEST – David
WORST – What Was That?
Score: 8.1/10

On 30/06/2025 at 15:04, Rough_edges said:

Ive sat with this now for a few days, and even though its better as a whole it kinda just falls flat production, lyrically for me. Considering how often she releases albums you'd think there would be better material. I obviously am a solar power lover and melodrama and I feel like tbis is just to much in-between the two where there's not necessarily a time mood place or season for me to fit with it. The last four songs are definitely better and david is probably my favourite.

6/10

Oh no im retracting my review.

This is my Hit Me Hard and Soft of the year.

Solid 10/10 album of the summer. Just grows and grows each listen. David is my favourite still by far, have enjoyed being suprised with each listen by this

"Virgin" has debuted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart, making it Lorde's first #1 album.

Very pleased that they’ve achieved it with this album too. A very strong album!

About time she got her first #1 album, all the previous ones deserved that too, especially Pure heroine and Melodrama