Melodrama

Some of the best pop music these days comes from Lorde. It's not my personal favorite music, but I respect the craft and I honestly think she's underrated for what she does. She was 16 when she recorded her debut and 19 when she recorded this one, yet is arguably better at writing songs than people twice her age.

Not my usual cup of team but I enjoyed a few songs. I can understand why this was so critically acclaimed at the time and I certainly appreciated it more this listen than when I have previously. 3.5/5

3.5

True to its name it has a very melancholic and ethereal vibe, with a pop base. Favorite songs: Green Light, Supercut

First impression was 'echo of late disco era early 80s techno'. The singer did not show a huge vocal range but was alluring in the solumness of her words. Ended up delighted with the entire album. Probably didn't listen to her before since I am an old man and she is a youngster - and I avoid the appearance of impropriety. I will be listening again

I wasn't a teen when this was released so it just can't mean the same thing to me as it did to Gen Z. But I can see that this was a big album for a lot of younger people and they are SALTY about the olds not liking it, just a sample: "Sorry Boomers/Gen X, I was like 20 when this came out so it's one of the best things to ever happen to me. Sorry it's not King Crimson or whatever."

Typical pop music of its era. Jack Antonoff has cranked up the most generic production from ten years ago. If the song is slow, it's built on a kick drum that sounds like a pillow being hit, and a snare drum that sounds like a slap on the thigh. If the song is fast, you remember how fast pop songs sounded in 2015-2017, like you're attending an aerobics class. And Lorde herself, for me, has always been a one-hit wonder, and she'll probably remain so — this album has a couple of earworms, then she'll go off into some other realm.

not bad, just kind of background noise music

Some fun songs, but she also has a tendency to sound like she thinks she's the only person who has ever felt deep emotions.

Good album. solid 3, But as whole just not that interesting to me. Dont ever need to play it again.

Its ok. Green Light is a tune. I like the understated nature and simplicity. Hate the thing she does with her voice like Tom Grennan. e.g. Instead of saying 'for' says 'foi' Feels like its not foi me bit like Billie Eilish isnt. decent foiiii what it is though I suppose.

I guess in the 21st century this passes for great music? Coming after an album that was pure noise I guess this has a certain appeal, but if judged critically it’s just middling at best. Tracks that are all very much the same; a repetitive bass line, a few cords played on repeat, all backing up a kid that tries to hide her speech impediment behind a Janis Joplin kinda rasp. Not impressed, but a +1 star for at least not being pure noise.

not really a fan of this style of music and her voice is annoying to me for some reason but the album is objectively decent despite some cliche lyrics

The grip that jack antonoff has on the pop girlies needs to be studied

Light weight for a list of 1001 albums

I really don’t dislike Lorde’s voice but unfortunately Jack Antonoff’s production makes this largely sound like most pop records of the past decade.

It was fine; I certainly didn't dislike it, and she has an interesting voice. But the Antonoff production isn't especially memorable, and I don't see myself returning to it.

You can hardly even tell that this is Randy Marsh.

Really liked PURE HEROINE definitely a 4 for me while this seems like it's trying to be deeper and falling flat

Taylor Swifts goth sister over here

Melodrama Oh lordy Musically I actually liked this a lot, lots of ominous bass, big echoey spacey production, some great synths, overall a pleasing electro pop sound. Melodically I quite like it too, there’s some good hooks and some well constructed tracks, with a lot of very obvious Kate Bush influence. But vocally it’s irritating as fuck. That annoying, affected, bullshit, excessively and falsely american sounding cursive singing style, where no-one can sing Rs properly, even though they can when they speak normally. She’s from New Zealand. Lyrically some of it is a bit cringe too - like a 19 year old’s instagram posts set to music. But then I don’t think she wrote it with me in mind. Despite the vocals and lyrics, I did like quite a few of the songs. Green Light is a bit of a banger, The Louvre is pretty good, Hard Feelings/Loveless is good and Supercut and Perfect Places are decent enough bits of pop. The rest is forgettable really. Soundwise I do like this, it has some great musical and instrumental moments and some good songs, but that vocal style really does grate on me, so it straddles 2 and 3, I’ll tip over to 3 so millennials will like me. 🥝🥝🥝 Playlist submission: Greenlight

Quite liked this. Had a bit of variety to the songs.

It was good. You can’t really go wrong with Lorde though.

Some jams for sure. The Antonoff effect is strong with this one.

It was okay! If you like Florence you’d probably like this. Hell I would have liked it more if I was 10 years younger. A little too much voice manipulation for my taste. But not bad!

It's great power pop. I don't find it particularly relatable to my experience, but its' definitely an easy and energetic listen

I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Not as great as Pure Heroine, but few albums are.

Remember that Common album where everyone in the group had that moment of listening and saying “Wait did Kanye produce this?!!” I feel like we’re going to be doing the same thing with Jack Antonoff. This is not a bad album by any means, there’s some great tracks and I generally like this phase of Pop music with the heavy 80s influence (not surprising if you know me at all), but big stretches of this record really fail to stand out. Lorde has such a distinct voice and standout personality in the 2010s pop scene, and it’s a bummer that so much of this album sounds like it could’ve been given to an array of other singers. Most of this could be me hating on the production and how similar it sounds to so many other contemporary pop records, but I left TRULY believing that any number of Antonoff regulars (T-Swift, Bridgers, Lana, etc) could have been given songs like Writer In The Dark or Hard Feelings/Loveless and churned out a very similar product. It’s a bummer too because my top tracks are songs I REALLY like, and maybe I don’t know Lorde very well but I feel like they’re songs where her unique style and lyricism really shine through a little more and really meld with the production to create a cool take on that modern-pop-meets-New-Wave sound. I will say I really don’t think I’m being difficult!!! I went back and listened to Pure Heroine after this to make sure I wasn’t just hating on Lorde and I think THAT record is a strong 4 borderline 5 star album. The harmonies are so unique and it feels like a record only she could have made. This album certainly has her lyrical aplomb but again, production and musical arrangements suck a lot of the personality out of it. It’s a shame too, reading up on this it seems like this was a very personal and difficult album for Lorde to make. The emotion shines through on some of it for me but the rest just gets lost in the sauce. Jack Antonoff is a criminal, it’s not Lorde’s fault. Top tracks: Green Light, Sober, The Louvre, Supercut, Perfect Places

Je me souviens très bien où j'étais lorsque j'ai écouté cet album d'une oreille des plus passives.

This album reminds me of someone who used to listen to it a lot, unwanted nostalgia. Though I can see why some songs e.g. Green Light are very successful, I can't help but feel much of the lyrics are very singer songwriter-esque. I realised after listening that its produced by jack antonoff, which explains so much. Like his other work (Sabrina C, Taylor Swift) I find this so flat, tame and and unidimensional. The sounds cape is so simple and repetitive for what is listed as a concept album. I understand a stripped bare production fits the theme of the album, but what little is left is very generic. Giving it a 2 because if how young Lorde was when she made this and I think production is my main objection.

there's so much I can say about this type of music, but I'm going to be respectful and just stick to the flaws of this specific album. Lorde does that dumb-as-hell "cursive" vocal thing that detracts from the album. She should be in a speech class, not a studio. And of course, here's Jack Antonoff to produce the most hollow, meaningfulness pile of whatever this is.

Shitty pop music for teenage girls that want to be profound and have a soundtrack to their Instagrams. I'll even admit to liking most of Lorde's debut album. Tennis Court, Royals, 400 Lux...those are all catchy songs and even though I'm an adult male (not the target audience) I still get it. There's nothing like that on this album. Lorde has a really nice, distinct voice and if I had to listen to this or Taylor Swift, I'd probably rather listen to this. But really, what's next...another song about coming down after the party? Another ride home in a taxi? Processing emotions while she's alone after a party? It's a one trick pony. Thankfully, I don't have a teenage daughter.

I will never completely understand the massive popularity Lorde. This album is ok, preferred Pure Heroine. This album just reeks of Antonoff and I’m tired of his sound.

I don’t mess with Jack Antonoff productions for the same reason I don’t mess with Ouija boards. No shade on Lorde, who seems cool.

Pretty solid example of how pop music has become increasingly overproduced and electronic to the point of sterilization. The only trace of human emotion lies in the vocals, and credit where it's due, "Melodrama" is indeed a fitting title.

This, to me, is just absolutely representative of that not-quite-singing, not-quite-talking, waifish white woman mid-2010s nonsense that made me turn off the radio at the time. It's not offensive, it's just... there. And there's nothing that can elicit an emotion from me, to the point that I didn't notice I was already looking through Spotify at other musicians by about track 8. Definitely in the 'not for me' camp.

I really didn’t like this, which was surprising because I liked pure heroine

Starts well, gets very boring very quickly... Music for teenage girls angry at their boyfriend (which is fine but not my demographic lol)

If this album was a girl, you wouldn't want to be friends with her. She'd borrow your car and hit a tree and she'd steal your favorite t-shirts while saying the world was out to get her and she was jinxed. Nothing's her fault and everything happens to her. Blech. Hard to listen to, but also hard to turn off like a train wreck in slow motion.

I have a hard time with these albums. I don't see this as groundbreaking or seminal, so putting a 2017 album on the 2018 version of this list seems short shorted at best. It's a fairly by the numbers electropop album. I wish I could say I was delighted or surprised by anything the tracks were going for. I think I also sort of ruined this album for myself by reading the wiki page while I listened. Being told there were industrial and noise inspired tracks on this album got my hopes up. In a vacuum, this music is fine. It's pleasant and achieves the mood the artist was going for. In the context of this list, it's definitely ranked lower. I don't understand why music this generic and new gets put on this list when there's actual groundbreaking music being released today.

Fuck…I’m old.

Some of this is really good, but dragged down by stuffing the back half with piano ballads, twinkling away until I finally call the cops on her. Turn the music up, lady, we got a lack-of-noise complaint! Supercut is just Lorde improvising over royalty free ad music.

I knew our hot streak had to end somehow. I'm notoriously not a fan of this album. Lorde sometimes makes music I like (really enjoyed Solar Power), but man her voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me. It's that raspy, indie girl affectation that feels unbelievably phony. Her songwriting is "quirky"--I put that in quotes so you can understand that sometimes it's fun for me and many times it's unbearable. This album just maximizes all the Lorde traits that I dislike, she turned the sliders up on my least favorite things. I guess that's why I like Solar Power so much in comparison; she goes the other way. Still, I have to admit that I enjoy a few tracks on here. I HATE to admit that one of those is "The Louvre" because it features one of the quirky lyrics that I've despised for years: "we're hanging in the Louvre, not in the front, but who cares? Still the Louvre." Whatever the hell it is, just so in-your-face ~I'm not like other girls~ cheeky BS. That was the thesis of "Royals" as well, we get it dude. The production is solid, but her vocal and lyrical contributions put me off of this so emphatically. Kudos for the title though, it really is melodramatic in ways that I clearly can't stand. Favorite tracks: Homemade Dynamite, Perfect Places, The Louvre. Album art: Really excellent artwork here, (almost) a saving grace. It sucks that I love seeing this one and don't want to hear it. I want more paintings as album covers. 2/5

This is so fucking mopey.

The lyrics are just…not it. It feels like the made the inst. then slapped her diaries entries in there. Feels like listening to Taylor Swift fr, only lyrics no music.

What a lorde of shite. Boring, samey, pop. Not even the production is interesting.

Wow she finds a way to combine all the problems I have with modern music into this hot shit album. Mouth full of marbles, check. Bullshit lyrics that talk about nothing, check. Over produced garbage with no use of real instruments, check. Painfully generic to the point that I would not be able to tell you this Lorde as opposed to the other hundred artists who sound like this crap, check. It’s times like these that I wouldn’t mind being deaf. 2/10

Awful dull pop nonsense. Like a million other same sounding guff.

Not really sure what this is doing on this list. Entirely forgettable, sterile, bland. Boredom incarnate.

Boring. Stupid slutty woman

I thought this album was horrible. The production was its only redeeming quality, everything else I didn't like. Not a single good song. Why the fuck did they pick this but not "Pure Heroine"?

Terrible

Sorry Gen Z, it's one of the worst things to happen to music with the breathy and lifeless indie girl vocals.

"Dad, can we have Taylor Swift please please please?" "No, we have Taylor Swift at home" Taylor Swift at home: Lorde Couldn't wait for this to finish, not a single tune to be found on it. Antonoff production style is much better on my girl Lana's efforts, which also generously include melodies. Utter dogshit

i had heard of lorde but never listened to her. i've been missing out: this is absolute fire. compelling voice, beautifully strange lyrics, instrumentals going from groovy to adequately haunting. listened to this thrice today already. will likely listen to it a lot more in the future. this is the kind of stuff that makes it worthwhile to get through however many mediocre brit pop and uninspired indie rock albums on this list

This was my album, man. This rocked me and carried me through years.

They’ll hang her in The Louvre

Whimsical. Fabulous

ok so um 5 stars for me :b

Rate: 10/10. 🟢 Green Light es un himno en este punto de la vida.

a hit every damn time i listen to it.

starting with green light is unfair

Wow! One of the first albums I listened to nonstop in 2021 over the summer. It was also one of the first “concept” albums I listened to; I found the way each song drives the narrative of a night party so masterful. Now having aged, I feel more of Lorde’s pain and infatuation over this doomed love. It pairs so well with the sound she and Jack made: so modern, late-night, and urban. And that album cover? I hope I get my own portrait from that artist. It’s so beautiful and captures the kind of impressionist, emotional vibe “Melodrama” has (4.5-5).

All of her albums are 5 stars - except Solar Power which is, of course, trash

simplesmente perfeito. já amava esse álbum.

dit album komt elke zomer anders aan voor en het blijft iedere keer zo mooi.

absolutely generational pop album

This is like the Dark Side Of The Moon/Sgt. Peppers of 2010s white girl music. Absolutely love this album. Lorde set the standard for modern pop music and doesn't get nearly enough credit for it.

loveee green light aand a buncha other ones 5 outta 5 would listen again :D

I love Lorde!

I really enjoy Lorde's unique sound. Sober and the Louvre were songs that drew me in. I really enjoyed this album and can see adding it to my regular rotation. It is so sad, but the song writing is so poignant.

so lorde made this with 21 and i first listened to it when i was 19. it was such an important and representative album to me. listening to it now doesnt make that much sense anymore but its fucking awesome and theres a couple hits in it

It's so cool that she went on to become Charli XCX. Jokes aside, this album came out when I was a 13-year-old just starting to discover music and it has stuck with me through everything. Hate it all you want; this is a great pop album that I will always come back to.

Любимчики: Homemade Dynamite The Louvre Hard Feelings Melodrama Supercut Теперь про сам альбом. 5 и точка. Во всех треках автор добавил маленькие детальки, эффектики, переходы или вокальные завихрушки, которые уж точно разбавляют и оживляют трек. Каждый трек уникален, но тематически связан с прошлым, оттого альбом ощущается целостно и гармонично. Буду ли переслушивать? Еп Еп. 100%

Un disco que ha marcado una generación de chicas y gays. Los únicos que tenemos buen gusto en este planeta.

Fantastic work Lorde, doing the Lorde's work

Lorde's incredible vocals, poignant and vulnerable writing, and the flawless, impactful production make this one of the greatest pop albums of the 21st century. Her influence on modern pop music can't be understated and almost 10 years later I'd still consider this a masterpiece among the best of the best pop albums since. One of the only artists on this list I've had the privilege of seeing live, during her Virgin tour, and it's clear she has continually matured, improved, and opened up throughout her career. But Melodrama stills stand out even among her other projects to this day. I've never heard a stadium louder than her Green Light performance. Praise the Lorde.

I love this album I don’t care what people say. Lorde goes HARD on this. Good pop. Good emotion and songwriting. Awesome. 5

2026.05.12.

a revolutionary masterclass in how to create complex and emotive pop music

i mean..its a classic. ive alreadylistwned to it. 10/10 nostalgia

No skips. A tight, captivating album I always love to revisit.

top, un poco swift

1. Supercut 2. Perfect Places 3. Sober

The hits are massive and green light is close to perfection. Some of the interludes are a bit self indulgent. I recon her first album was more distinctive and original but hey. Loved the very high highs

Ok, I’m a big Lorde fan. Every track is a banger. Simple and clean instruments, great vocals and clever lyrics just work every time. I’m probably biased due to the Kiwi connection but damn, she’s one of the most exciting artists I’ve listened to in recent times.

Loved it! Top tier album! Maybe I like it more because it's recent and I've heard these hits on the radio for years, but I saved almost all the songs on my playlist anyways

Oh wow. Well this is an important album in my family circle. My brother and I were super impressed by Ella, without knowing how actually young she was, with her debut. Pure Heroine got so much hype, we both ended up hearing it just to see what everyone was on about. We were impressed with her song writing and atmospheric and effective rhythm and musical choices. Meanwhile my teenage nephews were becoming huge fans, as she was speaking to them, directly. When Melodrama came out, we were all there for it, across the generations. It was kind of awesome, actually. She deserves 5 stars just for that. Boolean rating: yes, absolutely

Bien.

Year 0 A.L. (I just saw here live)

JOYA Sus canciones le hablan al más tierno corazón roto Melodrama es tesoro nacional

sophomore slump fears her. this album is goddamn perfection. supercut, perfect places & liability are my favorite:)

This is in my top 25 easily. Her songwriting is extremely unique, and moving. This took everything from Pure Heroine and bumped it up. I've not been as big on her more recent releases, but this one never fails me.

I get to start my morning by dancing to Green Light at my desk. Taylor Swift could never.

the Joni Mitchell’s Blue of M(elo)D(ra)MA (bonus points for the blue album cover)

5 de 5 Pop de muy alta elaboración y ejecución, tocando temas como la madurez, la soledad y el desamor. Producción por demás sofisticada y que sobresale por mucho a los de su género, un álbum muy inmersivo y perfecto compañero en las madrugadas donde se es más frágil y aflora la honestidad.

love this album!!!!

This pretty damn good. Can't fault it. No real stand out songs but it all works

Beautiful, and unhinged. Didn’t see this one coming

One of my modern favorites. No skips.

MELODRAMA IS ON THIS LIST????????? I already know this album and know it is a 5-star for me. To paraphrase a popular review: "Sorry Boomers/Gen X, I was like [16] when this came out so it's one of the best things to ever happen to me. Sorry it's not King Crimson or whatever." (I actually love King Crimson... but I also love Lorde). I feel my love for this album needs little to no explanation. It is perfect contemporary pop, good hooks, great production, killer (in all senses of the word) lyricism. Its Lorde at her best, and she is always good. I will say this, you do not have to love this album (like I said, there are valid criticisms of it), but most of you who reviewed this negatively clearly did so because you are misogynists with a bias against contemporary pop music. You really need to internalize that and interrogate it, only then can your 2/5 star rating for Melodrama ACTUALLY hold any meaning. 5/5

Good like all her other stuff

Very Lorde.

The author of this list wants me to kill myself (complimentary)

very good! i enjoyed it a lot. that “pop” sound i imagine.

Very nice album

9.5/10

Amazing

Really enjoy this album and frequently listen to it. Has the vibe of today's youth with a very catchy and at times upbeat sound.

FIVE STARS FIVE STARS

Brilliant, going on my favorites list.

it was goood nostalgic almost

Wowowowowow nostalgia. What a gift to see this album included. And the first that I’ve seen performed live :) Seattle, 2017, with Jordan and Steven. Her cover of frank ocean destroyed us all. Anyway time to listen. Green Light / I can imagine seeing her dancing for the first time like it was yesterday The mfin Louvre Every single song is so good fuck Liability jfc What a time capsule too. Jack Antonoff wasn’t quite as ubiquitous yet… and Lorde was still such a genuine freak. She’s so FUNNY. “I’m psycho high” Writer in the mfin dark? Jfc. Do I give this a 5/5? It seems wrong when I think I still prefer Pure Heroine. Or do I? Why not both 5/5? “In my headddd” jfc literally zero skips all bangers that concert was so good

Cudowna płyta. Chyba niezbyt doceniałam Lorde wcześniej, ale to na pewno się zmieni. Teksty są szczere do bólu, a melodie same zapętlają się w głowie. Tak powinien wyglądać dobry pop. 8.5/10

She's like young, New Zealand, dance Bjork. I don't get music critics. I like this album but is it better than any other recent pop diva? Chaos Chaos heard this album and knew they wanted to make music for Rick and Morty. She also has kind of a pop Regina Spektor feel too. I like this album more than I thought I ever would. I really like this album.

Easy 5. Listening to this album feels like being 20 (in all the best and worst ways) for me, and I could listen to it forever.

I don’t know what she did here, but she somehow does an amazing job of getting you on her level. Her beats are phenomenal.

One of the best albums from the 21st century

Me encanta, tengo una de susu canciones en loop

(5) ok she could be a daughter, but there is something I really love about her lyrics, and musical arrangement… jack antonoff produced this gem. Antonoff is known for producing Taylor swift, St. Vincent, sia, Lana del Rey, 1975, Pink, Nick Cave; the big names have been shaped by Antonoff’s direction. He knows how to create a cohesive album. An album that flows from track to track.

One of My favorurite albums of all time

The things I would do for another album like this.

Classic pop album from Lorde. There is always something about her voice that stands out from others and is so captivating to me. I honestly had not heard this specific album, but only a couple songs, so I’m glad this challenge remedied that for me. Great time! 4.5 / 5

I found myself dancing along and vibing to this electronic pop album. The music is so infectiously catchy and melodic, even haunting at times. The piano parts are beautiful and the lyrics are cutting and honest. I've never been into newer music or music for my generation (I was 22 when this came out and I'm usually into 90s and 2000s music), but I enjoyed listening to this a lot. "Writer In The Dark" is a personal favorite of mine now.

Lorde <3

fucking obsessed

absolutely fucking sensational.

Lorde, I was not familiar with your game. (To be honest, I only really know her from Royals and that video of her shushing the crowd at one of her gigs when they try to sing along.) This was a revelation.

10/10

I actually think this is easily one of the best pop albums this century has produced. Green Light is a perfect song, a tune that should be even bigger than it is already. It sets a high bar for the album but it’s a great listen throughout.

I rarely feel the need to write reviews anymore but when it comes to Lorde...I'm sorry its just something different. She released this album when I was 21 and officially had broken the chains off from a toxic relationship and a just as toxic friendship. (I was goibg through it) Her delivery and lyrics were like atomic bombs to me. She has a knack for releasing albums at pivotal moments of my life...I say this because Pure Heroine came out when I was a Senior in highschool and I felt like every song applied to me specifically LMAO Anyway!! Great album, great production love Lorde. yah yah yah

euphoric, sentimental, transcendent. classic pop ballads

Ugh I love this album. This might be a bit bias bc I’ve heard so much of it before but what can you do.

Zero notes. Perfection

5 stars. Incredible.

This is the true full bias rating for me. I was obsessed with this album while going through a breakup. Some songs are definitely weaker but I think it is just a fantastic album. Green Light, The Louvre, Hard Feelings, Super Cut, and more, LOVE IT

I am so glad to live listening to this generation of pop superstars. Lorde continues to produce interesting music for a mass audience. Jack Antonoff's fingerprints are throughout the songs -- but the vocal choices are all Lorde's.

3/3. Probably my favorite album by her. Emotional, danceable, dynamic. Love it.

Pop perfection

NECESITABA este pedazo de álbum uffffff encima de los dias que llevo

banger

oh this is finally my turf of course off the top of my head supercut and green light are top tier cant wait to revisit this album oh and liability too oh tjis album is so good wait how did i forget to mention my goat writer in the dark lowk was my fav off this album i listened to this so much

AGHHHH

I don't even need to relisten to this to know it deserves SIX out of five stars. (But I did relisten.) (Because this is her best album.)

que padrisimo

Never considered myself a major Lorde fan, and of course I’ve heard this album before, but it really just is so good. Every song has a point and a place, with its own vision. It really is just perfect. Top Songs: Green Light, Sober, Writer in the Dark, Supercut

2/1 Really good synthpop album. Reminds me a lot of Chvrches

Loved melodrama. I wasn't on the Lorde train when she first appeared on the scene, but actually went back to here around 2024 and appreciated solar power. I was happy melodrama came up, as it made me listen to it fully and I adore this album. Her writing is so adult that it reflects on the naivety of being young but how the feelings are powerful. This album made me nostalgic but also thankful for being in my 30s, a totally different understanding and appreciation of this album in 2026.

One I’ve heard before! I know a lot of people think that this is her best album, but personally I prefer Pure Heroine. The production in tandem with the overall themes was just wonderfully done, and it was obviously much more influential as it absolutely murdered recession pop. That said, this is a wonderful album. Really amazing production and lyricism.

THE BEST !!!!!

I really like Lorde!

Amazing

s tier 2010s pop album!!! the hits just don’t stop coming (except for writer in the dark im so sorry i never liked her). it’s a cohesive and raw album, and it bangs. what more do you want??? old faves: supercut sober ii (melodrama) liability hard feelings/loveless rediscovered: perfect places liability (reprise)

iconic. amazing. changed lives. forever a hit in my house. idc what the reviews say, this was the soundtrack to my teenage years.

beloved you think that i was 21 in the year of our lorde 2017 and i wasn’t obsessed with melodrama?!

Great

What can I say I love Lorde and I love this album. I can’t believe Lorde was only 19 when she dropped this album that is truly insane. This album just hits for me and is a great indie/alternative album. I will definitely be listening to this again soon!

my third fav lorde but still a perfect 5

WTFFFFFFFFFFFF

Supercut fav on album

This album is sooooo nostalgic for me, my sister and I used to listen to it together all the time when I was 15 and it captures teen girl breakup angst so well. The lyrics don’t resonate with me quite the same now tho lmao

Lorde doesn’t deserve to be hurt, but, as evidenced by her follow up album to Melodrama, she’s not going to make great music unless she’s sad in some way. A real catch 22

easily five stars for this record.. just the way lorde knows how to write in such a raw and vulnerable way but at the same time so relatable.. the production in this album is also top tier an it really defined an era back then i got the best memories with this album so just bc of that it’s getting fiveee! favs: hard feelings/loveless - supercut - liability

No notes.

This album changed lives

One of my favorite albums of all time. I am so lucky to age with Lorde

Praise be to my lord and saviour, Jack Antonoff. - This is one hell of a sophomore album and I’d go out on a limb to say that it’s the best the Lorde has been. Melodrama has been in high-rotation for me since its release; Lorde has such a knack for capturing the very essence of youth in her writing and Antonoff’s layered synths over the piano melodies really bring to life the tumult that she was writing about here. Obviously I have a deep nostalgia for this time in my life but the likes of “Supercut” have taken on new meaning and still hit me deep in the chest as a spritely 31-year-old. 10/10 no notes (also the album artwork?? Incredible).

5 stars, no notes. I know I’m prone to hyperbole but this album is perfect and completely whole, in both thesis and praxis. Supercut might be the greatest song ever written.

Literal masterpiece. Every song is song good and overall damn great album.

First listened on 17th October 2022. Favourite songs are Perfect Places, Green Light, Liability, Hard Feelings/Loveless and Writer In The Dark and The Louvre.

Surprised there is an album from after 2010 but not mad about it. Have heard about this album and a few songs but never the whole album. This is a masterpiece!! So good, will listen again 100%

Always a good listen

Breathtaking and so emotional.

Loved the lyrics. Amazing voice. Highly recommend.

favourite tracks: supercut and perfect places

Literally one of my fave albums of all time.

iconic

Tinha um tempo que eu não ouvia o Melodrama completo. No meu ranking de albuns da Lorde ele normalmente era o terceiro, mas QUE ALBUM BOM. Talvez eu tenha mudado de opinião.

5/5 perfect album 💿

Perfection!

Listening to this on it's 9 year anniversary. I've heard a lot of good things about this album, so I went in with very high expectations. This is a very popular synthpop album, but it doesn't sound as generic as I thought it would be. There are some moments that do feel unoriginal/basic, such as Liability, or Loveless, but it overall manages to still sound creative despite that. It's amazing pop music, what else needs to be said? Despite the basic topic of the lyrics, they are so well written that it feels much more personal than a typical "I'm sad and in my 20s and can't get over my ex". The production is incredible, some of the best synthpop production I've heard in terms of balancing out intricate and ethereal synths with Lorde's vocals. I am a sucker for good synthpop, and this may be the second best synthpop album I've heard, only behind Imaginal Disk. I swear, most of the people hating on this are old people who hate Hip-Hop, Funk, and/or Soul and think the 60s were the best decade for music. Favorite Songs: Green Light, The Louvre, Hard Feelings, Supercut, Perfect Places Rating: 9.5/10

My second favorite Lorde album (Pure Heroine is top). This is still a phenomenal album that is just chock full of great tracks.

Everything about this album is beautiful almost cried

AAAAAHHHHHHHH

one of the best albums oat

I was a sixteen-year-old girl on 16 June 2017

I’m not sure if I like this more than her debut but it is another solid, consistent pop album. The texture of this music is great and there are some fantastic songs on here. The cover art is quite beautiful as well. Rating: 4.7

Absolutely phenomenal

Green light, homemade dynamite, supercut are all absolute bangers. Take me back to uni 🥲

This album fucks. I listened to it 3 times. That's the review.

Yay gay women!

Feels very nostalgic, what a fantastic album. Crazy how this was her sophomore album and it solidified her long-term spot in the pop industry. I fully understand why this album is a part of the 1001, objectively 5 stars and I wiill never stop quoting "I am my mothers child"

Dark and beautiful at the same time!!

I'm waiting for it, that green light, I want it. I love how Lorde takes me on a dark journey and tells a story about her past heartbreak and sorrow. I really love the tracks, especially the closing track. It doesn’t have a perfect, happy ending, but I enjoyed the ride. To be honest, it’s kinda hard to rate albums when you only have a five-star system. Sure, I give this one 5 stars, but I wouldn’t say it’s better than my other 5-star albums. Maybe they just have their own strengths and the different experiences they bring me.

Its a shame rest of her discography couldnt be like this

This is a great album and shows how much Lorde has grown between her albums

sehr gute Unterhaltung.

I love this album so much.

Ahhhhh!! This is a perfect album, I was 18 when it came out and 19 when I had it in heavy rotation, which made it hit even harder because it’s such 19-year-old bullshit. So happy to see this album on this list

She made this one for me, sorry boys

Perhaps one of the most under appreciated pop albums of all time (and it still pretty appreciated by fans amd critics alike). Lorde truly pushed boundaries with her sophmoric effort where it was thought Pure Heroin was a fluke of a success. While not nearly the same success, the album is probably still the best of her body of work, laying the groundwork for many artists, like Billie Eilish, for years to come.

This album is a masterpiece, and it's insane that she was so young when she made it. My nostalgia might be clouding my judgment a bit here, but it is just such a perfect snapshot into life in 2017 and Lorde grapples with and beautifully describes themes that are so familiar and painful. I love this album so much

She's Lorde yadayadaya this album is great yadayada yadayada Supercut is a great song yadayada. Autotuned: What a great album cover, really fits the whole vibe. First time listening to a full Lorde album and yeah, she’s as good as everyone says. "Green Light" is such a perfect opener, "The Louvre" and "Liability" hit softer but stick with you, and "Supercut" just nails everything she does best. Great record. One of the best of the 2010s. 9/10.

Nothing but bops & bangers. Ya ya! But forreal, absolutely phenomenal album.

Made me feel like I was living in an episode of euphoria

i loved this in 2017 and i still love it now

Nostalgia

I love this album! Classic Lorde, and the record that outdid her debut.

One of my all time favorite pop albums

Love

Nice

Sophomore albums are probably the worst challenge as a music artist. Especially if you're coming off of a surprise hit debut album. The expectations are incredibly high. Stray too far from the sound of the first album, the fans may abandon you. On the other hand, if you're too close to the previous album it'll just be a rehash and critics will say you're a one trick pony. Seems like Lorde was pretty unfazed by any of that when putting together Melodrama. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, is a celebration of that invincible youth. It's about feeling rich with friendship without caring about being rich with anything else. Late night drives. Making mistakes. Getting into trouble. Infinite memories. Melodrama is a confrontation with this newfound fame and fortune and how it's made her jaded. Having spent so long dismissing the lifestyle, Lorde found herself sucked into it. Can you be a major popstar but also still just be that girl from New Zealand? Underneath the wonderful lyricism, is incredible and diverse production. It's all the little details that make this album so great. With each listen you discover something new and it makes you come back to it again and again. I still get hyped when that "ch-chk" hits on Perfect Places. Green Light opens the album and when that beat kicks in with the frantic piano, your heart starts racing as it prepares for the chorus to hit. Next comes Sober, opening with a classic Antanoff vocal sample right into a bongo beat. This track, and many others, takes you through so many variations but somehow finds it's way back very effectively. Like how does The Louvre build up these gorgeous harmonies and then cut straight back monotone one liners? Somehow it's not jarring at all. And don't even get me started on that incredible shoegaze guitar that rides us out to the end of the song. I don't know if there's a pop artist that does a better job building songs into a dopamine hit crescendo. In this album alone you have Green Light, Supercut, and Perfect Places, that all take you on this slow adrenaline rush. Once it hits the big payoff, you can't help but dance. Pure Heroine introduced us to Lorde and her potential. Melodrama firmly stamps her place in pop music royalty. (Whether she wants it or not.)

I will always love Lorde, also first female album on this list I’ve heard soooo

Best pop album last 15 years? Loved all songs. Liability is so beautiful

First few songs were good, but the second half is better. Especially enjoyed the three track run of Liability, Hard Feelings/Loveless, and Sober II.

Every! Song! A! Banger! One of my favorite albums of the last ten years, maybe an all timer? It’s a 5!

obviously had already listened to this. but honestly such a good album. so well thought out, from the lyrics, to the production (the production omd). a true modern classic and lorde's best work. anyone that says this album is overrated needs to stfu

Listened to this one multiple times over the weekend. Yes there are songs I know - but the other tracks, like Louvre, were the ones that hade coming back for multiple listens. Adding this to my fave albums folder immediately.

10/10 Favorites: Liability Supercut

A perfect pop album

Like. Hørte gjennom 1 gang på løpetur og ville umiddelbart høre igjen. Nok variasjon til at det blir gøy. Clean beat og vokal. Bra.

j’ai jamais trop écouté Lorde et J’ADORE

wtf bro why she so sad I thought I was gonna have a fun pop bangers album here but I get a bit of that and it slowly gets to “Take Care” levels of crying in the club vibes 😭😢😭 Perfect production throughout.

# Playlist Track - Supercut # Notes - +1 star for great art on cover - I enjoy the diversity, from the opening dance to the slower, deeper ballads and sad songs, it's a fun and interesting ride. - Lorde's vocals shine through great instrumentals on most tracks but are never overbearing. - One of the most interesting singers of recent. Definitely recommend.

great album start to finish, excellent beats

Vierzehntes Album, das ich kannte, drittes, das ich mir regelmäßig anhöre. Das spricht für sich. Was gibt es da dazu zu sagen? Genial. Die Lieder passen zusammen, ohne zusammenzufließen, es fühlt sich an wie ein Film, die Produktion, vor allem, wenn man es mit Kopfhörern hört... Kein schlechter Song drauf. Sogar kein Mittelmäßig. Mehr als verdiente 5/5 Sterne.

Pretty good album. I liked it. Didn't have Lorde on my radar. I heard a bit of them, but never a whole album.

Ya ya ya. Great album, helped me get through some tough times

album of the decade

40/1089 instant 5 stars i’ve loved this album since release and it’s been one of my favourites since then too. Hearing Green Light for the first time as the lead single was a magical moment for me the pacing, the writing, the production it all hits so well and lorde being the same age as me means that her music will always feel very aligned with how i’m feeling and growing every song is just so beautifully realised, my highlights are: Green Light, Hard Feelings/Loveless and Perfect Places 5 stars and 100/100 is all i can give it

Very good

Oh I love melodrama.. dynamite supercut liability green light sober writer in the dark I like them all. A very good ballad album.

I really enjoyed itv

Estupendo

my favourite favourite

bruh, i love this. nevaru sagaidīt koncertu 5. decembrī :,) favorīti: green light, sober, sober II, supercut, perfect places what the fuck are perfect places anyway?

Melodrama Forever

Amo la primera línea de este disco. Creo que es de las pocas veces que una línea pinta algo tan específico que me hace imaginarlo todo. Y ya me ha pasado que empiezo a escuchar un disco y suena como que va a ser un 5, pero a medida que pasa el disco pienso que podría ser un 4. Lo escucharía de nuevo? Yo creo que sí. Es tan bueno como In Rainbows u otros que puse en ese pedestal? No lo sé. A ratos las melodías y el fraseo me sonaban super Taylor Swift. Luego de una búsqueda rápida encontré que este disco fue producido por el mismo productor de algunos discos de ella. Es un 4.5 para mi, pero aproximaré para arriba no más.

I loved it when I first heard it, still love it now. There are no skips on this album, and I would happily listen to it on repeat

Had a lot of fun while listening to the album. Great Trainride music

notably the track hard feelings/loveless after 4 minutes beat sounds similar to the happy ghast music disc from minecraft

It’s good 👍

Wait how have I never listened

Based purely on how many songs from this album I've had on repeat over the years, this has to be a 5 for me.

The bass in this album is very powerful. I've only heard a few of her songs in the past, I'm liking this album more than I expected I would.

Listens: 5 Standout tracks: Homemade Dynamite, Hard Feelings/Loveless, Sober II (Melodrama), Writer In The Dark I really liked this. I have Pure Heroine on Vinyl, and for some reason I've never listened to any of her other music besides Homemade Dynamite (which I suspect is probably a single) before. So, it was nice to branch out and listen to something else Lorde has produced. Perhaps part of the reason why I enjoyed it so much is that I've just come off of two bands on the List that absolutely SUCKED (comparatively) at singing, keeping a melody, composing music, harmonizing, and pretty much all of the things you typically look for in music. And so, it was a very nice change of pace. I've mentioned before in other reviews that Pop music is very hit or miss for me. Lorde seems to be largely in the hit category. There's something about the music that seems more adult like, even though she's only 28 (21 when the album came out). An old soul-like. I could just be making stuff up though. Who knows.

wow this is fucking good, love “Writer in the Dark”. Also, Album cover looks incredible. 4-5 but I’m thinking this is a 5

Perfect, no skips for me

I liked it!! a lot of good tracks there

Quite an unexpected surprise for the album. Having listened to only "Royals" before which I had enjoyed, seeing her talent displayed in an entire album from a musicality, creativity perspective with the unique vibes for these songs made it a very enjoyable listen with each song being a standout on it's own and thus earning the album a 5/5.

Lorde: Melodrama: This was absolutely stunning. Super interesting, fun, dynamic, and emotional. I loved every song on this album, her voice is stellar and I loved the production. I will absolutely check out more of her stuff this is clearly special. 10/10

M'encanta. Preferida: The Louvre

This was actually my first time listening to this album all the way through. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed myself more than I thought I would. I was actually surprised when it finished because I felt like it should have been longer. I have listened to “Pure Heroine” and really enjoyed that album. I think “Melodrama” could potentially surpass “Pure Heroine” but I’ll need more time to listen to it. 9/10

Perfect pop album

her best album forever and always. it will never fail to make me cry or get up and dance or both at the same time. she encaptures her emotions so beautifully and in such a complex but relatable way. this album is one of the best things to ever happen to the 21st century.

Love this album for its raw sound and emotional journey. Can’t relate to the theme, but the album is great.

Who hurt Lorde my god - raw, emotional. Instrumentals go from biting to sullen and pair with the vocals/lyrics

Wonderful listen. Fit right in with my usual get ready music

one of my favorite albums ever, an ethereal listening experience from start to finish.

This one takes me back lol, maybe slightly biased as this is an album I've treasured for many years now but I think as far as pop albums go it's a collection of excellent songs

I fell in love with this album when it first got released back in 2016, but curiously enough, it had been a while since the last time I listened to it from start to end. Somehow, I felt worried because I wasn't sure how well it had aged to my particular taste after all of these years. It still bangs! Instant classic, all killer no filler.

Awesome

Favorites: The Louvre, Hard Feelings/Loveless, Supercut One of the most phenomenal pop albums I've ever heard. There won't be another artist quite like Lorde, someone that came into the pop music scene and absolutely changed the game with Pure Heroine. Melodrama proves that she can continue to innovate and make some of the most wonderful music you'll ever hear.

idk i don't think the men that use this website should be able to talk about this album. Melodrama was a moment! Remember that!

75% of my radio consumption as a tween was alt nation, so I heard a lot of shitty imitators of this. It would be hard to put that bias aside, buuut when you have hooks and production this good it’s pretty easy see the true quality.

big fan!

I was sort of just a casual Lorde fan until I saw her do Life On Mars at the David Bowie tribute and that was by far the best tribute to Bowie I've seen. Ever since then I've loved everything she's done. One thing I like about her music is that it's unexpected, it doesn't just sound like the rest of the pop music out there. Her lyrics are great and I love her voice. For this album, it starts off really strong with Green Light and continues that way throughout. The one thing I don't like about this record is that there are no real instruments at all. At least as far as I can tell. It sort of loses points for that, but what is recorded is really good. Much better than the sort of electro-pop or dance pop that was coming out around the same time or even now. I know that's sort of a 'get off my lawn' argument but still, I appreciate real instruments more than something made on a computer. And keeping that in mind, it is a little ironic to me that the cover is a real (and fantastic) oil and acrylic painting. But I digress.... I'd find it hard not to give this album five stars even though I think it could be improved. It's a great album that I feel will stand the test of time and still be great 50 years from now. 5/5

Lidt nostalgisk, sommer vibes. Virkeligggg godt, giver den der følelse. Kommer til at lytte til det på repeat.

Fantastic!

## In-Depth Review of Lorde's *Melodrama* Lorde’s *Melodrama* stands as a defining pop album of the late 2010s, blending raw emotion with experimental production and sophisticated songwriting. Released in 2017, it marked Lorde’s evolution from the minimalist, anti-pop prodigy of *Pure Heroine* to a mature, genre-bending artist unafraid to embrace both vulnerability and spectacle. This review examines the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and concludes with a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## Lyrics **Emotional Intensity and Narrative Depth** *Melodrama* is, at its core, a breakup album, but Lorde’s approach to heartbreak is anything but conventional. Her lyrics are introspective, intensely emotional, and often melodramatic, as the album title suggests[1]. She crafts vivid scenes of post-breakup nights, parties, and moments of solitude, using both blunt assertions and abstract metaphors to capture the complexities of young adulthood and emotional turmoil[3][9]. - In “Green Light,” Lorde channels the chaos of moving on: “I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it.” The song’s lyrics balance bitterness and hope, capturing the confusion of seeking closure. - “Liability” is perhaps the most vulnerable track, where Lorde confesses, “The truth is I am a toy that people enjoy / ‘Til all of the tricks don’t work anymore / And then they are bored of me.” This self-awareness is a recurring motif, as Lorde examines her own flaws and the fleeting nature of affection[3]. - “Writer in the Dark” is a pointed address to an ex-lover, blending pain and empowerment: “Bet you rue the day you kissed a writer in the dark.” Here, Lorde acknowledges the power of her art to immortalize heartbreak, while also admitting lingering care[3]. - Throughout the album, Lorde employs potent metaphors-like comparing a summer fling to slipping a chemical under the tongue in “The Louvre”-to elevate common feelings into something universal yet deeply personal[5]. **Pros:** - Lyrics are rich with metaphor, specificity, and emotional honesty. - Lorde’s storytelling is accessible yet sophisticated, resonating with a generation grappling with coming-of-age anxieties[5]. - She avoids clichés, instead offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes. **Cons:** - Some critics and listeners feel that a few lyrics, especially in “Writer in the Dark,” verge on melodrama or lack the biting commentary of her debut[2]. - Occasional lines can feel overwrought or self-indulgent, though this is arguably in keeping with the album’s concept. --- ## Music and Production **Genre-Bending and Inventive Soundscapes** *Melodrama* is a masterclass in art-pop and synth-pop, with flourishes of indie and electronic music. The album’s production, helmed primarily by Lorde and Jack Antonoff, is both lush and experimental, marked by dynamic shifts in mood and texture[7]. - “Green Light” opens the album with a driving piano line and explosive drumbeats, signaling a departure from the minimalist sound of *Pure Heroine* while retaining Lorde’s signature dark undertones[4]. - Tracks like “Sober” and “Homemade Dynamite” are multi-part compositions, shifting gears mid-song with horn sections, beat switches, and layered vocal effects. These arrangements keep the listener engaged and mirror the emotional volatility of the lyrics[4]. - “The Louvre” flirts with indie rock, using echoing guitar chords and a pulsating rhythm to evoke the dizzying rush of infatuation[5]. - Ballads like “Liability” strip back the production to piano and voice, allowing Lorde’s lyrics and delivery to take center stage[3]. - The album frequently juxtaposes upbeat, danceable tracks with moments of stillness and introspection, creating a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows[6]. **Pros:** - Production is innovative, dynamic, and expertly crafted, with Jack Antonoff’s influence bringing both polish and unpredictability[7]. - The album’s sound is cohesive yet varied, with each track contributing to the overall narrative arc[6]. - Lorde’s vocal performances are expressive, moving from hushed intimacy to soaring anthems. **Cons:** - Some critics argue that a few tracks, such as “Homemade Dynamite,” sound more generic or radio-friendly compared to the rest of the album, occasionally blending into mainstream pop territory[8]. - The experimental structure of some songs may alienate listeners expecting straightforward pop. --- ## Themes **Coming of Age, Heartbreak, and Self-Discovery** *Melodrama* explores the emotional landscape of early adulthood, focusing on heartbreak, loneliness, self-reflection, and the search for meaning in fleeting experiences. The album is structured like a night out-beginning with anticipation, peaking in chaos, and ending in solitude and reflection[3][5]. - The central theme is the aftermath of a breakup, but Lorde expands this to encompass the broader anxieties of growing up and finding one’s place in the world[5]. - Partying is depicted not as pure escapism, but as a space where joy and pain intermingle. Songs like “Sober” and “Supercut” examine the ways people use parties and memories to cope with loss[6]. - There is a recurring motif of performance and artifice-Lorde is acutely aware of her own role as both participant and observer in her own drama[8]. - The album also touches on the disillusionment of youth, referencing the fading of cultural heroes and the uncertainty of adulthood[5]. **Pros:** - Themes are universal yet deeply personal, making the album resonate with listeners across generations. - Lorde’s refusal to offer easy answers or tidy resolutions gives the album emotional authenticity[5]. - The album’s structure as a “house party” provides a compelling narrative framework[3]. **Cons:** - Some may find the album’s focus on heartbreak and self-examination repetitive or overly introspective. - Listeners seeking the social commentary of *Pure Heroine* may be disappointed by the more personal, less outward-looking themes[2]. --- ## Influence **Shaping Pop and Inspiring a Generation** *Melodrama* had a significant impact on both pop music and its audience, particularly Gen Z. Its blend of vulnerability, experimentation, and lyrical sophistication set a new standard for mainstream pop albums[5]. - The album was widely acclaimed, winning Album of the Year at the New Zealand Music Awards and earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year[7]. - Lorde’s willingness to embrace melodrama, both as a musical and emotional concept, encouraged other artists to explore deeper, more complex themes in their work. - The album’s influence can be seen in the rise of confessional, art-pop albums by artists such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Halsey, all of whom have cited Lorde as an inspiration. - *Melodrama* became a touchstone for young listeners navigating the transition to adulthood, offering solace in its honesty and relatability[5]. **Pros:** - Elevated the standards for pop songwriting and production. - Inspired a wave of emotionally honest, genre-defying pop music. - Cemented Lorde’s status as a major cultural voice. **Cons:** - Its influence has led to a proliferation of similar-sounding, emotionally intense pop albums, potentially diluting the uniqueness of Lorde’s approach. - The album’s introspective style may not appeal to all listeners, particularly those who prefer more traditional or upbeat pop. --- ## Pros and Cons Summary | Pros | Cons | |-----------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Lyrically rich, emotionally honest, and metaphorically potent | Some lyrics verge on melodrama or lack the bite of her debut | | Innovative, dynamic production with genre-bending elements | Occasional tracks sound generic or too radio-friendly | | Cohesive narrative arc and thematic depth | Experimental structure may alienate mainstream listeners | | Resonates deeply with Gen Z and young adults | Focus on heartbreak/self-examination may feel repetitive | | Set a new standard for pop albums and inspired many artists | Less outward social commentary than *Pure Heroine* | --- ## Conclusion *Melodrama* is a triumph of modern pop, balancing emotional candor with musical innovation. Lorde’s lyrics are sharp, poetic, and deeply personal, while the production-anchored by Jack Antonoff-pushes the boundaries of what mainstream pop can sound like. The album’s themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the messy transition to adulthood are rendered with both grandeur and intimacy, making *Melodrama* a defining record for its era. While not without its flaws-occasional lapses into melodrama, some generic moments, and a narrower thematic focus compared to Lorde’s debut-the album’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. *Melodrama* remains a landmark in pop, a masterful exploration of the human heart, and a blueprint for a new generation of artists and listeners alike.

If I were to find myself in a position to choose 10 albums to take with me on a drive across country, this would almost certainly make the list. I have listened to this countless times and have never once tired of the experience. The production alone is fantastic on this album. The instrumentals are full-bodied, crisp, and varied interleaving trap/club influences with tender pop-piano. Lorde's vocals and evocative writing sound great over these lush soundscapes; often using vocal layering to great effect. This album, more so than others I've listened to recently, begs to be listened to in a single extended play. Sure, the hits stand alone beautifully (Sober, Writer in the Dark, Liability, Supercut), but the sequencing here is exquisite and make for an experience that is more than the sum of its parts. Things kick off with Green Light, which is a nice and bright opener. It starts with some meditative keys and isolated vocals and swells into a driving stomp that feels fitting to backdrop a scene of teenage friends piled in a car, driving around the town at night. Homemade Dynamite is a favorite of mine. Love the snares and how catchy both the chorus and her rap-like delivery is throughout. I have a serious soft spot for Liability. Just a a tender and somber entry at the middle of this record that is such a simple, but beautiful song that is a perfect encapsulation of how powerful of a songwriter Lorde can be. Incredibly catchy chorus and powerful delivery. Lorde grows teeth momentarily on Sober II - a short swell / departure into a trap beat -- before shirking that confidence into one of my favorite tracks here: Writer In The Dark. A stripped back ballad where she (once again) reminisces on a past lover, erring fully into fanatical territory ("I'll love you 'til you call the cops on me"). Supercut is another change of pace that adopts a dancey pop aura made for stadiums. Not much more to say other than I love this album. Easy 5 / 5.

Shit, this is one of my favorite album from my most favorite artist brooo, automatic 5/5. Melodrama will always be the best for me. Melodrama is so underrated rahhhhh. Live laugh Lorde.

Really enjoyed listening to this

I was never a Lorde kinda girl but this one slapped. I wanna listen to it in the summer in a playlist that contains some lana del rey and folklore by taylor swift. kinda hard but still sweet.

I know it is very average objectively, but a 5/5 for me.

forgot how strong this is

I love this album. My favorite song on it is Homeade Dynamite, but there a several great ones.

I appreciate that this album challenged some of my preconceived notions about this type of music (i.e. modern pop) and about how I consume music, in general. I would never have listened to this without participating in this challenge, and without overanalyzing why I enjoyed it, but, instead, just enjoying it because I enjoyed it, it felt nice to not take this process so seriously. Anyway, I hear a little Fever Ray and a little Kate Bush here; and since I love both of them, this is an easy 5 for me. Sure, it's a little melodramatic at times, but it DID come with a label, so I can appreciate that it's also not taking itself too seriously.

Sensational

Imagine being this emotionally intelligent and talented at 19/20. Stunning record. One of the best of the 21st century. This list needs more modern young female acts and fewer old blokes.

Great album, so many good, unique songs and also so many layers to it lyrically. 5/5 Fav song: Green Light (hard to pick one, though)

Not yet heard a better mainstream pop album. It really is flawless. Also a very important album to me in making my teenage self realise you could like Radiohead and pop music at the same time.

Like one of my favorite albums of all time lmao

Fantastic. Wow.

Favorite

Lorde's Melodrama is the best pop album of the 2010s, and quite possibly the greatest pop album of all time. Her ability to present teen drama through such a mature lens is absolutely unparalleled, and makes you realise that she is way ahead of her time in terms of age and maturity. The absolute raw emotion every damn song in both the lyrics, and the beautiful vocals is enough to bring anyone to tears if you listen to this in the right headspace. She offers a genuinely refreshing perspective on many profound topics including loneliness, hearbreak, and social isolation. And I haven't even talked about the actual music yet. From start to finish this album has some of the best and smoothest production I have ever heard, as well as the soft and beautiful nature of each and every song, making this 41 straight minutes of pure bliss for your ears, your brain, and your heart.

Liked it a lot

Love it! Very cool lyrics and tunes thx!

this album feels like being 17 and insane again, absolute bangers, absolutely cathartic, absolutely narrates every teenage girl’s journey through heartache, uncomfortable growth, and acceptance of self. love u lorde muah. p.s. the album backstory here is hella messy and everyone should see the iconic powerpoint (linked here for your convenience: https://dfta.show/files/Lorde%20and%20Jack%20Antonoff%20-.pptx%20(2).pdf)

Overall: 9/10 Imagine a world where Lorde is the biggest popstar on the planet. In my mind, that world has flying cars, coffee that never gets cold and everyone is bisexual. What an awesome world to be in. This album is so so good and Lorde deserves to be much more popular than she is. The songs are obviously very good but it's her breathy voice and incredible lyrics that draw me in. I also have to mention that while album covers don't factor in to my rating, this one is gorgeous and I love it. The album loses a bit of momentum near the end with the reprises and twin tracks but it's not enough to change my rating. I have South Park to thank for getting me into Lorde lol Fav Song: Hard Feelings/Loveless Least Fav Song: Sober II (Melodrama)

Masterpiece of contemporary pop music.

Really enjoyed this. Very Taylor Swift. Some tunes with real potential.

Really good

I cannot be objective about this one. This was a very important album for me. It was the ahha moment where the light bulb blinks on the first time over your head. It's like seeing a slight of hand magic trick when the magican pulls out that queen of Hearts from a moment ago. When I was younger I hated 2 things, country and pop. And this was the opening of a whole new world for me. Pop music is wonderful In it's own little way. It's beauty in simplicity. I love this album. It has moments of riding high on love and companionship and low moments where you just curl up and wait for it all to pass. And it's a "dumb" pop album. I love every second of it. Not perfect but perfectly imperfect. This is one of the good ones.

One of my all time favourites and I still love it

Love obviously

Superb voice, superb production.

I was 23 when this came out. Five stars.

Big feelings, late nights, bad decisions, and too much thinking. It’s pop, but not shiny. Feels like a blurry streetlight through a car window. It’s sad but electric.

Super fun listen.