BY: Alexis Eichelberger

After three long years of waiting, Lorde is back. Word was circulating that the 23-year-old New Zealander was in the studio, working alongside producer Jack Antonoff to get a new album out in late 2019. After delays, she unexpectedly announced via an email sent to fans, earlier this month, that new music was coming soon.

Although we still have no titles, tracklists or release dates, the anticipation is already enough to drive us wild. So while we wait for more details and our first new material from Lorde in what feels like forever, here are six of our favorite tracks from her debut and sophomore albums.

TENNIS COURT

The lead track on Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine sets the tone for a cohesive and brilliant record. “Tennis Court” takes jabs at luxurious lifestyles and cool young people’s calculated carelessness. The song’s blend of dreamy pop melodies and a jarring electronic beat seems like it shouldn’t work, but it somehow does — an ode to the brilliance of both Lorde and superstar producer Joel Little.

RIBS

“Ribs” is the ultimate nostalgic anthem of a generation — and no, we’re not dramatic when we say that. This track from Pure Heroine is undoubtedly one of her best. It feels light with happiness, dense with memories plus fear of the future all at once. It showcases some of her best songwriting and will always be among our favorites.

BUZZCUT SEASON

“Buzzcut Season” feels like a song in slow motion. It sounds like how it feels to lose track of time during long summer days out in the sun. The percussive, twinkly melody has a dreaminess that transports us to a simpler time when explosions on TV didn’t matter — only swimming pools and happy hours spent with friends.

GREEN LIGHT

Nearly four years after the release of her phenomenal debut, Lorde exploded back into pop culture and onto the charts with the release of “Green Light.” The lead single from her sophomore album Melodrama has an airy, uplifting quality. It begins a heaviness, but as the song moves into the bridge and chorus, Lorde permits herself to leave the pain behind for a brighter future.

SUPERCUT

With “Supercut,” Lorde puts into words something so many of us have experienced. She sings a tune about romanticizing a former love. When we look back, we see only the highlights instead of arguments and dysfunction. The racing, danceable beat makes us feel like we’re driving a fast car. Both the drive and the delusional memories are exhilarating and dangerous, but we do them anyway.

PERFECT PLACES

On the final track of Melodrama, Lorde is looking for “Perfect Places.” She sings about her search to find romantic fulfillment plus nights spent drinking and dancing. Although it’s a bit pessimistic lyrically, the happy, bouncy melody offers optimism. She might not know where the perfect places are yet, but maybe someday she’ll find them.