Lorde’s last release, Melodrama, solidified her as an artist who was able to match the potential of her debut single “Royals.” That was four years ago; Lorde is the true antithesis of overproduced and over-rushed music. As she proclaims on the opening track of the record - “Won’t take the call if it’s the label or the radio.”

Vastly different from her two previous albums, Solar Power is easy going. Ella Yelich-O’Connor has notoriously hated guitar, now she embraces it on nearly every track. She has never had guest vocals, now she requests support from the biggest indie artists of today (Clairo, Phoebe Bridgers). The new Lorde took time to rise, and, let’s be honest, she will not be here to stay.

Yelich-O’Connor will always give us something surprising. When the lead single and titular track, “Solar Power,” was released, Twitter went through waves of shock. When the album cover was revealed, similar shock waves went through my mother. Yet, the aesthetics of this project perfectly match its themes. Nature, the sun and the people of New Zealand all contribute.

Lorde writes about her little brother, the passing of her dog and growing up. She does not tell a story throughout this album; she just tells us how she’s feeling after a day with her family or on the beach under the sun.

“Mood Ring” is the star of the album - a concept track that takes a satirical approach to wellness culture. Lorde takes on a persona of a woman obsessed with the early 2000s and crystals. This woman ignores the harm of her activities and the true origins of some of her pastimes. This track beautifully captures how an individual can unintentionally promote harm to the world.

Solar Power is not without flaws, but the flaws can be overlooked after a few listens. They all seem to fade away once you make connections to the songs. They all fade away into a flower patch of thought. They fade away once you let Lorde take you on a journey into the sun.