Praise the Lorde: A Decade Of Her Debut Album 'Pure Heroine'

Ten years ago, a teenage rebel from New Zealand named Ella Yelich-O'Connor aka the Lorde herself, took the throne as the new queen of alt-pop! 'Pure Heroine' wasn’t just a debut album – it became the anthem for a disillusioned generation.

There's a reason why David Bowie called her "the future of music".

Let's go down to the "Tennis Court". It's time to reel through the midnight streets and blast this renegade of a record out LOUD.

Sonic Youth:

2013 brought us ‘Pure Heroine’, a raw, unfiltered anthem of youth, echoing through the messy alleys of our teenage years. With bangers like "Royals" and "Team", Lorde wasn’t just making music; she was crafting a rebellion against societal norms. Her nuanced lyrics and minimalist production shifted the pop music paradigm, earning her GRAMMYs and a seat at the table of music legends.

Behind the Rebellion:

Crafting the sounds of rebellion was no solo gig. Producer Joel Little was her partner-in-crime, helping Lorde create a sonic masterpiece that spat on the norms and embraced the authentic narrative of adolescence. Their unique blend of art-pop, indie-pop, and electropop saw her ascend to the throne, setting Lorde apart from her contemporaries.

Lorde’s Legacy:

A decade down the line, Lorde’s influence has weaved itself into the souls of artists who dare to bare it all. Here’s a snapshot of 10 artists and their albums, fuelled by the ‘Pure Heroine’ fire to make something magical of their own:

1/ 'WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?' by Billie Eilish

The spooky, ethereal world Billie Eilish crafted in this album became a sanctuary for the outcast and the overlooked. Hit tracks like “bad guy” and “bury a friend” redefined pop norms, putting a whole new meaning behind 'hell is a teenage girl'. Billie, alongside her brother Finneas, threw us into a haunted house of emotions, and we loved every second of it!

2/ 'American Teen' by Khalid

Khalid’s ‘American Teen’ is a coming-of-age manifesto, painting suburban youth with vibrant hues of love and loss. With bangers like “Young Dumb & Broke” and “Location”, Khalid navigates the teenage labyrinth, making us all nostalgic for high school heartaches and victories.

3/ 'BADLANDS' by Halsey

Halsey's ‘BADLANDS’ is a sonic trip into a dystopian world, filled with rebellious anthems like “New Americana” and “Colors”. It's a raw, unfiltered exploration of identity, giving voice to the complexities of coming of age. This album put Halsey on the map as the new rebel of pop! 

4/ 'Immunity' by Clairo   

‘Immunity’ is Clairo’s intimate conversation with the world, exploring sexuality and vulnerability. Tracks like “Bags” and “Sofia” resonate with a sense of raw honesty that has touched the hearts of many. Clairo’s gentle soundscapes make ‘Immunity’ an essential for every late-night playlist. 

5/ ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’ by Arlo Parks

Step into the world of Arlo Parks with 'Collapsed In Sunbeams', and you're diving into a vivid kaleidoscope of vulnerability, raw poetry, and musical brilliance. With hit tracks like "Eugene" and "Caroline", Arlo’s voice is a balm – a sweet melody that dances with the shadows and lights of the human experience. Not just an album, it’s a sanctuary where every note is a heartbeat, and every lyric is a whispered secret.

6/ ‘Lush’ by Snail Mail

Snail Mail’s ‘Lush’ is an indie-rock dream, delivering the highs and lows of teenage life. With the standout track “Pristine”, it’s a nostalgic ride through young love and loss, showcasing Snail Mail’s knack for authentic storytelling and melodic craftsmanship.

7/ ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ by Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan’s ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ is a vibrant exploration of love, sexuality, and self-acceptance. Featuring anthems like “YOUTH” and “WILD”, it’s a bold declaration of identity, showcasing Troye’s ability to blend pop melodies with heartfelt narratives. 

8/ ‘Hey u x’ by BENEE

‘Hey u x’ is BENEE’s quirky, genre-blurring adventure, featuring hits like “Supalonely” and “Snail”. This Kiwi artist brings a fresh sound to the table, combining indie-pop with a dash of the unexpected, making ‘Hey u x’ a delightful musical journey.

9/ ‘Kid Krow’ by Conan Gray

Do you still remember the third of December? ‘Kid Krow’ unveils Conan Gray’s journey through youth and self-discovery. With hits like “Heather” and “Maniac”, it’s a sonic diary of unrequited love and teenage angst, establishing Conan as the voice of a generation grappling with identity.

10/ ‘SOUR’ by Olivia Rodrigo

Screaming into the void of post-heartbreak and teenage turbulence, Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album 'SOUR' painted 2021 with shades of angsty purple. Unapologetically raw, tracks like “good 4 u” and “deja vu” became anthems for the broken-hearted, while “drivers license” had us all sobbing in the car at the traffic lights. 

Reflecting on the past decade, ‘Pure Heroine’ remains a monumental album that has shifted the pop landscape and inspired a plethora of artists. She was speaking the gospel of growing up, making a timeless soundtrack for every generation with 'Pure Heroine'.

So, whether you’ve been a fan since day one or just joining Lorde’s team, it's time to grab the vinyl and dive into the enchanting world of ‘Pure Heroine’! 

(Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images)