Lorde's 'Virgin' Album Sparks Art, Gender Debate

Lorde released her fourth studio album, 'Virgin,' on June 27, 2025, marking her return to music after a four-year hiatus since 'Solar Power.' The album, produced mainly by Jim-E Stack and featuring tracks such as 'What Was That,' 'Man of the Year,' and 'Hammer,' delves into themes of self-discovery, gender identity, trauma, and the complexities of fame. Its provocative vinyl artwork, appearing to depict female genitalia, has sparked online debate, with reactions ranging from praise for its honesty to discomfort, and the album carries a parental advisory warning. Lorde describes the work as her most introspective yet, expressing that it represents her personal growth and evolving understanding of gender, saying, 'I’m a woman except for the days when I’m a man.' Despite controversy over the explicit imagery, early critical and fan responses have been largely positive, celebrating 'Virgin' as a bold artistic statement. The creative process was informed by Lorde's personal experiences, including coming off birth control, a major breakup, and inspiration from candid female writers.