It is very similar to the previous track and sets up the next one effectively. Lyrically, “Buzzcut Season” travels all over, never resting on one topic or theme for very long.
As the song progresses, the instrumentation becomes more clear and during the chorus Lorde eases to the top of her vocal range while layering flowing harmonies to support it. “Buzzcut Season” starts with simple vocals and piano, bass, and drums sounding very faint and distant. The track is generally up tempo, which acts a bit against the melancholic lyrical theme, but it feels very smooth from start to finish. The lyrics talk about being scary getting old and how laughing with your friends is never enough to satisfy yourself emotionally. “Ribs” revolves around growing up but not forgetting how much fun you had as a kid. As much as I like the song, I still wouldn’t mind a few diamonds on my timepiece. It also demonstrates her incredible range, layering harmmonies of seventh chords with the last degree up an octave from the first three. It speaks of how songs always reference expensive brands (such as Grey Goose and Maybach) and how Lorde doesn’t need these things to be happy. It features again drums, bass, and vocals with the occasional light gong hit. The album’s first single, “Royals”, debuted at number 1 in multiple countries, and has been all over the radio for the past few months.
It works well, however it doesn’t quite provide a lot of musical range as some of the later songs do. The track has a very relaxed feeling, not journeying far from the initial verses and chorus. “400 Lux” is a love-themed song with heavy hitting bass and a whaling siren-type noise supporting Lorde’s explanation of spending time with someone you care about and how they make you feel. To put it into perspective, it is a stark contrast to Justin Timberlake’s lush orchestrations in The 20/20 Experience. A simple drum beat covered with synthesizers, bass, and harmonized vocals dominates the instrumentation of the album and works very effectively in Lorde’s favour.
It brings in what can be called “minimalism”, which is simply music and lyrics reduced to the bare bones. The album kicks off with the second single, “Tennis Court”, which excellently sets the mood and general pace of Pure Heroine. New Zealander Ella Yelich-O’Connor, better known as singer songwriter Lorde, nails it with her debut album Pure Heroine, drawing from influences such as Lana Del Rey, Kanye West, and even Nicki Minaj to bring a special brand of what is called “art-pop” to life.