Unveiling Lorde’s Top 20 Hits: Discover Her Most Inspiring Tracks

20. Oceanic Feeling (2021)

Lorde’s track “Oceanic Feeling” from her third album “Solar Power” could be seen as a goodbye to her pursuit of mainstream fame. The song hints at her moving away from her iconic “cherry black lipstick,” which she describes as now unused and stored away. Instead, she embraces a relaxed, sun-drenched tribute to life’s simpler pleasures, describing a moment of clarity where she realized all she needed to do was breathe.

19. Yellow Flicker Beat (2014)

In the interlude between her first and second albums, Lorde collaborated with the remaining members of Nirvana and delivered a powerful tribute to David Bowie at the Brit awards. Her standout performance extended to her powerful and haunting contribution to the “Hunger Games: Mockingjay” soundtrack with “Yellow Flicker Beat,” a track that captures the film’s essence and stands strong on its own.

18. Mood Ring (2021)

Within the laid-back vibes of “Solar Power” emerges “Mood Ring,” a track where Lorde’s sharp wit shines through. The song cleverly satirizes the wellness trends popular among millennials, echoing her earlier critique of pop culture in “Royals,” with lines like, “Let’s fly somewhere eastern! They’ll have what I need!”

17. Buzzcut Season (2013)

“Buzzcut Season” off Lorde’s debut album encapsulates the cool confidence she’s known for. Set against a backdrop of minimalistic music, the song reminisces about past summers, standing in stark contrast to the loud, colorful pop and EDM that dominated the charts in 2013, like Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

16. Stoned at the Nail Salon (2021)

In “Stoned at the Nail Salon,” a mellow electric guitar accompanies Lorde’s musings on aging, fading beauty, and changing musical tastes. The song delves into a contemplative state, possibly induced by THC, where existential questions mingle with serene music.

15. Royals (2013)

While not the top track from “Pure Heroine,” “Royals” stands out as Lorde’s critical take on the lavish, unattainable lifestyle often portrayed in pop music, offering a stark contrast from the perspective of ordinary teens. Its compelling critique and catchy tune made it a defining song of its era.

14. The Louvre (2017)

“The Louvre,” from her sophomore album “Melodrama,” brilliantly captures the turmoil and intensity of youthful romance. Lorde unapologetically celebrates an ill-advised affair with lyrics like, “We’re the greatest, they’ll hang us in the Louvre / Down the back but who cares – still the Louvre.”

13. Perfect Places (2017)

“Perfect Places” offers a buoyant pop sound clashing with lyrics that detail Lorde’s disillusionment with partying. The track describes a night of excess leading to a morning filled with regret and existential questioning, capturing the hollowness of supposed hedonistic nirvana.

12. Team (2013)

“Team” is a standout track from “Pure Heroine” that critiques the superficial party scene prevalent in pop music. With a defiant tone, it features lines like, “I’m kind of over getting told to throw my hands up in the air,” showcasing Lorde’s unique perspective and lyrical prowess.

11. Liability (2017)

“Liability” features a stark, intimate arrangement that feels as though Lorde is confessing her heartbreak just inches away. The song oscillates between despair and a resigned acceptance as she sings about love lost and the inevitable visibility of her personal pain.

10. What Was That (2025)

Lorde’s latest single “What Was That” updates the angst-filled yet euphoric style of “Melodrama.” The song vividly describes intense desire with vivid, contemporary imagery and promises a continuation of her compelling musical narrative in upcoming works.

9. Tennis Court (2013)

“Tennis Court” combines a catchy melody with Lorde’s candid observations on fame, highlighted by the line, “Don’t you think it’s boring how people talk?” Its sharp lyrics and engaging composition make the song a natural hit and a critique of celebrity culture.

8. Supercut (2017)

In “Supercut,” Lorde revisits the themes of fame and heartbreak, set to a track that builds into a powerful chorus before falling into a reflective silence. The song captures the pain of a breakup through its fluctuating musical dynamics, matching the emotional turbulence of the lyrics.

7. Hard Feelings/Loveless (2017)

“Hard Feelings/Loveless” from “Melodrama” showcases Lorde’s ability to blend disparate musical styles. The first part of the song is a dramatic, noise-filled ballad, which transitions into a catchy, almost child-like tune that cleverly uses Phil Collins’s iconic drum sound.

6. A World Alone (2013)

“A World Alone” offers a poignant look at adolescent friendship and identity. The song combines introspective lyrics with a mix of acoustic and electronic elements, reflecting the complexities of growing up in a digital age.

5. Homemade Dynamite (2017)

“Homemade Dynamite” is a prime example of modern pop craftsmanship. The track features a catchy, choppy beat and an infectious chorus, complemented by a remix with contributions from SZA, Post Malone, and Khalid, enhancing its appeal.

4. Writer in the Dark (2017)

“Writer in the Dark” stands out as a deeply emotional breakup ballad on “Melodrama.” Lorde’s vocal performance shifts from a bitter tone to a more expressive, cathartic delivery, supported by minimalistic yet powerful orchestration.

3. 400 Lux (2013)

“400 Lux” epitomizes the unique appeal of “Pure Heroine,” turning everyday moments into compelling musical narratives. The track combines understated synths with lyrics that celebrate mundane yet intimate moments of friendship.

2. Green Light (2017)

“Green Light” serves as a dynamic opener for “Melodrama,” driven by raw emotion and a pulsating house beat. The song is a cathartic expression of heartbreak and renewal, compelling listeners to join in its energetic journey.

1. Ribs (2013)

“Ribs” captures the unsettling transition from adolescence to adulthood with haunting accuracy. The track combines reflective lyrics with a building tension that mirrors the anxiety and excitement of growing up. This song perfectly encapsulates the essence of Lorde’s debut album, resonating deeply with its young audience.