A couple months ago we heard that Lorde would be curating the new Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 album. After a few singles and a music video, the album is finally here, and all I can say is: Wow, Lorde outdid herself. This star-studded album features Ariana Grande, Stromae, Grace Jones, Tove Lo and other amazing artists. The album makes bold choices with its wide spectrum of genres, but every single song works to create a perfect movie soundtrack.
The album kicks off with Lorde’s “Yellow Flicker Beat,” a haunting call for rebellion. The piece begins with nagging hums and artful lyrics all building to an explosive chorus. “This is the start of how it all ends,” Lorde belts, calling for a revolution. This song brings a parallel between the story and the music, by encapturing Katniss’ fighting spirit. It’s a powerful and aggressive anthem that truly encompasses the “Mockingjay” album. Also on the album is Kanye West’s rework of “Yellow Flicker Beat,” which is more of an eerie murmur than the original powerhouse. You can watch Lorde’s music video for “Yellow Flicker Beat,” awash in muted lighting and Lorde’s iconic movements, here:
The oddest song on the album is “Meltdown” by Stromae featuring Lorde, Pusha T, Q-Tip, and HAIM. You’re probably wondering why there needs to be five different artists on one song, and how is it not going to sound like a jumbled mess because of it. Surprisingly, it’s not too cluttered at all and brings this apocalyptic movie to the dance floor. “Tell the crowd, search the town/And we made it all meltdown/It’s a full meltdown,” Lorde sings as HAIM comes in harmonizing for their short-lived cameo. They continue to give us sweet harmonies all the way to the end.
We get yet another dance hit on the album with Major Lazer and Ariana Grande’s “All My Love.” This is obviously where the romance of the movie comes in, with Ariana belting out “All your love, will make us ache/All your love, is worth the chase,” as it builds to the drop, which sounds like a musical realization of a howler monkey. Even with that, this is an energetic, booty-shaking hit that is purely euphoric.
To my surprise, the one and only Grace Jones, the “Slave To The Rhythm” songstress returns with “Original Beast,” a thumping, percussive art song. I was shocked to hear that
Lorde got Grace on the album, seeing as she is one of the coolest classic rockers out there. At the ripe age of 66, Grace has still got it. Laid-back island flourishes and tribal drums make this song avant-garde, to say the least. “You broke the mold when you made me,” Grace speak-sings threatening her return to the music scene. This song is proof that Grace is the “Original Beast.”
Lorde finishes out the album with one of her own, “Ladder Song.” A simplistic organ moves as Lorde’s broken voice sweetly transports you from the dystopian society of Panam. This song is heartbreaking: “No one knows where the ladder goes/You’re gonna lose what you love the most,” she croons. The song lies flat and never goes anywhere; it ends deceptively, like there should be a part two. It’s the perfect way to end the album: inconclusively.
I have yet to see the new Hunger Games movie, but if this album has anything to do with it, I’m down. This was everything I expected from Lorde and more. This also gives me high hopes for how she may be evolving. Here’s to hoping we get some more Lorde in the near future.
http://open.spotify.com/user/dutastyjams/playlist/6XRlFIGwafZmaidDO82O7c
