Lorde’s Melodrama was an emotional whirlwind of heartbreak, solitude, and self-discovery. Released in 2017, it marked a bold evolution in her artistry, diving into lush, maximalist soundscapes with Jack Antonoff by her side. While it’s celebrated for its universal acclaim and chart-topping success, there are fascinating details behind its creation that remain under the radar. Here are five lesser-known facts about this electrifying masterpiece.
1. The Album’s Title Was Inspired by Greek Tragedies
Lorde has a knack for weaving literary and cultural references into her work, and Melodrama is no exception. The album title reflects her love of theater and Greek tragedies, capturing the emotional extremes of youth—intensity, heartbreak, and euphoria. She imagined the album as a grand performance, with each song representing a scene in a larger narrative. This theatrical flair underscores the “all or nothing” emotional stakes she faced as a 20-year-old, making the title both personal and universal.
2. Her Synesthesia Shaped the Album’s Sound and Colors
Lorde’s synesthesia, a condition where she perceives sound as color, played a pivotal role in Melodrama’s creation. Each song on the album was meticulously color-coded on a wall in her New Zealand home, where she arranged tracks by their emotional and thematic hues. For instance, “Green Light” was vibrant and electric, while “Liability” carried softer, melancholic shades. This visual approach helped her craft a cohesive narrative, making the album a multi-sensory experience for listeners.
3. The Cover Art Was Painted by a Rising Star in Fine Art
The striking cover of Melodrama was painted by American artist Sam McKinniss, who Lorde specifically sought out after seeing his portraits of Prince and Lil’ Kim. The painting, which captures a restless, dreamy energy, was based on a photo session in a high-rise New York City studio. McKinniss created two versions of the artwork, but Lorde chose the one with a warm flush on her cheek, feeling it perfectly encapsulated the vibrant yet intimate mood of the album.
4. Paul Simon and MDMA Were Major Influences
While heartbreak and isolation defined Melodrama’s lyrical themes, its sonic palette was shaped by some unexpected sources. Lorde often listened to Paul Simon’s Graceland for inspiration during long taxi rides, drawn to its sense of enlightenment after loss. Additionally, in a 2021 interview, she revealed that experimenting with MDMA influenced the album’s emotional catharsis and euphoric highs. The result is a record that oscillates between vulnerability and exhilaration, mirroring her personal journey.
5. “Green Light” Almost Didn’t Make It to the Album
Despite being the album’s lead single and a fan favorite, “Green Light” faced an uphill battle during its creation. The track took 18 months to complete, as Lorde and Jack Antonoff struggled to refine its unique structure and “strange” melodic shifts. Even Swedish hitmaker Max Martin questioned its potential as a pop song. However, Lorde stuck to her instincts, embracing its unpredictability as a reflection of her post-breakup emotions. Today, it stands as one of her most iconic tracks.
Charting the highs and lows of growing up and breaking free, Melodrama only deepens Lorde’s artistry and vision. It would 4 years before her next release, Solar Power capturing the ability to escape, and shunning celebrity culture entirely.