Lorde’s highly anticipated debut album “Pure Heroine” doesn’t produce the same thrill that its title promises. Sixteen–year–old Lorde (neé Ella Yelich–O’Connor) has a surprising maturity to her voice that inspires further listening, particularly on tracks “400 Lux” and “Glory and Gore.” However, this was also apparent in “The Love Club,” the New Zealand singer–songwriter’s summer EP that is basically a shorter version of this album. The lyrics are still refreshing and the background beats intriguing, but the album overall follows a fairly slow pace. Even the upbeat songs like “Ribs” and “Glory and Gore” are not that upbeat. There’s nothing wrong with “Pure Heroine,” we just can't shake the feeling we've heard some of it before.
Grade: B+ Download: “Team” Sounds best when: Contemplating the meaning of the Tampons.
