Solar Power ［LP+7inch］＜Purple Vinyl＞

As a title, Solar Power nods at Lordes environmental concerns yet also neatly sums up the vibe of her third album. Leaving the sullen introspection of her teens behind, Lorde now basks in the sun, soaking up the rays and exuding good vibes. This doesnt mean Solar Power is an album riddled with uptempo bops and hooks, however. Lorde keeps things subdued and stoned, stretching out her tunes and burying her vocals underneath approximations of folk and chill-out pop. Every so often, songs threaten to emerge from the haze -- a lyric catches hold, melodies start to gain shape -- then they drift back into the mist where they swirl until they dissipate. Such formlessness feels deliberate; its as if Lorde is consciously avoiding the path that would lead to a satisfying conclusion because shes more interested in the journey than the destination. Wandering can generate its own rewards provided youre in the mood to get lost. That sentiment applies to Solar Power. If youre riding and vibing with Lorde, this bright shapelessness is superb mood music. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

ニュージーランドが生んだスターのサード・アルバム。これまでの作品と比べてエレポップ色が後退し、代わりにフォークの要素が目立つ。そこにサイケデリックな空気を加えているからか、ボーリガード・エイジャックスやバミューダ・トライアングルといった60～70年代のバンドを連想させるサウンドだ。哲学的思索が顕著な歌詞も耳に残る。パーソナルな情動から社会風刺まで、さまざまな題材を描ける言葉選びは絶品。
bounce (C)近藤真弥