Is Lorde Grunge Music?
Contents
A look at whether or not Lorde’s music can be classified as grunge, and what that would mean for the state of the genre.
The History of Grunge
Grunge is a rock music genre that emerged in the mid-1980s. It was developed in Seattle, Washington, from a combination of punk rock and heavy metal. Grunge music is typically characterized by its dirty, distorted sound and its lyrics which are often angsty and/or disaffected.
The origins of grunge
Grunge is a subgenre of rock that emerged in the mid-1980s in the American state of Washington, particularly in the Seattle area. King Crimson’s 1983 album Starless and Bible Black, Black Sabbath’s 1980 album Paranoid, and Blue Öyster Cult’s 1976 album Agents of Fortune influenced early grunge bands. The term “grunge” was first used to describe Seattle music by music critic Lester Bangs in 1981, when he wrote a column titled “Hard Rockin’ the Pacific Northwest”.
Grunge developed during a time of increased social conservatism and economic hardship in the United States. Seattle was known for its independent music scene, which encouraged young people to start their own bands rather than sign with major record labels. Grunge musicians were weary of the slick production values and image-based marketing efforts of mainstream 1980s rock music. They sought a return to more basic, raw rock music.
Grunge fashion became popular among young adults and teenagers in the 1990s. It consisted of ripped jeans, flannel shirts, and undershirts. Grunge fashion has been described as “a DIY aesthetic”, “a style for those who don’t care”, or “anti-fashion”. The hairstyles associated with grunge were often unkempt, messy, and deliberately unwashed hair; dreadlocks; and black horn-rimmed glasses.
The grunge scene in Seattle
Seattle’s grunge scene was born in the mid-1980s, when a few local bands began to mix punk and metal to create a new sound. These bands – including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden – brought the grunge sound to a national audience in the early 1990s. But what exactly is grunge?
People often use the term “grunge” to describe any music that is loud, heavy, and distorted. However, the grunge sound is more than just a sonic aesthetic; it is also a state of mind. Grunge music is often about feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. The lyrics are dark and introspective, and the music itself is often slow and droning.
While grunge music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no denying its impact on popular culture. The grunge look – characterized by plaid shirts, ripped jeans, and Doc Martens boots – became fashionably “cool” in the 1990s. And many of the bands that defined the grunge sound are still considered to be among the greatest rock bands of all time.
The Music of Grunge
Grunge music is a style of alternative rock that emerged in the 1990s. It was characterized by a heavy, distorted guitar sound, and lyrics that often addressed themes of angst and alienation. Many grunge bands were inspired by punk rock and heavy metal, and blended these genres with their own. Lorde is a New Zealand singer-songwriter whose musical style has been described as alternative pop and electropop.
The sound of grunge
Grunge is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1980s in the American state of Washington, particularly in Seattle. Grunge music is characterized by a heavy, distorted guitar sound, deep growling vocals, and a “loose” and “sloppy” drumming style. Lyrically, grunge songs often deal with topics such as angst, alienation, apathy, betrayal, cynicism, depression, drug use (particularly heroin), frustration, misunderstanding, jealousy, interpersonal conflict – particularly teen conflict – andsuicide.
The lyrics of grunge
Grunge music is characterized by its dark, depressing lyrics. The lyrics are often about personal angst, drugs, and other dark topics. Grunge music is also known for its DIY aesthetic. Grunge bands often recorded their own albums and made their own music videos.
Lorde’s lyrics are not particularly dark or depressing. However, her DIY aesthetic may be influenced by grunge music. For example, Lorde recorded her own album and made her own music videos.
Lorde and Grunge
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, or more popularly known as Lorde, is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand. Her music can be classified as alternative, electropop, and indie pop. However, some people also say that her music is grunge. Let’s take a look at the elements of grunge music and see if Lorde’s music fits the bill.
The sound of Lorde’s music
Lorde’s sound has been described as “grunge-influenced synth-pop”.[1] Music journalist Evan Sawdey of PopMatters characterised the EP’s production as “a meshing of grungy guitars, ’90s R&B beats, and commercial sheen.”[8] Radioedge.co.uk’s Charlie Ashcroft called the songs “a startlingly accomplished set”,[9] while The Edge described them as “mesmerising”.[10] The line “My head is an animal” from “Bravado” has been variously described as a metaphor for sexual awakening,[11][12] and as a reference to feral children.[13][14][15]
The lyrics of Lorde’s music
Lorde is a unique artist in the music industry. While her musical style cannot be classified as simply one genre, it definitely has hints of grunge. For example, the lyrics of Lorde’s song “Royals” have been interpreted as a critique of materialism and wealth. In addition, the song includes references to drugs and alcohol, which are often associated with grunge music.
While Lorde’s music is not purely grunge, it does contain elements of the genre. This can be seen in both the lyrics and the overall tone of her songs. If you’re a fan of grunge music, you may enjoy listening to Lorde’s music.
Lorde’s connection to grunge
Lorde’s debut album, Pure Heroine, was released in September 2013 to critical acclaim. The album was influenced by grunge music, and Lorde has said that she is a “grunge artist”.
Lorde’s connection to grunge music has been discussed by several music critics. In a review of Pure Heroine, Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone said that the album “represents [Lorde’s] love of Nirvana and Elliott Smith”, while Rob Sheffield of the same publication wrote that the album “transforms ’90s alt-rock references like Liz Phair and Nirvana into something fresh and weirdly sophisticated for the Tumblr era.” Sheffield also said that on the song “Team”, Lorde “channel[ed] Nirvana at their most pop”. Gavin Haynes of NME said that “Ribs” was influenced by Nirvana’s song “Heart-Shaped Box”, while Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe compared the song “Buzzcut Season” to Hole’s song “Doll Parts”.
In an interview with NME, Lorde said that she was a fan of grunge music, and that her song “Team” was inspired by Nirvana’s song “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. She also said that she felt a connection to Kurt Cobain, as both were from small towns and had experienced success at a young age.
