Lorde has released her new song, "What Was That," marking her return after a four-year hiatus. This is the first single from her upcoming fourth studio album.
The New Zealand singer-songwriter initially teased the track on TikTok. She shared a video of herself in New York City as the lyrics played. "Since I was 17, I gave you everything / Now we wake from a baby, well baby, what was that?" she sang.
Lorde debuted "What Was That" in Washington Square Park for fans. She danced on a wood platform as the song played. The event was initially shut down by police due to lack of a permit, but she later returned to share the song.
Lorde thanked her supporters for their patience in a voice memo. She teased that "these are really the last moments where it's just us, which is crazy but so right."
Her last album, Solar Power, debuted in August 2021. Lorde also collaborated with Charli XCX on the "Girl, so confusing" remix during her hiatus.