Lorde - Royals - 2013
Lorde - Royals
Royals is a song by New Zealand singer Lorde from her debut extended play album, The Love Club EP (2013). It was later included on her debut studio album, Pure Heroine (2013). The song was released on 3 June 2013 by Universal Music Group as the lead single from the album. Notably, "Royals" garnered widespread acclaim for its stylistic innovation and Lorde's unique vocal style. It also became an international crossover hit, topping charts worldwide.
Background and Release
Royals was written by Lorde (Ella Yelich-O'Connor) and her producer Joel Little. The song was borne out of Lorde's fascination with aristocracy and her critique of the lavish lifestyle often portrayed in contemporary music. Its minimalist production, coupled with Lorde's profound lyrics, struck a chord with audiences globally.
Musical Composition and Lyrics
The song is known for its minimalist production, featuring a mix of sub-bass, minimal percussion, and electronic rhythms. Lorde's vocals are the centerpiece, exhibiting a maturity beyond her years. Lyrically, "Royals" criticizes the opulent lifestyle commonly glorified in popular music, with Lorde singing about her disconnection from such extravagance.
Reception and Impact
"Royals" received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. The song is recognized for its influence on pop music, particularly in how it challenged the norms of production and lyrical content.
Legacy
Lorde's "Royals" is considered a turning point in pop music, known for its understated yet powerful commentary on social and cultural themes. It continues to be celebrated for its artistic merit and impact on the music industry.
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Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Royals" by Lorde released? (2013) (!2012) (!2014) (!2015)
Which album features the song "Royals"? (Pure Heroine) (!The Love Club EP) (!Melodrama) (!Solar Power)
Who co-wrote "Royals" with Lorde? (Joel Little) (!Jack Antonoff) (!Max Martin) (!Paul Epworth)
What award did "Royals" win at the Grammy Awards? (Song of the Year) (!Best New Artist) (!Record of the Year) (!Best Music Video)
What theme is predominantly criticized in "Royals"? (The opulent lifestyle glorified in pop music) (!Environmental issues) (!Political corruption) (!Romantic relationships)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is Lorde's real name? (Ella Yelich-O'Connor) (!Eleanor Jackson-O'Connor) (!Elizabeth Yorke-Olson) (!Emily Young-Olsen)
From which country is Lorde? (New Zealand) (!Australia) (!United Kingdom) (!United States)
In which year did Lorde release her debut studio album, "Pure Heroine"? (2013) (!2012) (!2014) (!2015)
How old was Lorde when "Royals" was released? (16 years old) (!18 years old) (!20 years old) (!14 years old)
Besides "Royals," which other song from "Pure Heroine" was a hit? (Team) (!Green Light) (!Tennis Court) (!Liability)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
In "Royals," what does Lorde say she and her friends will never be? (Royals) (!Famous) (!Rich) (!Artists)
Which luxury item is NOT mentioned in "Royals"? (Diamonds) (!Cristal) (!Maybach) (!Gold teeth)
What does Lorde mention as a dream of a luxurious lifestyle in "Royals"? (Jet planes, islands, tigers on a gold leash) (!Fast cars, mansions, diamond rings) (!Private yachts, designer clothes, exotic holidays) (!Expensive wines, gourmet dinners, private concerts)
How does Lorde describe her and her friends' way of life in "Royals"? (We don't care, we aren't caught up in your love affair) (!We live fast, love hard, and dream big) (!We're young, wild, and free) (!We fight hard, stand tall, and break barriers)
What theme is reflected in the lyrics "And we'll never be royals, it don't run in our blood"? (The rejection of materialism and celebrity culture) (!The desire for fame and fortune) (!The importance of family and tradition) (!The struggle of the working class)
Memory
| Lorde's Real Name | Ella Yelich-O'Connor |
| "Royals" Release Year | 2013 |
| Co-writer of "Royals" | Joel Little |
| Grammy Award Won | Song of the Year |
| Main Theme of "Royals" | Criticism of opulent lifestyles |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a Playlist: Curate a playlist of songs that share similar themes with "Royals," focusing on minimalism and social commentary.
- Lorde's Influences: Research and write a short essay on musicians that influenced Lorde's musical style.
Standard
- Song Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "Royals" and discuss how they critique contemporary pop culture.
- Music Video Review: Watch the music video for "Royals" and write a review focusing on its thematic representation and artistic elements.
Difficult
- Comparative Study: Compare "Royals" with another pop song that glorifies luxury and wealth. Discuss the differing perspectives and societal implications.
- Creative Writing: Write your own song lyrics that challenge a popular cultural norm, inspired by Lorde's "Royals."
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Oral Exam
- Discussing Themes: Discuss how "Royals" reflects the societal attitudes of the early 2010s towards wealth and celebrity.
- Lorde's Impact: Explain how Lorde's "Royals" influenced the music industry and popular culture.
- Music and Society: Discuss the role of music in critiquing and shaping societal norms, using "Royals" as an example.
- Comparing Genres: Compare the themes and musical styles in "Royals" with those in traditional pop songs.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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