Lorde’s long-awaited third album “Solar Power” (2021) feels like the complete opposite of her second album “Melodrama” (2017). It’s filled with calm, sun-kissed serenity that captures the feeling of a beach day. “Melodrama” captures the feeling of a much needed cozy, rainy day where buying take-out and finishing a TV series is all that’s on the to-do list.

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With over 12 botanical and often emotionally deep tracks, the 24-year-old New Zealand pop sensation has written her most mature album yet. The first single released, also titled “Solar Power,” is the perfect summer song to sing with some friends while driving down backroads with the windows down. One of my favorite lyrics from the song is, “Throw my cellular device in the water. Can you reach me? No, you can’t.” That carefree attitude is the vibe I strive for every summer.

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The former teen star elevated to instant mega-fame in the 2010s. Even on her debut single, the 2013 hit “Royals,” Lorde’s lyrics often seem to be very self-aware –– questioning the priorities of the current generation.

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After “Melodrama” came out and before the release of “Solar Power," Lorde traveled to Antarctica for an emotional “palate-cleanser.” According to a podcast Lorde did for KIIS-FM, the trip was the best five days of her life. The vast beauty of the natural world – and the reality of the climate emergency –– was the spark of inspiration for this album. “Leader of a New Regime” is just one song that quietly ponders escape when the apocalypse comes. “Wearing SPF 3000 for the ultraviolet rays. Made it to the island on the last of the outbound planes,” she sings. The album will not be released on CD, but a more eco-conscious version of the album is available in a “music box” format –– which consists of a download, bonus tracks and exclusive content.

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A clutch of songs on the album question lifestyles that Lorde seems to want to leave behind. “Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen It All)” is a hug to her old self, wondering where a decade went. A more mischievous song titled “Mood Ring” fondly pokes fun at a generation of young women unsure of what they feel, looking to their mood rings for clues and to crystals for guidance.

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“Solar Power” glows with love songs to her departed dog (“Big Star”), to her family (“Oceanic Feeling”) and to her current, mature self in “Stoned at the Nail Salon” –– a serious, satirical energy capturing the ponding thoughts we have growing up.

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“Solar Power” is an album that grows on me even more with every listen –– building up new bits of wisdom that make their way to the surface –– weaving a stunning tapestry. Few artists strike gold on every record they create but, for the third time in a row, the lyrical genius has done it again.