Lorde's Impact on Pop Music in 2024: Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish and More

Pop girls are embracing brighter, uplifting aesthetics in 2024, reminiscent of Lorde's "Solar Power" era. Her impact on music is undeniable.

In the realm of pop music, a bright and uplifting trend has taken hold, with artists like Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and Sabrina Carpenter leading the charge. However, it was Lorde who first paved the way for this new aesthetic with her 2021 album Solar Power. Departing from her signature dark and moody sound, Lorde embraced a breezy, beachy vibe that critics initially dismissed as "loose and textureless."

Fast forward to 2024, and the laidback, sunny pop style championed by Lorde is now dominating the charts. Artists like Carpenter and Lipa are incorporating elements of Lorde's blonde era into their music, with catchy hooks and bright visuals reminiscent of Solar Power. Even Grande's Eternal Sunshine, though lyrically different, exudes a similar sense of elation and hazy vocals that echo Lorde's work.

Lorde's influence extends beyond just her own music. Gracie Abrams' latest single "Close to You" drew immediate comparisons to Lorde's Melodrama, showcasing the lasting impact of Lorde's synthpop-infused sound. Swift's album The Tortured Poets Department also demonstrates a similar ethos, blending raw emotion with club-ready beats in a way that mirrors Lorde's approach.

The connection between Lorde and Swift doesn't end there. Jack Antonoff, who produced Melodrama, has since become Swift's go-to producer, leading to speculation about similarities in their sound. Similarly, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas have followed a trajectory similar to Lorde's, transitioning from dark bedroom pop to a more mature, introspective sound.

In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, Lorde's influence remains palpable. While artists like Carpenter, Lipa, Swift, and Eilish may not be copying her directly, the echoes of her innovative sound can be heard throughout the industry. As the sunny, uplifting trend in pop music continues to thrive, it's clear that Lorde's impact will be felt for years to come.