Pure Heroine
by Lorde
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. AllMusic
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    Pure Heroine seems to hint at the truth... but the truth is, Lorde is a pop invention as much as LDR and is not nearly as honest about her intentions.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 29, 2013
    60
    Every track here follows the same pattern over identical lackadaisical rhythms, her vocals never rising beyond a low-slung murmur with most of the lyrics drawing the same conclusion: she’s bored.
  3. Spin
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    If nothing else, the music is aggressively okay (there's coiled-spring potential in the crackling, anxious "White Teeth Teens"). But its overall unspecialness undercuts Pure Heroine's devotion to playing both sides of Lorde's "only 16" coin.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 25, 2013
    60
    It's impressive, slick alienation for the Y Generation, but as with Del Rey, it's a one-trick-pony sort of act.
  6. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Oct 28, 2013
    60
    Precocious, certainly, exhilarating, at times, Lorde’s debut album is almost but not quite as good as it thinks it is.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 28, 2013
    60
    It's not only Joel Little's minimalist production, all clicks, bass and empty space. The restraint lies also in Ella Yelich-O'Connor's treatment of orthodox pop themes.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2013
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1392 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,291 out of 1392
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 1392
  3. Negative: 56 out of 1392
  1. Buubs
    Sep 30, 2013
    10
    This album is so amazing, Lorde explored a new sound, different from other Indie artists, and the result is Pure Heroine, all the songs areThis album is so amazing, Lorde explored a new sound, different from other Indie artists, and the result is Pure Heroine, all the songs are catchy, I do not get tired of hearing.… Full Review »
  2. alexanderab
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    There shouldn't have to be reviews written for this album. Ella Yelich O'Connor, better known as Lorde, cranks out 10 masterpieces that showThere shouldn't have to be reviews written for this album. Ella Yelich O'Connor, better known as Lorde, cranks out 10 masterpieces that show no weakness and will please the ears of pop music listeners. Her appeal is wide-ranging and intriguing.

    The overall theme of the album is minimalist, and the catchy alt-pop and tremendous songwriting displayed on the record is indicative of the potential Joel Little and Lorde have working together. Lorde's lyrics are thoughtful, mature, pleasing, and clever. Little's production fits the themes of the songs very well, and though he isn't Stargate when it comes to the beats department, he isn't DJ Mustard either. His production is good across the board.

    Every track stands out in its own way, but if I had to pick a few to listen to:

    Royals
    Team
    Tennis Court
    Bravado
    Ribs

    Yeah, I would have to pick half the album.

    I've already talked about the songwriting, but Lorde's voice is gold. She cruises through songs smoothly while displaying an impressive lower range that's both comforting and haunting at the same time.

    100% a must buy. The fact that she's 16 is just the icing on one of the sweetest cakes of 2013.    … Full Review »
  3. samukahn
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    I agree almost word for word with the pitchfork review, but I think they left out one important fact...it is absolutely impossible to stopI agree almost word for word with the pitchfork review, but I think they left out one important fact...it is absolutely impossible to stop listening to this album. My favorite albums of the last five years are "This is happening" and "It's Blitz." I don't think Lorde has quite yet achieved the sophistication of James Murphey's lyrics and production, but man, for pure addictive music, "Pure Heroine" is absolutely unmatched.… Full Review »
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