User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1392 Ratings

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  1. Oct 1, 2013
    10
    This album is probably the best of the year. Lorde is in a genre of her own and I don't think that she can be compared to any other artist out there today.
  2. Oct 8, 2013
    10
    This album is so refreshing amongst all the other pop albums out today. Lorde adds so much depth to already unique beats through her lyrics. It is easy to listen to the album multiple times.
  3. Jan 11, 2014
    10
    I can't believe i didn't hear this album until today.

    Very smart lyrics. The minimalist music gives room for Lorde to showcase her singing, which is a pleasure to the ears. Not to mention that, in its own right, the music itself is pretty gorgeous.

    Of course, some tracks are forgettable. But the majority here is amazing tracks. This is easily one of the best albums released in 2013.
  4. Dec 29, 2013
    10
    Very limit number of instruments, yet. The albums is amazing! The vocals are great, all tracks are good as well. Definitely, Lorde is the future of music!
  5. Dec 21, 2013
    10
    Pure Heroine is a display of 10 beautifully written and performed tracks; it is an artistic showcase of pure talent that you would not expect from a 16 year old. It is almost like as if Lorde invented a new sound, which is a major stand-out from other mainstream artists. Stand-outs are Royals (undoubtedly) and Tennis Court. Massive congratulations to Lorde for her recent success.
  6. Nov 26, 2013
    10
    At just 16 years old, Lorde has all the credibility Lana Del Rey wished one day or spend. No need to dress with vintage image and scream desperate for his men in their tracks. Lorde slaps in the face of the music industry in ''Royals'' and sports in rhyming ''Tennis Court''. Definitely, Lorde is the future of music.
  7. Apr 22, 2017
    10
    I am now realizing, with 'Melodrama' coming up, that I haven't properly reviewed 'Pure Heroine'. Now, let me make it crystal clear: Lorde's debut LP is one of my top 3 albums of all time until now, and it's easy to say, very objectively, that it is one of the most well-done records in recent history. Lorde's earth-shattering minimal vocals sway back and forth to beautifully producedI am now realizing, with 'Melodrama' coming up, that I haven't properly reviewed 'Pure Heroine'. Now, let me make it crystal clear: Lorde's debut LP is one of my top 3 albums of all time until now, and it's easy to say, very objectively, that it is one of the most well-done records in recent history. Lorde's earth-shattering minimal vocals sway back and forth to beautifully produced alternative beats and all of that adds up to make a beautifully-crafted solid debut, all coming from an 18 year-old whose lyrics are deeper and more mature than anyone else's. 'I'm little but I'm coming for the crown', Lorde sings on highlight 'Still Sane', and it seems, that crown is already on her head to stay. 10. Expand
  8. May 4, 2014
    10
    ELA ESCREVE MUITO BEM, ELA E UM GÊNIO... CONSEGUI SE EXPRESSAR EM ÁLBUM COMPLETO E CHEIO DE HITS, NÃO QUE EU GOSTE DA SUA PERSONALIDADE... MAS ELA É UMA ÓTIMA ESCRITORA.
  9. Dec 21, 2013
    10
    Simply a precious masterpiece.
    Every song grips in it's uniqueness and does not let go for a long time.
    A triumph for a newly discovered talent.
    All my hopes for Lorde to keep the level.
  10. 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 are catchy, I do not get tired of hearing.
  11. Oct 11, 2013
    10
    Easily the best album of the year, I found Lorde half a year ago when I listened to 'Royals' and got hooked instantly. Incredible artist, incredible music. A+
  12. 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 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, "PureI 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. Expand
  13. 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 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
    There 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.
    Expand
  14. Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Pure Heroine is by far a perfect mix of sounds, not only for Royals, which is just a demonstration of what she could do. It's incredible how a 16 year-old girl could have such a vision about things and life. Masterpiece.
  15. Oct 11, 2013
    10
    truly a tremendous album! every song is so well produced and catchy and the lyrics are amazing. no reason not to buy this absolute gem. all 10 songs are awesome.
  16. Oct 18, 2013
    10
    This album is so good it is scary. From her anti-prom queen and anti-mainstream agendas to the simple yet very effective production this album is a masterpiece. Just by listening to it I feel like I know her, I can picture her town the characters in her lyrics very easily. And last but not least her vocals and very catchy choruses. This album shall be on a loop for a very longtime.
  17. Nov 9, 2013
    10
    Uno de los mejores albums que he escuchado este año, sin duda Lorde se lució, es un disco con 10 canciones que no aburren, lleno de magia pura que soprende con sus sonidos que cautivan y a la vez llenan.
  18. Nov 18, 2013
    10
    I seriously cannot believe that a teenage girl has such a mature and strong personality and attitude in front of the world. In a stream full of "performers", nonsense songs and viral videos that reach thousands of millions of views in few days, Lorde is not afraid to say that she doesn't want to belong to that world. And she really do mean it, that's the best part. Her songs contain suchI seriously cannot believe that a teenage girl has such a mature and strong personality and attitude in front of the world. In a stream full of "performers", nonsense songs and viral videos that reach thousands of millions of views in few days, Lorde is not afraid to say that she doesn't want to belong to that world. And she really do mean it, that's the best part. Her songs contain such incredibly rough and realistic meanings, combined with minimal and precise music that makes everything smoothier and calmer. Her voice is so out of this world, as well as her variations. This is talent. This is an artist. This is Lorde: (hope to be) the next new true legend of music! Expand
  19. Mar 29, 2014
    10
    Pure Heroine is the best record of the year, period. Each song, each rhythm, each lyric, an absolute masterpiece, and to think that Lorde is only 17 years old. Beyond the mainstream hits like Royals and Team, which are excellent songs by the way, the album contains subtler songs like A World Alone, which I think is the anthem for today's youth, and White Teeth Teens, which talks aboutPure Heroine is the best record of the year, period. Each song, each rhythm, each lyric, an absolute masterpiece, and to think that Lorde is only 17 years old. Beyond the mainstream hits like Royals and Team, which are excellent songs by the way, the album contains subtler songs like A World Alone, which I think is the anthem for today's youth, and White Teeth Teens, which talks about today's adolescents. A must listen to anyone who loves Pop or Alternative music. Let's see what Lorde comes up with next, and I'll be waiting at the edge of my seat. Expand
  20. Dec 7, 2013
    10
    Really really good....Almost surpassed my expectations.My friend suggested this album to me and I am grateful to him for it. The song 'Royals' is the most catchy song of the whole album. The other songs are also very good. Hats off to Lorde!!!
  21. Dec 8, 2013
    10
    A really, really new sound on the global music industry, Lorde is bringing us a really new level to alternative music (it's not pretty beat-y). The minimalistic sound that the album had may be a great choice for relaxing your minds. Especially per tracks:

    'Tennis Court' Pretty much pop and pretty much skater swag. '400 Lux' Unusual 'Royals' Only beats, bass, and Lorde 'Ribs'
    A really, really new sound on the global music industry, Lorde is bringing us a really new level to alternative music (it's not pretty beat-y). The minimalistic sound that the album had may be a great choice for relaxing your minds. Especially per tracks:

    'Tennis Court' Pretty much pop and pretty much skater swag.
    '400 Lux' Unusual
    'Royals' Only beats, bass, and Lorde
    'Ribs' Sweet night techno-minimal.
    'Buzzcut Season' A perfect firefly pop.
    'Team' Kinda ironic, because the songs uses handclaps and the lyrics contain "anti-handclap'
    'Glory and Gore' Mini-rock.
    'Still Sane' Lana Del Rey
    'White Teeth Teens' Reminds me of Spain and Jake Bugg.
    'A World Alone' Next potential single.

    for the next chapter, it's pretty sweet if Lorde and Joel Little collaborate again.
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  22. Dec 26, 2013
    10
    "Pure Heroine" has a skip-able has a song which is "Biting Down" in my opinion, overall this is one of the best records I've listen to this year since Phillip Phillips debut "The World from the Side of the Moon". Basically, the album features great songs such as "Tennis Court", "Ribs", "Team", "A World Alone", "Glory And Gore", and the quadruple-platinum hit "Royals". In my opinion, my"Pure Heroine" has a skip-able has a song which is "Biting Down" in my opinion, overall this is one of the best records I've listen to this year since Phillip Phillips debut "The World from the Side of the Moon". Basically, the album features great songs such as "Tennis Court", "Ribs", "Team", "A World Alone", "Glory And Gore", and the quadruple-platinum hit "Royals". In my opinion, my highlights of this album is "Team", "Glory And Gore", "Ribs", "A World Alone" "Royals" and "The Love Club". I love her voice, I just love it, and I feel like her vocals are inspired by Nelly Furtado on some songs. I gave it a ten due to the Lyrical content. production and because of Lorde's direction. She is a very good person based on the songs she have wrote, I hope she doesn't turn out like Avril Lavigne whose career is dying due to her signing to a rapidly declining label. Expand
  23. Feb 2, 2014
    10
    This album is definitely one of the best albums I've heard in a while.The reason why I like this album so much is because it is so different than any other album that has come out in a while.What amazes me is Lorde's age.Her vocals are great and the production on the album is definitely on point.I would highly suggest purchasing this album and give it a try.It's pretty d*mn good.
  24. Feb 28, 2014
    10
    Nada sobre fim de relacionamentos ou vida de um adolescente, em Pure Heroine, seu álbum de estréia, Lorde veio para falar sobre os adolescentes de dentes brancos e sobre o fato de nunca pertencer á realeza.

    No meio de tanta música ruim hoje em dia, Lorde se destaca com suas letras inteligentes e qualidade musical entre esses artistas teen de hoje, que só sabem falar sobre uma coisa em
    Nada sobre fim de relacionamentos ou vida de um adolescente, em Pure Heroine, seu álbum de estréia, Lorde veio para falar sobre os adolescentes de dentes brancos e sobre o fato de nunca pertencer á realeza.

    No meio de tanta música ruim hoje em dia, Lorde se destaca com suas letras inteligentes e qualidade musical entre esses artistas teen de hoje, que só sabem falar sobre uma coisa em suas músicas: O quanto estão apaixonados. Com faixas incríveis que simplesmente te viciam, "Pure Heroine" é, de longe, um dos melhores (para não dizer O melhor) álbuns de 2013. Não é atoa que a neozelandesa Lorde conseguiu 2 grammys em um ano de carreira, vencendo de artistas como P!nk, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry e Bruno Mars. Mal posso esperar pelo seu novo disco e espero que tenha o dobro de qualidade que "Pure Heroine".

    Melhores do álbum: Tennis Court, Royals, Buzzcut Season, Team e Glory and Gore
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  25. Apr 29, 2014
    10
    Pure Heroine is sparse, minimal and uncanny. Not only does Lorde push forward an album that offers up an embarrassment of the pop songs available now, but she has sculpted an impressive debut that draws a perfect line between the areas of accessibility and intelligence. It is delightful to see someone of that age to write all her songs but at the same time have them be lyrically relevantPure Heroine is sparse, minimal and uncanny. Not only does Lorde push forward an album that offers up an embarrassment of the pop songs available now, but she has sculpted an impressive debut that draws a perfect line between the areas of accessibility and intelligence. It is delightful to see someone of that age to write all her songs but at the same time have them be lyrically relevant and relatable. Pure Heroine may not exactly be multi-faceted, but it can at times be complex. The thing that caught my attention over time was the aspect of production in Lorde's debut. The dazzling album may have been recorded in a modestly sized studio in Auckland, but Pure Heroine sizzles with a effervescent, pure and almost exposed production. Drums are often used, snares, and dark- brooding bursts of snares. Lyrically it is thought provoking and highly mature, and is extremely refreshing to see an established artist stray away from the mainstream agenda, who generally sing about unrelatable topics such as wealth, cars, drugs, money, alcohol, mansions, jewellery etc. It makes me happy to see someone challenging such an ideal that has been idolised and established within the music industry-- Track wise, Pure Heroine is very catchy and its very obvious to see much of Lorde's song writing is derived from smart observations about society and her life in general. The best tracks in the album lay dispersed throughout the short album. It opens with the jagged, punchy 'Tennis Court' which flows onto songs like 400 lux and Royals, but the best track comes 4th. Ribs delights with its ambient, atmospheric opening which lasts just over 40 seconds. Lyrically its the most intelligent, and by far the most distinct(excluding Glory and Gore of course) It has a fast paced beat, which slows during the pre choruses. Ribs may be the best song that Lorde has created. The only can we say bad song on the album, comes just over mid way. Glory and Gore definitely strays away from the albums distinct nature of minimalism. I would of liked for it to be excluded, and maybe put the Love Club there instead. Overall Lorde has moulded a fantastic debut, which sure will be hard to beat for her next album, which I'm sure looking forward to. Expand
  26. May 31, 2014
    10
    "Pure Heroine" by Lorde is just a fantastic album. Every song on this album is very relatable and songs that you can sing-along to, and Lorde's voice is just captivating.
  27. Jun 16, 2014
    10
    A suburban teenagers dream. Perfectly written, incomparable melodies and amazing fluidity.

    Ella Marija Lani Yellich O'Connor's (Lorde) debut album is amazing. There isn't a weak song in the 10 superb ones on the record. Her and Joel Little create magic!
  28. Jun 20, 2014
    10
    Esse album é maravilhoso,o segundo melhor de 2013(só perde pra ARTPOP) que o sucessor de Pure Heroine seja igualmente maravilhoso e Lorde/Ella não me descepcione.
  29. Jun 20, 2014
    10
    I have only just managed to ween myself off from listening to Pure Heroine on repeat since it was released late September 2013. Became a fan of Lorde and her music after hearing her Love Club EP over a year ago. It boggles my mind to think this teen wrote the lyrics to all the songs on Pure Heroine bar Swinging Party when she was only 15. Over the last 8 or so months I keep changing myI have only just managed to ween myself off from listening to Pure Heroine on repeat since it was released late September 2013. Became a fan of Lorde and her music after hearing her Love Club EP over a year ago. It boggles my mind to think this teen wrote the lyrics to all the songs on Pure Heroine bar Swinging Party when she was only 15. Over the last 8 or so months I keep changing my favorite song from the album...songs I liked the least slowly made their way to the top of my fav list the more I listened to each track. I've since discovered other crazy talented new artists since however, Pure Heroine is still my No.1 album for 2013/204 - no doubt will go on to become a classic. Expand
  30. Jun 23, 2015
    10
    Best album of 2013. So young, but so smart! Lorde explores things that most part of the actual teenage-singers don't care, and things that some "super artists" (by fans) seems to can't talk about, because they're too busy with their own selfishness. Lorde is mature, with beautiful and intelligent songs. The future of music is here, it's name is Lorde.
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Feb 4, 2014
    90
    It’s the music here, not the sharp-toothed lyricism, which sets the record so far apart from the rest of the field.
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 22, 2013
    80
    It isn't perfect but it adds up to an intimidatingly assured opening shot from a major new talent. [Dec 2013, p.108]
  3. Nov 1, 2013
    70
    Whilst Lorde’s world creates its own incredibly distinctive atmosphere, it feels accessible and open to maturing.