By Ema Woodson
Staff Writer

Aspiring singer and songwriter, Lorde, is rapidly gaining the attention of radio-listeners worldwide.

Being a 16-year-old girl from New Zealand, it can’t be easy to get recognized in several countries in a matter of a year, but Lorde did. She released her full-length album, Pure Heroine, in September. Her hit single, “Royals,” has been striking some listeners since the summer. “I listened to her song royals on iTunes and I thought it was pretty good. So I looked up some of her other songs and downloaded them,” sophomore Sara Greenleaf said.

“Royals” was voted #1 on the New Zealand Top 40 and #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Being played on nearly every radio station, people are destined to grow tired of the song, which could ultimately cease her popularity. “I don’t think people will get tired of her. I think Lorde is different from some of the other popular artists. She’s unique and I think that’s what people like so much about her,” sophomore Morgan Tompkins said. Most artists have listeners who are disappointed in the product. “I really enjoy the album and I personally do not have any problems with it,” Greenleaf said.

Lorde is young, and changes in her music are unavoidable. Just like any other teenager, she’ll go through different struggles and personality changes. “What she is doing now and did on her album is slightly pop, but also kind of alternative so it pleases a larger audience,” Greenleaf said. Many people are anticipating the future of Lorde’s musical career.

What the future holds for her is definitely a mystery. Viewers are far too used to down-spirals of successful teen stars. “I’m hoping Lorde doesn’t repeat history as so many other successful famous young girls have,” Greenleaf said. After Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, and more recently, Miley Cyrus, these outbreaks aren’t surprising anyone.

Pure Heroine certainly pleased the masses with the alternative-pop style. Lorde has achieved more in a year than some of the biggest bands around have in five. There’s no doubt in saying she will have a long music career if she keeps going in the direction she’s headed.