Nashville welcomed Lorde at the Opry on April 3 for the opening night of her “Solar Power” tour.
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Lorde heats up the stage, as photographed on April 3, 2022. (Hustler Staff/Chloe Postlewaite)
Whether it be ethereal soundscapes, a literal stairway to heaven or the implications of tracks like “Stoned at the Nail Salon,” much of the “Solar Power” experience elicited a high we’d never imagine coming down from. Bright visuals and circular orbs drew the fans into an hour-long sunrise, lifting us up and heightening our senses.
The evening started off high at the Grand Ole Opry on April 3 thanks to powerhouse opener Remi Wolf. Known for hits like “Photo ID” featuring Euphoria-heartthrob Dominic Fike, her voice married rasp and playfulness, pairing well with her eclectic band. Ballads like “Liz” and funky jams like “Sexy Villain” served as the perfect appetizer for the evening.
A sun-like drum illuminates Lorde, as photographed on April 3, 2022. (Hustler Staff/Chloe Postlewaite) (Chloe Postlewaite)
As the main event kicked off, however, I was a bit hesitant. Upon my first listen to the long-awaited “Solar Power” album that dropped last summer, I was left unimpressed. I couldn’t get behind this laidback shift from the punchy pop ballads we know and love, but this concert completely changed my perspective on the album.
The Grand Ole Opry fully brought “Solar Power” to life. Donning an electric green beach-chic suit and backlit by a canvas sun, Lorde briefly opened with “Leader of a New Regime” before energizing the crowd with “Homemade Dynamite.” What could’ve been an abrupt shift between new and old instead blended seamlessly, with her tan-suited band completely changing their tone with minor instrumental modifications and lighting shifts.
These tonal changes were largely made possible by both the versatility of the set and of Lorde’s performing style. In preparation for “The Path,” the rotating set changed just as effortlessly as did her outfit changes, which she conducted while silhouetted on center stage.
Lorde opens donning a bright green suit, as photographed on April 3, 2022. (Hustler Staff/Chloe Postlewaite) (Chloe Postlewaite)
Her casual nature continued as she paused to acknowledge the crowd, saying she felt as though she was “chatting with an old friend” via self-proclaimed “dumb banter.” Just moments later we saw her break down into her classically funky Lorde dance moves while belting “Hard Feelings.”
These moves and conversations exemplify the many instances where we got a taste of the old Lorde—and by old, I mean literally old, as this concert kicked off her first official tour since 2018. She told the crowd just how good it felt to perform again after such a long hiatus.
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