Lorde’s “What Was That” Hits #1 on US Spotify — A Triumphant Return
As a longtime follower of Lorde’s career, from her groundbreaking “Royals” debut to the more experimental “Solar Power,” I can say confidently: this moment feels different — and electric.
On April 25, 2025, Lorde’s new single “What Was That” officially reached #1 on the US Spotify Streaming Chart, racking up over 1.57 million streams in just 24 hours. It’s the first time she’s hit #1 in the US since her career-making single “Royals” more than a decade ago, according to data reported by Headline Planet and Talk of the Charts.
Globally, the song didn’t just perform well — it exploded.
“What Was That” hit #5 on Spotify’s Global Chart with a staggering 4.23 million streams on the same day, showing that Lorde’s magnetism isn’t just confined to one country. The figures were sourced from Chart Data and conversations within the /r/lorde community on Reddit, where fans celebrated her long-awaited comeback.
🔥 A Fan-Driven Frenzy
What’s fascinating to me as both a journalist and a fan is how organic the success of “What Was That” feels. Lorde didn’t just rely on playlist placement (although Spotify added it to several major playlists reaching a combined audience of 122.5 million).
She surprised fans with a live debut at Washington Square Park in New York City, a raw, real performance that spread like wildfire across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
There’s something special about seeing an artist of her stature reconnect with people at street level. It felt spontaneous, authentic — exactly what music fans crave in today’s overly polished industry.
🎶 A New Sonic Direction
Co-written with Jim-E Stack and co-produced alongside Daniel Nigro, “What Was That” signals a subtle but meaningful shift in Lorde’s sound.
The track leans into wistful reflection but pairs it with tight, modern production — less sunny than “Solar Power,” but more emotionally piercing.
Listening to it on repeat (like thousands of others), I could hear echoes of her early intimacy but also a new boldness. This isn’t Lorde chasing trends; it’s Lorde setting her own weather system once again.
📈 Quick Stats Breakdown
Here’s a snapshot of the numbers from April 25:
| Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| US Spotify Streams | 1.57 million |
| Global Spotify Streams | 4.23 million |
| US Spotify Chart Position | #1 |
| Global Spotify Chart Position | #5 |
(Sources: Headline Planet, Talk of the Charts, Chart Data)
🗣️ My Final Take
Lorde’s achievement with “What Was That” is more than just a streaming milestone.
It’s proof that even after a quieter phase, true artistry, authenticity, and emotional connection still matter.
In a time where fleeting virality often outweighs substance, Lorde’s rise back to the top feels almost revolutionary.
From where I’m sitting, it’s the beginning of another defining chapter in her already iconic career.
If “What Was That” is any indication, Lorde is not just back — she’s evolving, and she’s once again leading, not following.
