"Royals" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde (real name: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor), which became a massive hit and garnered international acclaim. Here are some interesting facts about the song and Lorde:
Young Achievement: Lorde was only 16 years old when she co-wrote and released "Royals." The song was included in her debut EP "The Love Club EP" in 2012 and later in her debut studio album "Pure Heroine" in 2013.
Lyrical Themes: The song criticizes the opulent and materialistic lifestyles often portrayed in mainstream pop culture. Lorde expressed that she was inspired to write "Royals" after seeing a photo of a Kansas City Royals baseball player in a luxury car.
Massive Breakthrough: "Royals" catapulted Lorde into global stardom. The song topped the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Record-Breaking: Due to her age at the time of the song's success, Lorde became the youngest solo artist to achieve a number-one single in the US since 1987.
Unique Sound: Lorde's distinct sound in "Royals" combined minimalist electronic production with her signature smoky, alto vocals. The song's production style was a departure from the heavily synthesized sound prevalent in pop music at the time.
Grammy Success: Lorde's work on "Royals" earned her two Grammy Awards in 2014: Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
Cultural Impact: The song's message resonated with a wide audience, sparking discussions about consumerism, fame, and authenticity in the music industry.
Critics' Acclaim: "Royals" received positive reviews from music critics who praised its unique perspective and Lorde's songwriting talents.
Influence on Pop Music: The success of "Royals" played a role in shifting the direction of pop music, leading to a resurgence of more alternative and minimalist pop styles.
Global Icon: Lorde's success with "Royals" established her as a global pop icon, and she continued to release successful albums, including "Melodrama" in 2017.
Ella and Lorde: Lorde chose her stage name as a nod to her fascination with aristocracy and royalty, which is also reflected in the themes of the song "Royals."
Multi-Talented Artist: Lorde is not only a singer but also a songwriter and record producer. She's known for her involvement in the creative process of her music.
"Royals" remains one of the standout songs of the 2010s and played a significant role in shaping Lorde's career and the pop music landscape of its time.