Photo courtesy of wikipedia.com

She’s only 16 years old, but her album couldn’t be more relatable.

Lorde’s highly anticipated debut album Pure Heroin hit shelves this week. Mounting fame due to her hit single, “Royals,” the New Zealand alt-pop queen has become an increasingly popular name within the music industry. Pure Heroin delivers an exceptional mix of catchy, innovative beats and profound, witty lyrics.

Unlike the lyrics of musicians her age, the pejorative example being Taylor Swift’s killer line in “Mean”: “All you are is mean and a liar and pathetic and alone in life,” Lorde’s lyrics are mature and beyond her years. Tackling on issues of class, fame, and creating herself, Lorde captures her teenage self in a realistic way.

“You pick me up and take me home again/Head out the window again/We’re hollow like the bottles that we drain/You drape your wrists over the steering wheel/Pulses can drive from here/We might be hollow, but we’re brave” Lorde sings in the album opener “400 Lux.”

Lorde’s pop-alternative mix has clean and raw beats. Her low, sultry voice is often compared with the more melancholic Lana Del Ray but is much more addictive and upbeat –not a powerhouse, but far from frail. Every song in the album is composed uniquely while staying true to its genre.

“A World Alone” ends the album with what is probably the most impressive of Lorde’s musical sounds.

The song’s music is relaxed, but flooded with emotion.

Pure Heroin not only has a heart, but also delivers a pulse. Lorde’s fresh face and raw tracks are irresistible. As the singer herself stated, “The way I see it, pop music doesn’t have to be stupid, and alternative music doesn’t have to be boring; you can mesh the two together and make something cool.” Pure Heroin has lived up to her standard, demanding much deserved attention.