Lorde: Pure Heroine

Her sound is sharp, slick and accomplished, so the fact that Ella Yelich-O'Connor is just 16 makes her debut album all the more impressive. The youngster, signed to Universal at 13, has already notched up hits in both the US and her native New Zealand with her brand of dreamy electropop. It's easy to see why: Tennis Court and Royals zing with a combination of Lana Del Rey sultriness and Nicki Minaj sassiness. Remnants of Lykke Li (Buzzcut Season, White Teeth Teens) and Robyn (the clubby throb of A World Alone and Ribs) are evident as well. Still, while Lorde's palette of influences is impeccable and her voice mature beyond her years, Pure Heroine is a somewhat trendy collection – neither classic-sounding enough to stand alone, nor innovative enough to break new ground. Let's see what comes next. lorde.co.nz
Download: Royals, Tennis Court