In the tradition of artists like Ellie Goulding and Florence + The Machine, 16-year-old New Zealand native Lorde (aka Ella Yelich-O’Connor) debuts the techno-driven indie sound with her album “Pure Heroine.”

The album delivers brilliant songwriting far beyond what the youth of Lorde would suggest, as well as airy melodies that are catchy while retaining originality. The theme of this naivety is certainly not ignored, but some lyrics suggest a confidence in the face of adolescence.

The lead single “Royals” criticizes the extravagant lifestyles promoted by today’s popular artists with lines like “Every song’s like gold teeth, grey goose, trippin’ in the bathroom…we don’t care we’re not caught up in your love affair.”

This song also illustrates the theme of Lorde’s fame colliding with her former simple life. In the song “Still Sane,” Lorde sings about how she hopes her life will stay the same, regardless of her fame.

She sings, “I won’t be her, tripping over onstage/Hey, it’s all cool, I still like hotels, but I think that’ll change.”

The theme of youth comes in with the songs “Tennis Court” and “Ribs.” These songs offer great contrast between Lorde’s admission of youth in “Tennis Court” and her simple reflection of getting older in “Ribs.”

“Tennis Court” shows defiance in the face of inexperience with “Pretty soon I’ll be getting on my first plane,” and dropping the f-bomb in the very next line.

The weakest song on the album is easily “Glory and Gore” which features an unmemorable melody, but still retains it’s worth with clever wordplay.

Overall, this is an artist to watch. With lyrical brilliance and a sound reminiscent of Ellie Goulding and even more “out there” artists like M.I.A., Lorde is sure to gain popularity in a variety of demographics. From high school students looking for party-anthems to 20-somethings interested in some of her more deeply written songs, this album delivers all of the above and more.

4 out of 5