Royals

Key and Pitch

The song “Royals” by Lorde is in the key of D major.

Instruments and Effects

“Royals” prominently uses electronic beats and bass, minimalistic in style. The main instrument is a synthesized, droning bass line that complements the vocals.

Effects include layered vocal harmonies and reverb to give the song a spacious feel. The production is stark, enhancing the lyrics’ commentary on opulence.

Unique Instrumentation

The song’s uniqueness lies in its minimalism and use of negative space, allowing Lorde’s voice to take center stage. The percussion is crisp and tight.

Prevalent Notes

The bass line often utilizes notes in D, A, and G. It has a pulsing, rhythmic quality, played with a consistent intensity that underpins the track.

Onomatopoeic Chord Description

Thump-thump-thump, pa-pa-bass, thud-thud-bump.

Vocal Description

Lorde’s vocals are commanding, with a laid-back yet intense delivery. They are the steady heartbeat of the song.

A metaphor: The vocals are like an unwavering lighthouse beam in a stormy sea.

Phonetic Vocal Breakdown

Examples from lyrics: “Ro-oyals” as /ˈrɔɪəlz/, “been caught up in your love affair” as /bɪn kɔt ʌp ɪn jər lʌv əˈfeɪr/.

Instrument and Vocal Harmony

In the chorus, the bass and vocals intertwine tightly, creating a powerful sense of unity and boldness. It feels grounded yet expansive.

Keys to Playing or Singing

• Keep the rhythm steady and the simplicity intact.
• Focus on clear, confident articulation.
• Maintain a minimal yet impactful approach to instrumentation.
• Use space effectively to let the vocals shine.

Outliers

The cafeteria buzzed with laughter and indistinct chatter. Mia and Tristan sat at their usual table, the one near the window with a view of the concrete skyline, its angular monotony a stark backdrop to their vivid daily life. Mia toyed absentmindedly with the metallic spoon, watching reflections twist and fracture in its polished curve.

Tristan tapped a new rhythm on the table—a subtle rebellion against the humdrum beat of impermanence, a soundtrack to their plans. “Ever think about how absurd it is?” he asked, nodding toward the endless congregation of students, society’s next hopeful heirs blinking aimlessly past them.

Mia smiled, not in cynicism, but with a hint of knowing—a shared secret among misfits. “We don’t follow their rules,” she murmured, eyes steady on the skyline. “Never needed their crowns to be rulers of our own lives.”

Outside the window, the rain began to fall, each drop striking a note in their kingdom’s unofficial anthem, a soft, defiant melody only they could hear.

Composition Breakdown of “Royals” by Lorde

Vocals: The vocals are distinct and take center stage. Lorde’s voice is unique, powerful, and conveys emotion effectively.

Beat: The beat is minimalist yet catchy. It uses a simple drum machine loop that maintains a steady rhythm throughout the song.

Bass: The bass line is subtle but essential. It provides a solid foundation and complements the minimalist production style effectively.

Synths: The use of synth pads is sparse. They create atmosphere without overpowering the vocals.

Originality

The song is highly original. The stripped-down production was uncommon in mainstream pop at its release. The lyrical content challenges traditional pop themes, focusing on real-life experiences over materialistic values.

Use of Samples and Loops

“Royals” does not rely on recognizable samples. The loops are primarily the drum beats, which are deliberately simple and repetitive.

Overall Composition

• Simplicity: Minimalistic approach highlights vocals
• Catchiness: Memorable chorus and melody
• Impact: Set a trend for future minimalist pop productions

Royals by Lorde (2013)

Verse 1: Disillusionment with luxury. Minor luxuries contrasted with opulent fantasies. No connection to pop star extravagance.

Pre-Chorus: Critique of materialism in pop culture. Emphasizes a more relatable, less glamorous life. No desires for fame’s trappings.

Chorus: Anthem of the anti-elite. Rejects the high-life for a simpler, more genuine existence. Catchy, defines the song’s core message.

Verse 2: Continuation of themes from the first verse. Focus on the mundane over the grandiose. Realistic portrayal of life’s modesty.

Pre-Chorus: Similar to first, reinforcing the song’s rejection of opulent lifestyle and materialism.

Chorus: Reiteration of the anthem-like chorus. Empowers the message of finding satisfaction in what’s real, not the fantasy of wealth.

Bridge: Ponders on the distance from luxury, yet finds comfort in the ordinary. A declaration of independence from societal pressures of wealth.

Chorus / Outro: Final assertion of the song’s core message. Ends with a strong statement of identity outside the norms of success and luxury. Simplicity and authenticity triumph over opulence.

    e|---0---    B|---1---    G|---0---    D|---2---    A|---3---    E|-------    

    e|---3---    B|---0---    G|---0---    D|---0---    A|---2---    E|---3---    

    e|---1---    B|---3---    G|---3---    D|---3---    A|---1---    E|-------    

    e|---1---    B|---1---    G|---2---    D|---3---    A|---3---    E|---1---    

Encoded Clue

In the kingdom of glitter, where dreams unfurl, a whispered echo sings of bling’s heaviest burden that rules the silver-tongued crowd.

Analysis of “Royals” by Lorde

Tone

The tone of “Royals” is confident and somewhat defiant. Lorde expresses a clear rejection of the luxury and excess often celebrated in pop music. Instead, she embraces a more grounded lifestyle and attitude. The lyrics are straightforward, creating a sense of empowerment and authenticity.

Tempo

The tempo of “Royals” is moderate. It sits comfortably in a relaxed range, allowing the listener to engage with the lyrics without feeling rushed. The steady pace contributes to the overall chill vibe of the song. It is neither too fast nor too slow, which makes it easily accessible.

Melody

The melody is catchy yet simple. It mainly features a limited vocal range, making it easy to sing along. Lorde’s vocal delivery is quite conversational, which contrasts with many pop songs that tend to have more complex melodies. This simplicity gives the song a relatable feel, aligning with its themes.

Rhythm

The rhythm in “Royals” is laid-back. There are noticeable pauses and a steady beat that keeps the listener engaged without overwhelming them. The rhythmic phrasing allows Lorde’s voice to shine through, emphasizing the key lines of the song. Overall, it follows a straightforward structure that enhances the song’s direct message.

Harmony

The harmony is minimalist. The instrumentation primarily uses deep bass sounds and sparse electronic elements. This choice creates a spacious background, letting the vocals stand out. The harmony complements the lyrics, emphasizing the song’s themes of authenticity and individuality. There are no complex chord progressions; everything feels intentional and purposeful.

Conclusion

“Royals” blends a confident tone, moderate tempo, simple melody, laid-back rhythm, and minimalist harmony. Each element works together to convey a strong message about rejecting materialism and embracing one’s own reality. Lorde’s clear vocal delivery and straightforward lyrics resonate with listeners, making “Royals” a distinctive track in the pop genre.

Recording Quality/Production

Lorde’s “Royals” showcases an interesting juxtaposition of polished production and minimalism. Recorded primarily at Golden Age Studios in Auckland, the production team, consisting of Lorde and Joel Little, focused on creating a clean yet expansive sound. They utilized a combination of high-resolution audio interfaces to capture the nuances of Lorde’s vocal delivery while maintaining a punchy low-end.

Techniques in Recording

During the recording, a straightforward approach was taken. The vocals were tracked with a Neumann U87, prized for its warmth and clarity, into a Universal Audio 610 preamp. This established a strong foundational tone. The drums were recorded using an AKG D112 for the kick and Shure SM57 for snares, providing a tight, focused sound that complements the song’s rhythmic structure.

Mixing and Mastering

The mixing process emphasized dynamic range. Compression was selectively applied, achieving a balance between vocal prominence and instrumental support. The final mastering used iZotope Ozone, ensuring consistency across various playback systems while maintaining the track’s punchiness.

Effects Processing

Effects processing in “Royals” is crucial to its distinctive sound. Key techniques include:

• Reverb: A modest plate reverb on the vocals creates a sense of space without drowning them in effects.
• Delay: Slapback delay is used subtly on vocal tracks, adding depth and texture.
• Compression: Side-chain compression is employed to give the kick drum greater impact against the vocal line.
• Modulation: Slight modulation effects on synths help to create a lush backdrop while preserving clarity.

Special Equipment

Key pieces of gear include:

• Microphones: Neumann U87 for vocals, Shure SM57 for snares.
• Preamps: Universal Audio 610 for warmth.
• Recording Medium: Pro Tools digital audio workstation for flexibility and precision.
• Effects Processors: Eventide H3000 for advanced modulation capabilities.
• Effects Pedals: A few boutique pedals to add character to the synth lines and vocal signal.

Challenging Materialism

“Royals” by Lorde pushes against the tide of consumer culture. It’s a bold declaration that embraces authenticity over opulence.

Rejection of Standards

The song’s central refrain critiques the glamorous lifestyle often idolized in pop music. Lorde’s perspective stands in stark contrast to the lavish lifestyles depicted in mainstream media.

Personal Identity

By stating that she doesn’t “run” with the rich and famous, Lorde reinforces the idea that her self-worth and identity aren’t dictated by wealth.

Emotional Disconnect

There’s a palpable sense of isolation. While she observes this world from a distance, it underscores an emotional divide between her and the excess she critiques.

Connecting with the Ordinary

This song finds beauty in the mundane. The imagery of everyday life becomes a sanctuary from the pressures of aspiration. It’s a celebration of the real.

Cultural Commentary

Lorde’s lyrics highlight a broader cultural shift—a generation questioning the value of material wealth. There’s an undercurrent of desire for genuine experiences over hollow achievements.

Irony of Aspiration

The irony of wanting what you can’t have resonates deeply. It’s a critique and a wistful acknowledgment of dreams rooted in unattainable standards.

Empowerment through Disconnection

Through her rejection, Lorde finds empowerment. She reclaims her narrative, redefining success on her own terms.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often prioritizes the superficial, “Royals” serves as a clarion call—a reminder that true worth lies in authenticity, not possessions.