QUIZ: Which ‘Solar Power’ track will you play when the world ends?

POV: The apocalyptic climax those disaster movies warned us about. 

Not to preempt it, but we all know that that’s been an elephant in the room (out of many elephants in the room). Sometimes, if we’re not talking about it, we just zone out into thinking about it. Who would we call first? Where would we go? What would be our gameplan (if we still had time to draft one, that is)? It’s not easy to decide on anything yet… well, maybe except for one: What track are we listening to when that final day comes? 

For an album that smells like nature and praises its humble glory, Lorde’s freshly released “Solar Power” album also exudes silent fire, crumbling grounds, and the overall haunting, anxiety-inducing aftermath of  a powerful catastrophe (whatever that means to you). 

While it’s Lorde’s personal way of settling into herself again—past her post-teen angst—this album can also be our one-play escape to regroup with the tiny specks of worry and confusion trapped in us.

If you had a ticket to anywhere, where would your designated crying location be?

From Lorde's "Solar Power" MV

An abandoned mall’s comfort room (cubicle #4, with the most vandalized door).

*Opens Google Maps to locate the nearest crystal falls on my radar*

Just on my messy bed, the inanimate object that knows me the most.

Somewhere my old teddy bear is probably vibing at right now. No one knows my name there.

What’s a piece of clothing that you’ve kept for a hundred years?

From Lorde's "Mood Ring" MV

A beaded necklace from that one memorable summer.

The maroon sweater that handles all my pent-up frustrations for me.

A pair of leather platform shoes I’m still waiting for myself to like.

That transparent backpack that reminds me of my college trip (a.k.a. my coming-of-age arc).

What does your YouTube search history look like?

Photography by Ophelia Mikkelson Jones, courtesy of Universal Music Group

Conspiracy theories, sci-fi movie trailers, and (don’t tell anyone please) flower crown tutorials

Mukbangs, ASMRs, and documentaries

Get Ready With Me videos, astrology readings, and celebrity insider bits

Travel videos, people mixing drinks, and slice-of-life things

What type of songs do you listen to during your Officially Had It™ days?

Photography by Ophelia Mikkelson Jones, courtesy of Universal Music Group

Slow but percussion-heavy tracks that scream beachside

2000s pop and acoustics

Stripped-back tunes with a groovy flavor

Ballads and pop folk

You’re sending your last email ever. Which “Solar Power” lyric would you pick as the sign-off?

From Lorde's "Mood Ring" MV

We had no idea the dreams we had were far too big,

Goodbye to all the bottles, all the models,

I just had to breathe,

Free the keepers of the burnt-out scene,

So, you’re following the 20-20-20 rule for your eye health. Which of these are you staring at from 20 feet away?

Photography by Ophelia Mikkelson Jones, courtesy of Universal Music Group

A bunch of stones and crystals from my neighbor.

The magic conch shell SpongeBob dropped at one point.

My favorite sycamore tree.

A garden of flowers that look happier than me.

If someone credible told you that the world would end RN, what would you do?

From Lorde's "Solar Power" MV

Pen a letter to my 15-year-old self (and other current 15-year-olds who might be staying on Earth).

Storm through my phone’s contacts list and rehearse my honest apologies and questions.

Breathe and process it faster than Internet Explorer.

Check out cheap flights to Mars. Or Jupiter. Wait, not really.

Just in case you haven’t asked yourself for a long while: What are you proud of about your current self?

From Lorde's "Solar Power" MV

Knowing when to make space for myself.

Compartmentalizing my emotions whenever the situation calls for it.

Quitting old habits and knowing my voice.

Turning my voice into action.

QUIZ: Which ‘Solar Power’ track will you play when the world ends?

“Solar Power” / “Oceanic Feeling”

If anyone asks you to bounce, you will. You’ve learned the art of acceptance and yes, it’s always easy to talk to you—that’s why you have 483 circles of friends. But honestly, isolation has always been your thing, especially since you’re well-connected with your surroundings. But is there something missing in the picture?

“Mood Ring” / “Stoned at the Nail Salon” / “California”

You’re the star, the icon, the epitome of perfection—at least in others’ eyes. Closing doors is an extreme sport for you because that means being forced to face the scars of your past again. But you know what matters? Making peace with all the decisions you’ve made, whether good or bad. Here’s to dumping external expectations, and cheering yourself on.

“Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen It All) / “Fallen Fruit”

Your worst enemies can never win over you because you own yourself enough—even your baggage. And when it comes to moments that call for departure, you won’t just leave places and events without leaving your footprint: a warning, a wake-up call, or a piece of advice.

“Dominoes” / “Leader of a New Regime”

Your mind tends to drift off to far-off places where no one knows you, whether it’s the utopia or the dystopia. However, leaving isn’t always your top-of-mind idea—especially if you still have time to save the situation. Now, everyone just needs to watch and listen as you remain to exist.

Header photo: Original photo (deluxe album cover) from Lorde’s official website, edited by Yel Sayo