Even though she's dropped an album every four years, Lorde's career has felt so start-stop that it's surprising to realize we've had a dozen trips around the sun since "Royals" lofted her, at the age of just 16,

NEW YORK (AP) — Fans of the New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde have long commended the artist for her visceral pop craft. Her music, to certain ears, sounds like freedom. On her new album, it is as though Lorde is able to hear it, too.