Listen to Lorde's New Hunger Games Track 'Yellow Flicker Beat'
It's a power play.
Let the games begin! Lorde has unveiled her much-anticipated lead track for the Hunger Games Mockingjay: Part 1 and it's the vengeful, Katniss Everdeen anthem we were priming ourselves for.
'Yellow Flicker Beat,' a collaboration with Coldplay and Adele producer Paul Epworth, is menacing and a lyrical power play through and through: "They used to shout my name, now they whisper it" / "I'm locking up everyone who ever laid a finger on me."
It starts of slow and ominous, carried by Lorde' raspy vocals, then swiftly takes a bass-heavy, synthesized turn on the hook. The sonic transformation from soft flickers to vivid flames not only runs parallel with the song's suggestive title, but Katniss' watershed moment in the book.
"Basically I wrote the song specifically for the movie, it wasn't something that I had to draft up previously," Lorde told KROQ's earlier today. "I reread the books, and I just wanted to tap into everything that Katniss is feeling in that film and what's the crazy stuff that goes on."
*Warning: Spoiler Below*
"One of the things that happened in the book which to me felt like this crazy turning point was her best friend Peter tries to kill her, he's been brainwashed and tries to strangle her," she said. "It just felt like something so irreparable and something that the characters couldn't turn back from. I felt like Katniss was like 'okay, I'm taking names. I'm coming for blood. You don't do these types of things to my friends and family and get away with it.' I just wanted to make something kind of dark and haunting."
The song was recorded at New Jersey's Lakehouse Recording Studios, which was recommended by the Garden State's own Bruce Springsteen (who covered 'Royals' live in concert this year).
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
In addition to providing the opening single, Lorde also curated the entire soundtrack for the film. The Mockinjay: Part 1 soundtrack drops November 18, while the film hits theaters November 21.
Related:
Lorde Goes on Serious Rant, Deletes Tweets
Lorde Is Everything We Wish We Were in High School
Why Lorde's Next Album Will Be 'Totally Different'
Photo via Getty Images
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Prince Andrew's Business Advisor Accused of Being a "Spy" and Banned From the U.K.
"We found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Allegedly Rejected Idea to Seat Prince Andrew "Behind a Pillar" at Her Christmas Carol Concert
"Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
32 Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Reality TV
Believe it or not.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
15 Captivating Films About Royal Life and the Monarchy
Watch these movies if you wish there was more of 'The Crown' on the way.
By Nicole Briese Last updated
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published
-
The Best Celebrity 'Squid Game' Costumes
A handful of stars chose this year's most popular theme.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Rebel Wilson Recreated an Iconic Britney Spears Look for Her New Movie
"Can you tell that I’m the biggest Britney fan!"
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift's Lyrics Make for an *Amazing* Soap Opera, as Julianne Moore Demonstrates
The themes are right there!
By Chelsea Peng Published
-
Who Are Simone Biles's Parents? Meet Nellie and Ronald Biles
The Olympic gymnast was adopted by her biological grandparents in 2003.
By The Editors Published
-
51 Rare Photos From Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding
You've probably never seen these before.
By Charlotte Chilton Published