What Was That

"What Was That" is a song by New Zealand singer and songwriter Lorde. It was released on 24 April 2025 through Universal and Republic Records as the lead single from her upcoming fourth studio album Virgin (2025). The song was written and produced by Lorde and producer Jim-E Stack, with production assistance from Dan Nigro. Inspired by the drums on the 2007 song "Reckoner" by English rock band Radiohead, "What Was That" is an electropop and synth-pop song. The lyrics of the song reminisce on a previous relationship and its aftermath.

The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its lyrics and its production elements, which received comparisons to her earlier works. It was included in Rolling Stone's best songs of 2025, reached number one in New Zealand, and charted inside the top 20 in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Billboard Global 200 chart. Lorde and Terrence O'Connor directed the music video for "What Was That", which shows Lorde walking alone through various parts of New York City before culminating in a spontaneous dance performance at Washington Square Park, where she was surrounded by fans recording the moment.