An old friend recently asked if I get goosebumps when listening to music. It made me think about the difference between songs I like and songs I love. My favorite music rarely grows on me over time — there's usually a catalyst, a moment of connection when it truly sticks. Sometimes it's immediate. Other times, I pick up on something in the instrumentation or harmonies after a few listens that really hits. It might be the lyrics catching me at just the right moment, or an incredible live performance that brings the song to life in a whole new way.
That's exactly what happened when I watched Lorde's performance of "Royals" at the Grammys. The minimalist aesthetic of her performance blended perfectly with the lyrics. Her stage presence was simple, even a bit messy — dressed in black and white with unkempt hair — but the way she embodied the song made the music feel like a physical presence in the room. Her movements conveyed how deeply she was feeling every note. At times, her left hand seemed to be pushing the sound out into the audience, making the connection even more visceral. It was mesmerizing. It was stunning. And it gave me goosebumps.