Fans are reporting widespread problems with Lorde‘s special edition clear CD for her new album Virgin, with many unable to play the aesthetically striking but technically problematic disc. The recyclable transparent CD, sold exclusively through her website, appears incompatible with numerous playback devices according to mounting social media complaints.
Multiple TikTok videos demonstrate Lorde’s physical release issue in real time. One clip shows a stereo completely failing to recognize the disc, with the user noting “older models with older sensors won’t play it.” Another frustrated fan captured their car CD player rejecting the transparent disc while accepting standard CDs normally. “Whoever decided this design is an idiot,” the TikToker remarked, highlighting how this version represents the only CD format available for purchase.
Technical explanations are emerging across platforms. A detailed TikTok analysis suggests the clear Lorde CD lacks the reflective layer found in traditional discs, making it unreadable for older laser mechanisms while potentially working on newer, more advanced players. Reddit users corroborate these findings, with one reporting their car player wouldn’t even draw the disc into the tray despite functioning perfectly with other CDs.
The $14 collectible has sold out despite the issues, leaving fans who purchased it as their sole physical copy of Virgin particularly frustrated. This controversy follows her previous comments whereas Lorde had denounced having Solar Power merch due to environmental concerns back in 2021, continuing a pattern of format experimentation that sometimes prioritizes concept over functionality.
