The satisfying click of a well-placed letter. That moment when a jumble of words suddenly aligns, revealing the solution to a particularly stubborn crossword clue. It’s a feeling every avid solver lives for, a mini-victory against the tyranny of the blank grid. And let’s be honest, some crossword clues are designed to make us work for it, to dig a little deeper, to access those corners of our memory we didn’t even know existed.
Today, we’re wrestling with a prime example of such a challenging crossword clue – one that transports us to the world of music charts and artistic breakthroughs. The prompt: “Lorde’s second Top 10 hit.” Sounds simple enough, right? A multi-platinum artist, known for distinctive sound and introspective lyrics. Surely, her discography is etched into the collective pop culture consciousness. But sometimes, the most obvious-seeming clues hide a delightful little twist, requiring more than just surface-level recall.
This isn’t just any music crossword clue. It specifically asks for her
second
Top 10 success. This immediately filters out her ubiquitous debut single, which, while an undeniable smash, isn’t the target here. The precision in the phrasing is key. For those who track the intricate dance of chart performance, or who simply have an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music, this crossword clue might fall swiftly into place. But for many, it requires a momentary pause, a quick mental scan of her releases, separating the chart-toppers from the fan favorites, and then, crucially, identifying their chronological order of chart ascension.
How do we approach a crossword clue like this? First, we lean on our memory banks. What are Lorde’s most famous tracks? We mentally list them out. Then, we refine that list to only include those that achieved Top 10 status. Finally, the critical step for solving this particular crossword clue: ordering them. It’s not always the lead single from an album; sometimes a sleeper hit or a follow-up single can surprise everyone and climb the charts. The beauty of solving crosswords often lies in this meticulous process of elimination and verification.
For newer solvers, or perhaps those who specialize in other crossword clue categories (think history, geography, or literature), this might be the moment to turn to those invaluable crossing letters. A single ‘E’ here, an ‘A’ there, and suddenly, the possibilities narrow. The initial challenge posed by the “Lorde’s second Top 10 hit” crossword clue transforms into a solvable puzzle, piece by careful piece. It’s a classic example of how a well-crafted crossword clue can make you think beyond the obvious.
It’s a reminder that every artist, even those with instantly recognizable hits, has a story of success that unfolds over time. This particular crossword clue forces us to appreciate that journey, to look beyond the immediate smash and recognize the subsequent triumphs that solidify an artist’s place in the firmament of pop music. It’s more than just an answer; it’s a tiny exploration of a musical career that makes the task of solving a crossword clue so enriching.
The satisfaction, when that final letter drops into place, turning a previously blank segment into a coherent and correct solution, is immense. It’s the kind of rewarding ‘aha!’ moment that keeps us coming back to the daily grid, eager for the next challenging crossword clue. So, whether you’re a seasoned crossword pro or just starting your journey into the world of daily puzzles, remember that every clue, no matter how specific, holds a key to expanding your knowledge and sharpening your wits. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
TEAM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Rebecca Goldstein & Rafael Musa / Ed. Patti Varol