Ellie Goulding has explained the two parts of her upcoming album saying the first half symbolises “growing up and becoming a woman”.

She has announced details of her fourth studio album, titled Brightest Blue, due for release on July 17.

The album will include a number of recent releases and new songs, and has been set in two parts: Brighest Blue and EG.O.

View this post on Instagram

Brightest Blue. My 4th album. July 17. 💙

A post shared by elliegoulding (@elliegoulding) on

In a release announcing the album details, she said the first part “reflects my vulnerability… it acknowledges a complex world where relationships still dictate our happiness and heartbreak and can still be the most painful thing in the world, no matter how enlightened you are”.

She added: “The tracks also symbolise growing up and becoming a woman.”

Goulding, 33, said of the second part of the album: “I often find myself writing about my thoughts and emotions in a way that I know will be catchy and memorable.

“I will always seek to use my voice in ways that no one would ever expect and look to collaborate with the least likely, exciting and eclectic group of other artists.”

This album sees her working with Canadian musician Tobias Jesso Jr, British producer and songwriter Starsmith (real name Finlay Dow-Smith), singer/songwriter Jim Eliot and more.

View this post on Instagram

I am excited and proud to present my song POWER to you. This was the first song I knew would be on my fourth album. I like my songs to have resolutions and this song reflects indulgence in superficial relationships, but also is an embrace of my own sexuality. Physical and fleeting connections with others don’t have to be deep and meaningful every time, but you do have to know what you’re letting yourself in for when it is so easy to fall for someone in lust. I think the age of social media and narcissism has caused a lot of us to be disillusioned with romance because nobody knows what is real and what isn’t. I love to have euphoric moments in my songs (like the Power chorus) as though I’ve accepted and surrendered to the fucked-up-ness of everything. I wanted the video to convey that too. I filmed the video myself during lockdown 📵 More #EG4 news early next week but for now, enjoy the #POWER🔋

A post shared by elliegoulding (@elliegoulding) on

Last week she released new song Power, which will feature on the album, along with a video that was shot in lockdown.

Brightest Blue is available for pre-order ahead of its release on July 17.