Initially, this work might appear more like a difficult scholarly challenge than the latest popular music album by an artist whose last single featured a global K-pop icon. Divided across 4 different sections and performed in thirteen languages, it is a breathtaking classical-tinged work that delves into female mystique, religious transcendence, and corporal transformation, frequently through the prism of different women saints. The dissolution of a romance—a theme handled with grounded honesty elsewhere—is shot skyward on this record, supported by the lush presence of a major symphony orchestra and work from an award-winning composer among a long list of collaborators. The pure audacity by itself makes the work of contemporary pop stars appear rather modest.
Transcending Academic Pretense
The fact that Lux manages to transcend overly academic chin-stroking is nothing short of a miracle, with complete credit going to Rosalía. Although it's not her first project to fuse the past and the present, its scale feel much higher on Lux, and the tightrope walk far more dramatic. What really raises this fourth album, beyond its complex tunes, dense arrangements, and inherent drama, proves to be an essential sense of fun. Much like the legendary Björk during her peak, you find a captivating quality to Rosalía's voice which sweeps you into its whirlwind. Even when she's breaking your heart apart, you still want to be right there for the ride.
A Prime Moment of Exuberance
That exuberant energy comes forth clearly on the stunning Italian ballad about a saint. It bathes in a string-drenched whirlpool over several minutes. Suddenly, all the music drops silent, to reveal we hear a spontaneous giggle followed by a declaration before a hilariously exaggerated string surge thuds down with comedic impact. The track then segues to the frenetic single featuring galloping strings, an imposing choral group, and a surprise appearance from none other than Björk.
"The charm with Lux lies in the listener never exactly understand—or even wish to predict—where you will go next."
Almost every track finishes in a completely distinct point than where it began. A track explores the fleeting trappings of fame with a featherlight orchestration before collapsing into digital chaos. Another, a song that recalls her previous trap-infused work begins out moody and brooding, with prowling beats, until sudden traditional rhythms and a heavenly choir enter to soften the song's jagged corners.
The Balance Between Experiment & Pop
Another crucial achievement on Lux is straddling the gap between radical innovation and broad appeal. It is no surprise that the album has achieved her highest-charting release to break into the upper reaches of key markets: at its core a collection of utterly catchy pop songs. One track sung primarily in English builds on a refrain that seems to gather more and more infectious melodies while it spirals skyward. This feat gets repeated by another powerful track that grows and contracts, intertwining layered melodies like a complex weave.
- A dance-infused song charms via its playful, Disney-adjacent drama and a chant-along chorus.
- Lyrically, it aligns with pop culture honesty of other breakup songs, eviscerating a former partner described as an "psychological terrorist".
- Throughout these tracks, the singing have a sharp smile, like a storybook figure hiding a blade: "Gold medal in being a motherfucker / You've the podium of letdown."
A Maximalist Banquet for the Ears
Lux is pop on a grand scale, an ambitious grasp for high artistry amid of looming AI-generated blankness. It eschews self-absorption for sublime elevation, crafting an over-the-top spectacle that skillfully controls its built-in excess. It is an abundant source of hidden treasure that takes patience to fully explore but never seem like hard work. While some major pop albums of the year seemed like feasting on meal, this record offers a sumptuous feast at which the characters around the table, perhaps tipsy on holy drink, flutter between conversations about historical figures, the galvanizing feeling of soul-shattering sadness, and common stories about useless partners. In essence, it's a modern-day theatrical production from music's truly restlessly creative practitioner.
