On the surface, Lux could seem closer to a difficult university examination rather than the latest pop record from a musician whose last single was a collaboration with an international pop icon. Divided into four different parts and voiced in 13 tongues, this is a head-spinning symphonic album investigating feminine mystique, spiritual transcendence, and physical transformation, often via the perspective of various women saints. The dissolution of a romance—a theme treated with raw honesty elsewhere—is shot heavenward here, supported by the lush sound of a major symphony orchestra and work from an award-winning composer within an extensive roll call of collaborators. Its sheer ambition by itself makes the efforts of other artists appear quite laughable.
Transcending Academic Pretense
That this album succeeds in transcend overly intellectual chin-stroking is almost miraculous, with sole credit belonging to Rosalía. While this is not her first album to alchemize the past and modern styles, the stakes are much greater here, and the tightrope walk more precarious. What truly elevates her fourth album, beyond its complex tunes, rich arrangements, and inherent theatricality, proves to be an essential spirit of fun. Similar to the iconic artist during her peak, you find a wondrous sense to Rosalía's voice that pulls the listener up in its tornado. When she is tearing hearts in two, the listener nevertheless want to be alongside her for the ride.
A Signature Moment of Joy
That exuberant spirit shines brightly on a stunning piano-led song about Saint Clare. It bathes in a sorrowful melancholy over more than four minutes. Suddenly, all the music falls silent, to reveal there's a spontaneous giggle followed by a comment before a comically exaggerated string crescendo thuds down with cartoonish force. The song then shifts into the frenetic track driven by racing strings, a powerful choral group, and a cameo appearance from the artist Björk.
"The magic with Lux is that you rarely quite know—or even wish to predict—what it will go to next."
Almost every song ends at a totally distinct point from how it started. One moment explores the transient nature of celebrity over a featherlight symphony only to disintegrating in digital cacophony. Another, a cut that recalls her previous rhythmic work begins off moody and sinister, featuring menacing beats, until fluttering traditional handclaps and a heavenly choir arrive to soften the song's jagged edges.
The Balance Between Art and Pop
Another crucial balancing act of Lux involves navigating the line of bold experimentation and mainstream accessibility. It is little surprise that it has become the artist's first work to crack the Top 5 of major charts: its heart contains a suite of utterly undeniable pop songs. One track sung primarily in English swells on a chorus that feels to gather more and more nagging hooks as it spins upward. This feat gets repeated on another powerful ballad that grows and contracts, intertwining multiple tunes as an intricate weave.
- A waltz-like number seduces with its jaunty, theatrical flair and an anthemic hook.
- Lyrically, it aligns the pop culture honesty of contemporary breakup songs, lambasting a former lover labeled an "emotional terrorist".
- Throughout the album, the singing carry a painted-on smile, like a fairy-tale figure hiding a blade: "Gold medal in acting like a motherfucker / You've won the trophy of disappointment."
An Opulent Feast for the Soul
Lux represents popular music on a grand scale, a hungry reach for high Art amid of looming AI-generated sameness. It rejects solipsism in favor of sublime transcendence, crafting an over-the-top spectacle that masterfully controls its inherent excess. It is a deep source of hidden gems that takes time to completely explore but never feels like a chore. While other big pop albums of the year seemed like feasting on meal, this record is a lavish banquet at which the guests at the table, some intoxicated on sacred drink, flit from discussions about ancient figures, the profound feeling of heartbreaking sadness, and common gossip about hopeless partners. In essence, it's a modern-day theatrical production from pop's most restlessly creative visionary.
