On the surface, this album might appear closer to a difficult academic quiz than a new popular music album from a musician whose last single was a collaboration with an international K-pop star. Divided across 4 separate movements and sung in 13 languages, it is a head-spinning orchestral-influenced work that delves into female mystique, spiritual transcendence, and physical change, often by way of the lens of different saintly figures. The dissolution of a relationship—a topic handled with raw openness elsewhere—is launched skyward on this record, supported by the lush sound of a major orchestra and work from an award-winning songwriter among a long list of collaborators. The pure ambition by itself renders the work of contemporary artists seem rather small.
Rising Above Scholarly Pretense
That Lux succeeds in escape dry academic posturing is nearly miraculous, and complete credit belonging to the artist. Although this is not the first time project to fuse the past and modern styles, its scale feel far higher on Lux, and the tightrope walk more precarious. The element that really raises her fourth release, beyond its complex tunes, rich compositions, and engrained theatricality, is a core sense of playfulness. Much like the legendary Björk during her height, there is a captivating quality to Rosalía's voice which sweeps you into its tornado. Even when she is tearing hearts in two, you nevertheless want to be alongside her through the ride.
A Prime Example of Joy
That playful energy shines brightly during a stirring Italian ballad about Saint Clare. It luxuriates in a string-drenched whirlpool over more than four minutes. Then, all the music falls silent, to reveal there's a spontaneous giggle followed by a declaration before a hilariously over-the-top orchestral surge crashes down with cartoonish force. The song then shifts to the frenetic track featuring racing strings, an imposing choral group, and a surprise appearance from none other than herself.
"The magic with Lux lies in you never exactly understand—or even want to know—what it will go next."
Almost each song concludes in a completely distinct place than how it started. One moment examines the fleeting trappings of fame over a delicate orchestration before collapsing in electronic cacophony. Another, a song echoing her earlier trap-infused style starts off moody and sinister, featuring menacing beats, before sudden flamenco handclaps and an angelic chorus arrive to soften the song's rough corners.
The Bridge Between Art and Accessibility
Another crucial balancing act on Lux is navigating the line of radical innovation and broad appeal. This is no coincidence that the album has become the artist's first release to crack the upper reaches of major charts: at its core a suite of truly catchy pop songs. A song performed entirely in English swells on a chorus that feels to collect increasingly infectious hooks as it spins skyward. This trick is repeated by another expansive ballad that expands and constricts, weaving multiple tunes like an intricate tapestry.
- A waltz-like song charms with its playful, theatrical drama and an anthemic hook.
- Lyrically, it shares the pop culture honesty of contemporary breakup anthems, eviscerating an ex- partner described as an "emotional terrorist".
- Across the album, the singing have a painted-on smile, like a storybook figure hiding a blade: "Gold medal in acting like a motherfucker / You've the podium of letdown."
An Opulent Banquet for the Soul
This album is popular music on a grand scale, an ambitious reach for high Art in an era of impending artificial sameness. It rejects solipsism for sublime elevation, crafting a dramatic spectacle that skillfully manages its inherent excess. It is a deep source of hidden gems that takes patience to fully mine but doesn't feels like hard work. Where some big pop albums of the year felt like a meager meal, Lux is a sumptuous feast where the guests around the table, perhaps tipsy on holy wine, flit between discussions about historical saints, the profound sensation of soul-shattering grief, and shared gossip about hopeless men. It is a contemporary theatrical production from pop's truly endlessly creative practitioner.
