At first glance, this work may look more like a challenging scholarly examination rather than the latest pop album by an artist who just had a last single was a collaboration with an international pop star. Split across four distinct movements and voiced in thirteen languages, we have a dizzying orchestral-influenced album investigating feminine mystique, spiritual transcendence, and physical transformation, frequently via the perspective of various saintly figures. The dissolution of a relationship—a topic handled with grounded openness elsewhere—soars upwards on this record, supported by the lush sound of a major orchestra and contributions from a Pulitzer-winning composer within a long list of collaborators. The pure ambition alone renders the efforts of other pop stars appear quite small.
Transcending Academic Pretense
The fact that Lux manages to transcend dry intellectual posturing feels almost a miracle, with complete credit going to Rosalía. Although this is not the first time project to fuse the past with modern styles, the ambitions are far higher here, with the tightrope walk far more pronounced. The element that truly elevates her fourth album, outside of its complex melodies, rich compositions, and engrained drama, proves to be a core sense of fun. Much like the iconic Björk during her peak, you find a wondrous quality to Rosalía's voice which sweeps you into its whirlwind. When she is tearing hearts in two, the listener nevertheless want to stay right there for the ride.
A Prime Example of Exuberance
That exuberant spirit shines brightly on a stunning Italian song inspired by Saint Clare. It luxuriates in a sorrowful whirlpool over several moments. Suddenly, everything drops away, to reveal we hear a spontaneous laugh followed by a comment before a hilariously exaggerated orchestral crescendo crashes in like comedic force. The song immediately shifts to the wild single driven by racing strings, a powerful choral group, and a cameo role from the artist herself.
"The charm with this album is that the listener never quite know—or even want to predict—what you will go next."
Nearly each track ends in a completely different point than where it began. One moment explores the fleeting nature of celebrity with a featherlight symphony only to disintegrating in electronic chaos. Elsewhere, a song that recalls the artist's earlier trap-infused style starts off dark and brooding, with menacing beats, before fluttering traditional handclaps and an angelic chorus arrive to soften its jagged edges.
The Bridge Of Experiment and Pop
A key balancing act on the album involves straddling the line of radical innovation and broad appeal. It is no coincidence that it has achieved her highest-charting work to break into the Top 5 of key markets: its heart contains a collection of utterly undeniable hits. A song sung primarily in the English language builds on a refrain that seems to collect more and more infectious melodies as it spins skyward. This trick is repeated on another powerful track that grows and contracts, intertwining layered melodies as a complex weave.
- A waltz-like song charms with its jaunty, theatrical drama and an anthemic hook.
- In its words, it aligns with pop culture impact of contemporary breakup songs, eviscerating an ex- lover described as an "psychological terrorist".
- Throughout the album, the singing carry a painted-on edge, akin to a fairy-tale figure concealing a knife: "Top prize in being a scoundrel / You have the podium of disappointment."
A Maximalist Banquet for the Ears
This album represents pop on a maximalist level, an ambitious grasp for high Art in an era of impending artificial sameness. It eschews solipsism in favor of glorious transcendence, crafting an over-the-top drama that skillfully manages its own built-in ridiculousness. It is an abundant source of hidden treasure that requires time to fully mine but never seem like a chore. Where other big pop albums of the year felt like feasting on meal, Lux offers a lavish banquet where the characters around it, some tipsy on holy wine, flit from discussions about historical figures, the profound feeling of heartbreaking sadness, and shared gossip about hopeless partners. It is a contemporary musical from pop's most restlessly creative visionary.
