On the surface, this work might appear closer to a challenging university examination rather than the latest pop album by a musician whose last hit was a collaboration with an international K-pop icon. Split across 4 distinct sections and sung in thirteen languages, it is a breathtaking orchestral-influenced album that delves into female mystery, spiritual ascent, and bodily change, often by way of the prism of various women saints. The end of a relationship—a theme treated with grounded honesty elsewhere—soars heavenward here, supported by the lush sound of a full symphony orchestra and input from an award-winning songwriter among an extensive list of collaborators. Its sheer audacity alone makes the work of contemporary pop stars seem rather modest.
Rising Above Academic Exercise
The fact that this album succeeds in escape overly academic posturing feels nearly miraculous, and complete praise belonging to Rosalía. While this is not her first album to alchemize historical sounds and modern styles, the scale are much greater on Lux, and the tightrope walk far more pronounced. The element that really elevates her fourth release, beyond its complex melodies, rich arrangements, and engrained drama, is an essential spirit of playfulness. Much like the iconic Björk during her height, there is a captivating sense to the vocalist's voice which sweeps you up in its whirlwind. When she is tearing hearts in two, you still desire to stay right there through the journey.
A Signature Moment of Joy
This playful spirit comes forth brightly on the stirring Italian song about Saint Clare. It luxuriates in a sorrowful whirlpool for more than four minutes. Suddenly, all the music drops silent, to reveal there's a gleeful giggle and a declaration before a comically exaggerated string surge thuds in like cartoonish impact. The track immediately shifts into the wild single featuring racing orchestration, an imposing choir, and a cameo role from the artist herself.
"The magic of this album lies in the listener never exactly know—or even wish to predict—where you will go next."
Nearly every song concludes at a completely different point from where it started. One moment explores the transient nature of celebrity over a featherlight orchestration only to collapsing into electronic cacophony. Elsewhere, a cut echoing her previous trap-infused style begins out moody and brooding, featuring prowling beats, before fluttering flamenco rhythms and a heavenly choir enter to soften the song's jagged edges.
The Bridge Of Experiment and Accessibility
Another crucial balancing act of Lux involves navigating the line between bold experimentation and mainstream accessibility. This is no surprise that it has become her first work to break into the upper reaches of major markets: its heart contains a collection of utterly catchy pop songs. One track sung primarily in the English language swells around a refrain that feels to collect increasingly infectious melodies while it spirals skyward. This feat is echoed on another powerful ballad that expands and constricts, weaving multiple tunes as an intricate tapestry.
- A waltz-like number charms via its playful, theatrical drama and a chant-along hook.
- In its words, it shares the cultural impact of other heartbreak songs, lambasting a former partner described as an "psychological terrorist".
- Across these tracks, the vocals carry a painted-on edge, akin to a storybook figure concealing a knife: "Gold medal in acting like a motherfucker / You've the podium of disappointment."
A Maximalist Feast for the Ears
Lux represents pop on a maximalist level, a hungry grasp for capital-A artistry in an era of looming artificial sameness. It rejects solipsism in favor of glorious elevation, crafting an over-the-top spectacle that masterfully controls its built-in excess. It is an abundant well of hidden treasure that requires time to fully explore but doesn't feels like hard work. While other major releases of the year felt like a meager meal, this record is a lavish feast at which the guests around the table, perhaps intoxicated on holy drink, flutter from discussions about ancient saints, the galvanizing feeling of heartbreaking sadness, and common gossip about hopeless men. It is a contemporary musical from music's most endlessly creative visionary.
