On the surface, this work could seem closer to a difficult scholarly examination rather than a new pop project from an artist who just had a previous single featured a global K-pop star. Broken into 4 different sections and performed in 13 tongues, this is a head-spinning orchestral-influenced opus investigating feminine mystery, spiritual transcendence, and physical change, frequently by way of the lens of different saintly figures. The end of a love affair—a topic treated with raw openness elsewhere—soars heavenward on this record, supported by the lush presence of a full orchestra and input from a Pulitzer-winning songwriter among a long roll call of contributors. The pure daring alone renders the efforts of contemporary pop stars look rather small.
Rising Above Scholarly Exercise
That this album manages to transcend dry intellectual posturing is nothing short of a miracle, with full credit belonging to the artist. Although this is not the first time album to fuse the past and modern styles, its stakes are far higher here, with the tightrope walk far more dramatic. What really raises this fourth album, outside of its complex melodies, rich arrangements, and engrained drama, proves to be a core spirit of joy. Similar to the legendary artist at her height, there is a wondrous quality to Rosalía's singing which sweeps you into its tornado. When she's breaking your heart in two, you nevertheless want to be right there through the ride.
A Signature Example of Exuberance
This exuberant spirit shines clearly on a stunning Italian song inspired by Saint Clare. It luxuriates in a sorrowful whirlpool for more than four minutes. Suddenly, all the music drops silent, and we hear a spontaneous laugh and a comment before a comically exaggerated string crescendo crashes in like cartoonish impact. The song then shifts into the wild track driven by galloping strings, a powerful choral group, and a cameo role from none other than herself.
"The magic of this album lies in the listener rarely quite understand—nor wish to predict—where you will go next."
Almost every song ends in a completely distinct point than how it began. A track examines the transient nature of fame over a featherlight orchestration only to collapsing into electronic cacophony. Elsewhere, a song echoing the artist's previous rhythmic work starts off moody and sinister, featuring prowling beats, before fluttering flamenco rhythms and a heavenly choir enter to smooth its rough edges.
The Bridge Between Experiment & Pop
A key balancing act of Lux involves straddling the line between bold innovation and mainstream appeal. This is little coincidence that the album has become her highest-charting release to break into the upper reaches of key charts: at its core a suite of utterly catchy hits. One track performed primarily in English swells on a chorus that feels to gather more and more infectious hooks as it spins upward. That feat is repeated on another expansive ballad that expands and contracts, weaving layered tunes like a complex weave.
- A waltz-like song seduces with its jaunty, theatrical flair and an anthemic chorus.
- In its words, it aligns the pop culture impact of other breakup songs, eviscerating a former lover described as an "psychological bully".
- Throughout these tracks, the singing carry a sharp smile, like a storybook figure hiding a knife: "Top prize in acting like a scoundrel / You have the podium of disappointment."
A Maximalist Feast for the Ears
Lux is pop on a maximalist scale, an ambitious grasp for high artistry in an era of impending AI-generated blankness. It rejects solipsism in favor of glorious transcendence, creating an over-the-top drama that masterfully manages its own built-in ridiculousness. It is a deep well of hidden treasure that requires time to fully mine but doesn't seem like hard work. Where other major releases of the year felt like a meager meal, this record offers a sumptuous banquet at which the characters around it, some intoxicated on holy wine, flit from discussions about ancient figures, the galvanizing feeling of soul-shattering sadness, and shared stories about useless men. It is a modern-day musical from music's truly endlessly inventive visionary.
