On the surface, this work might appear more like an arduous university quiz than the latest popular music record by a musician who just had a previous single featured a global pop icon. Divided across four distinct parts and performed in 13 tongues, it is a dizzying orchestral-influenced album that delves into female mystique, spiritual ascent, and corporal transformation, frequently via the lens of various female saints. The dissolution of a romance—a theme treated with grounded openness elsewhere—soars skyward here, carried by the constant presence of a major symphony orchestra and input from an award-winning composer within an extensive list of contributors. Its sheer daring by itself makes the work of other artists appear rather laughable.
Transcending Academic Exercise
That this album succeeds in transcend dry academic posturing feels almost miraculous, with sole praise belonging to Rosalía. While this is not the first time project to fuse the past with the present, the ambitions are far higher on Lux, with the balancing act more pronounced. What really elevates her fourth release, outside of its multilayered tunes, dense compositions, and inherent theatricality, is an essential sense of joy. Much like the iconic artist during her peak, there is a wondrous quality to Rosalía's singing that pulls the listener into its whirlwind. Even when she is breaking hearts apart, you nevertheless desire to stay right there for the journey.
A Signature Moment of Exuberance
That exuberant energy shines clearly on a stirring Italian song about Saint Clare. It luxuriates in a sorrowful whirlpool for more than four moments. Then, all the music drops silent, and we hear a spontaneous giggle followed by a comment before a hilariously over-the-top string surge thuds down with comedic force. The song then segues to the frenetic single featuring galloping orchestration, a powerful choir, and a cameo role from the artist Björk.
"The charm of Lux is that the listener never exactly know—or even wish to predict—where it will go next."
Almost every song ends in a completely distinct place from where it started. A track explores the transient trappings of celebrity with a delicate symphony only to disintegrating in digital chaos. Elsewhere, a song echoing the artist's earlier rhythmic work begins out moody and sinister, featuring prowling vocals, until sudden flamenco handclaps and a heavenly choir enter to smooth its jagged corners.
The Balance Of Art & Pop
Another crucial balancing act on Lux is navigating the line of bold innovation and broad appeal. It is no coincidence that it has become her first release to crack the upper reaches of key charts: at its core a suite of utterly undeniable pop songs. One track sung entirely in the English language swells around a refrain that seems to gather increasingly infectious melodies as it spirals skyward. This feat is repeated by another expansive ballad that expands and constricts, weaving layered tunes like an intricate tapestry.
- A waltz-like song seduces via its jaunty, theatrical drama and an anthemic chorus.
- In its words, it aligns the cultural honesty of other heartbreak songs, lambasting an ex- partner described as an "emotional bully".
- Across these tracks, the singing carry a sharp smile, like a fairy-tale character hiding a blade: "Gold medal in being a motherfucker / You have the podium of letdown."
An Opulent Feast for the Ears
This album is pop on a grand scale, an ambitious grasp for high artistry in an era of impending artificial sameness. It eschews self-absorption for sublime elevation, creating a dramatic drama that masterfully manages its built-in excess. This is an abundant source of buried treasure that takes patience to completely explore but never seem like hard work. Where other major releases of the year felt like a meager meal, this record offers a sumptuous feast at which the guests at it, perhaps tipsy on holy drink, flutter from discussions about ancient saints, the galvanizing sensation of soul-shattering grief, and shared stories about useless men. It is a modern-day musical from music's truly restlessly creative practitioner.
