Initially, this work might appear more like an arduous academic quiz than a new pop record by an artist who just had a last single featured a global K-pop icon. Divided into 4 separate parts and sung in thirteen tongues, this is a head-spinning classical-tinged work that delves into feminine mystique, spiritual ascent, and corporal change, often through the perspective of various saintly figures. The dissolution of a love affair—a topic treated with grounded honesty elsewhere—soars skyward here, buoyed by the constant sound of a full orchestra and input from an award-winning songwriter among an extensive list of collaborators. The pure ambition by itself makes the efforts of contemporary pop stars appear rather laughable.
Rising Above Scholarly Exercise
That this album manages to escape overly academic posturing feels almost miraculous, and full credit belonging to Rosalía. Although this is not her first project to alchemize the past and modern styles, its scale are far higher on Lux, with the balancing act far more dramatic. The element that really elevates this fourth album, outside of its multilayered melodies, dense compositions, and inherent theatricality, is an essential spirit of fun. Much like the iconic artist during her height, you find a wondrous quality to Rosalía's singing that pulls you into its whirlwind. Even when she's tearing hearts in two, the listener still want to be alongside her for the journey.
A Prime Moment of Exuberance
This exuberant spirit shines clearly during a stunning piano-led ballad about a saint. It luxuriates in a sorrowful melancholy over several minutes. Then, everything falls silent, to reveal there's a spontaneous laugh and a comment prior to a hilariously exaggerated string surge thuds down with cartoonish force. The song then segues to the wild single driven by racing strings, an imposing choir, and a surprise role from the artist Björk.
"The charm of this album lies in the listener never exactly know—nor wish to predict—where it is going to next."
Almost every song ends at a completely distinct point from how it began. A track examines the transient nature of fame over a featherlight orchestration before disintegrating in electronic chaos. Another, a song echoing her earlier rhythmic style begins off dark and sinister, with menacing beats, until sudden traditional handclaps and a heavenly choir arrive to soften its rough corners.
The Bridge Of Art & Pop
Another crucial achievement of the album is navigating the gap of bold experimentation and mainstream accessibility. It is little coincidence that the album has achieved the artist's first work to break into the upper reaches of major charts: at its core a suite of utterly undeniable hits. One track performed entirely in English swells around a refrain that seems to gather increasingly infectious melodies as it spins skyward. This feat is echoed on another powerful ballad that expands and constricts, intertwining multiple melodies like an intricate tapestry.
- A waltz-like song seduces with its jaunty, Disney-adjacent flair and an anthemic chorus.
- Lyrically, it shares with pop culture honesty of other breakup songs, lambasting an ex- partner labeled an "psychological bully".
- Throughout these tracks, the vocals have a painted-on smile, like a storybook character hiding a blade: "Gold medal in acting like a scoundrel / You have the podium of disappointment."
An Opulent Feast for the Ears
This album is pop on a grand level, a hungry reach for high Art amid of looming artificial blankness. It rejects self-absorption in favor of glorious transcendence, crafting an over-the-top drama that masterfully manages its own built-in ridiculousness. This is an abundant well of hidden gems that requires patience to completely mine but doesn't feels like a chore. While some major releases of the year felt like feasting on meal, Lux is a sumptuous feast at which the guests around the table, perhaps tipsy on sacred drink, flutter from discussions about historical figures, the profound sensation of soul-shattering sadness, and shared gossip about useless partners. In essence, it's a contemporary theatrical production from music's most endlessly inventive practitioner.
