On the surface, this work might appear closer to a difficult scholarly quiz rather than a new pop album from an artist whose previous single featured an international pop star. Divided into four different parts and performed in 13 tongues, this is a head-spinning symphonic album exploring female mystique, spiritual transcendence, and corporal change, frequently via the prism of different women saints. The end of a romance—a topic handled with raw honesty on another major 2025 album—soars upwards here, supported by the constant presence of a major symphony orchestra and input from a Pulitzer-winning songwriter within an extensive roll call of contributors. Its sheer audacity by itself makes the efforts of contemporary artists seem rather modest.
Transcending Academic Exercise
The fact that Lux manages to transcend dry academic chin-stroking is nothing short of miraculous, with complete credit going to the artist. Although this is not the first time album to fuse historical sounds with modern styles, the ambitions feel far higher on Lux, and the tightrope walk more dramatic. What truly raises this fourth album, outside of its complex melodies, rich arrangements, and inherent theatricality, proves to be a core spirit of joy. Much like the iconic Björk at her height, there is a captivating quality to Rosalía's voice which sweeps you up in its whirlwind. When she's tearing hearts apart, the listener nevertheless want to be alongside her for the journey.
A Signature Moment of Joy
This exuberant spirit comes forth brightly during the stunning Italian ballad inspired by a saint. It bathes in a sorrowful whirlpool over several moments. Suddenly, everything falls silent, and there's a spontaneous giggle and a declaration prior to a comically over-the-top orchestral surge thuds down like comedic impact. The song immediately segues into the wild single driven by racing strings, an imposing choir, and a cameo appearance from the artist Björk.
"The charm with Lux lies in you rarely quite know—nor want to predict—what you will go to next."
Nearly every song ends at a totally different point than where it started. A track explores the fleeting trappings of fame over a featherlight symphony before disintegrating in electronic chaos. Another, a song that recalls the artist's previous trap-infused work begins off moody and sinister, featuring menacing beats, before fluttering flamenco rhythms and an angelic choir arrive to smooth its jagged corners.
The Bridge Of Art and Pop
A key balancing act on the album is straddling the gap of radical innovation and mainstream appeal. This is little surprise that the album has become the artist's first work to crack the upper reaches of major charts: its heart contains a collection of truly undeniable hits. One track performed entirely in the English language builds on a refrain that feels to collect increasingly nagging hooks as it spins skyward. This feat is echoed by a different expansive ballad that expands and constricts, weaving layered tunes as an intricate tapestry.
- A waltz-like song charms with its jaunty, theatrical drama and an anthemic hook.
- Lyrically, it aligns with cultural impact of contemporary breakup songs, lambasting a former lover described as an "psychological terrorist".
- Throughout the album, the vocals have a painted-on edge, like a storybook figure concealing a knife: "Gold medal in acting like a motherfucker / You have the podium of letdown."
An Opulent Feast for the Soul
This album is popular music on a maximalist level, a hungry reach for capital-A artistry in an era of impending AI-generated sameness. It rejects solipsism in favor of glorious elevation, crafting an over-the-top spectacle that skillfully controls its inherent excess. It is an abundant well of buried treasure that requires time to fully explore but never seem like a chore. Where other big releases of the year seemed like feasting on scraps, this record is a sumptuous banquet where the characters around the table, some intoxicated on sacred wine, flit between discussions about historical saints, the galvanizing sensation of soul-shattering sadness, and shared gossip about useless partners. It is a contemporary musical from pop's most restlessly inventive visionary.
