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Initially, Lux might appear more like an arduous scholarly challenge rather than the latest popular music album by an artist who just had a previous hit was a collaboration with a global K-pop star. Split across 4 separate parts and voiced in thirteen languages, we have a dizzying symphonic album investigating feminine mystery, religious transcendence, and physical change, often through the lens of various women saints. The dissolution of a love affair—a theme handled with grounded openness elsewhere—is shot heavenward here, supported by the constant presence of a full symphony orchestra and work from an award-winning composer among a long list of collaborators. The pure daring alone renders the work of other pop stars appear quite laughable.

Transcending Scholarly Pretense

That Lux succeeds in escape dry academic posturing is nothing short of miraculous, and full credit going to Rosalía. Although this is not the first time album to alchemize the past and the present, its stakes feel far higher on Lux, and the balancing act far more precarious. The element that truly elevates her fourth album, beyond its complex tunes, rich compositions, and inherent theatricality, proves to be an essential spirit of joy. Similar to the iconic artist at her height, there is a wondrous sense to Rosalía's singing that pulls the listener into its tornado. Even when she's tearing hearts apart, you still desire to stay alongside her through the ride.

A Signature Example of Joy

That playful spirit shines clearly on a stirring Italian song inspired by a saint. It bathes in a string-drenched whirlpool over more than four minutes. Suddenly, everything falls silent, and there's a gleeful giggle and a declaration prior to a comically exaggerated orchestral surge thuds down like cartoonish force. The track immediately shifts into the wild track driven by galloping strings, an imposing choral group, and a cameo appearance from the artist herself.

"The magic of this album is that you never quite know—or even want to predict—what it will go next."

Nearly each track finishes in a totally distinct place from where it started. One moment explores the transient trappings of fame with a featherlight orchestration only to collapsing in electronic cacophony. Another, a song that recalls the artist's previous rhythmic work begins off dark and brooding, with menacing vocals, until fluttering traditional rhythms and an angelic choir enter to soften its rough edges.

The Balance Between Experiment and Pop

A key achievement of Lux is navigating the gap between radical innovation and mainstream appeal. This is little coincidence that the album has become the artist's first release to crack the Top 5 of key charts: its heart contains a suite of utterly undeniable hits. One track performed primarily in the English language swells around a refrain that feels to collect increasingly infectious melodies as it spins skyward. This feat is echoed on another expansive track that grows and constricts, weaving layered tunes as a complex weave.

• A dance-infused number seduces with its playful, theatrical flair and an anthemic chorus.
• Lyrically, it shares the pop culture impact of contemporary breakup songs, eviscerating a former partner described as an "emotional terrorist".
• Throughout the album, the singing carry a sharp edge, akin to a fairy-tale character hiding a blade: "Gold medal in being a motherfucker / You have won the trophy of letdown."

An Opulent Banquet for the Soul

This album represents pop on a maximalist level, a hungry reach for high artistry in an era of looming artificial sameness. It rejects solipsism for glorious transcendence, creating a dramatic spectacle that masterfully manages its built-in ridiculousness. This is an abundant well of buried treasure that requires time to fully mine but doesn't seem like hard work. While some major releases of the year felt like feasting on meal, Lux is a sumptuous feast where the guests at it, perhaps tipsy on sacred wine, flutter from discussions about historical figures, the profound feeling of heartbreaking sadness, and common gossip about hopeless men. It is a contemporary theatrical production from music's truly restlessly creative visionary.