On the surface, this work could seem closer to a challenging scholarly quiz than a new pop record from an artist who just had a last hit was a collaboration with a global K-pop star. Divided across 4 distinct parts and sung in thirteen tongues, this is a dizzying classical-tinged album that delves into female mystery, religious transcendence, and bodily change, frequently by way of the prism of various female saints. The end of a relationship—a theme handled with raw openness on another major 2025 album—soars skyward here, supported by the constant sound of a full symphony orchestra and work from a Pulitzer-winning composer within a long list of contributors. The pure ambition by itself makes the efforts of contemporary artists look rather modest.
Transcending Scholarly Pretense
That this album manages to escape overly academic posturing is nothing short of miraculous, with full credit going to Rosalía. While it's not the first time album to blend historical sounds with the present, the stakes are far higher on Lux, and the balancing act far more dramatic. What really elevates this fourth album, outside of its multilayered tunes, dense arrangements, and inherent drama, proves to be a core spirit of joy. Similar to the legendary artist at her peak, there is a wondrous quality to the vocalist's voice that pulls the listener up in its tornado. When she's breaking your heart in two, the listener nevertheless want to be right there for the journey.
A Signature Moment of Exuberance
This exuberant spirit comes forth clearly on a stirring Italian ballad about a saint. It bathes in a sorrowful whirlpool for more than four minutes. Suddenly, everything drops away, to reveal there's a gleeful giggle and a comment before a comically exaggerated string surge crashes down like comedic impact. The track then segues to the frenetic single featuring galloping strings, an imposing choral group, and a surprise role from the artist Björk.
"The charm with Lux is that the listener never quite know—nor want to know—what you is going next."
Almost every song concludes at a totally different point from where it started. One moment explores the fleeting trappings of celebrity over a delicate orchestration only to collapsing in electronic chaos. Another, a song that recalls her previous trap-infused style begins off moody and brooding, featuring prowling vocals, until sudden flamenco handclaps and an angelic chorus arrive to soften its rough corners.
The Bridge Between Art & Accessibility
Another crucial achievement of the album is navigating the gap of radical experimentation and broad accessibility. This is no surprise that it has achieved her highest-charting release to break into the upper reaches of major markets: its heart contains a collection of truly catchy hits. One track performed entirely in the English language builds on a chorus that feels to collect increasingly nagging melodies as it spins skyward. This trick gets echoed on another expansive track that expands and constricts, intertwining layered tunes as an intricate tapestry.
- A waltz-like song seduces with its playful, theatrical flair and a chant-along hook.
- Lyrically, it shares the pop culture impact of contemporary breakup anthems, lambasting a former lover described as an "emotional terrorist".
- Across these tracks, the vocals carry a painted-on edge, akin to a storybook character concealing a blade: "Gold medal in acting like a motherfucker / You've won the trophy of letdown."
A Maximalist Banquet for the Ears
Lux represents pop on a grand level, an ambitious grasp for high artistry in an era of impending AI-generated sameness. It eschews solipsism in favor of sublime elevation, crafting an over-the-top drama that masterfully manages its inherent ridiculousness. It is a deep well of buried treasure that takes time to fully mine but never seem like hard work. While some major pop albums of 2025 felt like a meager meal, this record offers a lavish banquet where the guests at the table, perhaps tipsy on holy drink, flutter from discussions about historical figures, the galvanizing feeling of heartbreaking grief, and shared gossip about useless men. It is a modern-day theatrical production from music's most restlessly creative practitioner.
