On the surface, Lux may look more like a challenging academic examination than a new popular music record by an artist who just had a previous hit was a collaboration with a global pop star. Divided across four separate parts and performed in thirteen languages, we have a head-spinning symphonic album that delves into feminine mystery, religious ascent, and bodily change, often through the prism of different women saints. The end of a love affair—a theme handled with grounded openness on another major 2025 album—soars heavenward on this record, buoyed by the lush sound of a major symphony orchestra and contributions from an award-winning songwriter among a long list of contributors. The pure ambition alone makes the work of contemporary pop stars look rather laughable.
Transcending Academic Pretense
That Lux succeeds in transcend overly intellectual posturing feels almost miraculous, with complete praise belonging to the artist. Although this is not her first project to alchemize historical sounds and modern styles, the stakes are much higher here, with the tightrope walk far more precarious. What truly raises this fourth release, beyond its complex tunes, dense compositions, and inherent theatricality, is a core sense of fun. Similar to the iconic artist at her peak, there is a wondrous quality to Rosalía's voice which sweeps the listener into its tornado. When she's tearing hearts apart, you still want to stay right there through the journey.
A Signature Example of Joy
This playful spirit comes forth clearly during the stunning piano-led ballad inspired by Saint Clare. It luxuriates in a sorrowful melancholy for more than four moments. Suddenly, all the music falls silent, to reveal there's a spontaneous laugh followed by a comment before a hilariously exaggerated orchestral crescendo crashes in like cartoonish force. The track then shifts into the wild single featuring galloping orchestration, an imposing choir, and a cameo appearance from the artist Björk.
"The magic of this album lies in the listener rarely exactly know—or even wish to know—where it will go next."
Nearly every song concludes at a completely distinct place from where it began. A track examines the fleeting nature of fame with a featherlight symphony before collapsing in digital chaos. Another, a cut echoing the artist's previous rhythmic style starts off moody and sinister, with menacing beats, before sudden traditional handclaps and an angelic choir enter to smooth the song's rough corners.
The Balance Of Art & Accessibility
A key achievement on Lux is navigating the gap between bold innovation and broad appeal. It is no coincidence that it has achieved the artist's first work to break into the upper reaches of key markets: its heart contains a collection of utterly undeniable pop songs. One track performed entirely in the English language builds around a refrain that seems to collect more and more nagging melodies as it spirals upward. This feat gets echoed on a different powerful track that grows and contracts, intertwining multiple tunes like an intricate weave.
- A dance-infused number seduces with its jaunty, theatrical drama and a chant-along hook.
- In its words, it aligns with pop culture honesty of other breakup songs, lambasting an ex- partner described as an "emotional bully".
- Across the album, the vocals carry a sharp smile, akin to a storybook figure concealing a knife: "Gold medal in acting like a motherfucker / You've won the trophy of disappointment."
A Maximalist Feast for the Ears
This album is pop on a maximalist scale, an ambitious reach for high artistry amid of looming artificial blankness. It eschews solipsism in favor of sublime elevation, creating a dramatic drama that skillfully controls its built-in ridiculousness. It is a deep source of hidden treasure that takes time to fully explore but doesn't seem like hard work. Where some big pop albums of 2025 felt like feasting on meal, Lux is a sumptuous feast at which the guests around it, perhaps tipsy on holy drink, flutter from discussions about ancient saints, the galvanizing feeling of soul-shattering grief, and common stories about useless partners. In essence, it's a modern-day musical from pop's truly endlessly inventive visionary.
