At first glance, Lux could seem closer to a challenging academic quiz than a new pop record from a musician who just had a last hit featured an international pop star. Divided into four different movements and performed in 13 languages, this is a dizzying orchestral-influenced opus exploring feminine mystique, spiritual ascent, and bodily change, frequently through the lens of different women saints. The end of a love affair—a topic handled with grounded openness on another major 2025 album—is launched heavenward here, buoyed by the lush presence of a full orchestra and input from an award-winning composer within a long roll call of contributors. Its sheer ambition by itself makes the work of contemporary artists appear quite modest.
Rising Above Scholarly Pretense
That this album manages to avoid dry intellectual chin-stroking is almost miraculous, with full praise belonging to Rosalía. Although it's not the first time project to alchemize the past with the present, its scale feel far greater on Lux, with the balancing act more precarious. What truly raises this fourth album, outside of its multilayered melodies, dense compositions, and inherent drama, is a core spirit of playfulness. Much like the iconic artist during her height, there is a wondrous quality to Rosalía's singing that pulls you up in its whirlwind. When she's tearing hearts apart, you nevertheless desire to be alongside her for the journey.
A Prime Moment of Joy
This playful spirit comes forth clearly on a stunning Italian song about Saint Clare. It luxuriates in a string-drenched melancholy over several minutes. Suddenly, everything falls silent, to reveal there's a spontaneous giggle and a declaration before a hilariously over-the-top string surge crashes down like cartoonish impact. The song then shifts to the frenetic single driven by racing strings, an imposing choral group, and a surprise appearance from none other than herself.
"The charm with this album lies in you rarely exactly understand—or even wish to know—where it will go next."
Almost every track ends at a completely distinct place than where it started. One moment explores the transient trappings of fame over a featherlight orchestration before disintegrating in digital chaos. Elsewhere, a cut that recalls the artist's previous rhythmic style begins off dark and sinister, with prowling beats, until sudden flamenco handclaps and a heavenly chorus arrive to soften its rough edges.
The Bridge Of Experiment and Pop
Another crucial achievement on Lux is straddling the gap of radical innovation and broad appeal. It is no surprise that it has become her first release to break into the Top 5 of key markets: at its core a collection of truly catchy pop songs. One track performed primarily in the English language builds around a refrain that seems to gather increasingly nagging melodies while it spirals skyward. This feat is echoed by a different powerful ballad that expands and constricts, weaving layered melodies like an intricate tapestry.
- A waltz-like number charms with its jaunty, theatrical drama and an anthemic hook.
- Lyrically, it aligns the cultural impact of other heartbreak anthems, eviscerating an ex- lover described as an "emotional bully".
- Across the album, the vocals carry a sharp edge, like a storybook figure hiding a blade: "Top prize in being a scoundrel / You've the podium of disappointment."
An Opulent Banquet for the Ears
Lux represents popular music on a maximalist scale, an ambitious grasp for capital-A Art in an era of looming AI-generated sameness. It eschews self-absorption in favor of sublime elevation, creating a dramatic drama that masterfully manages its own inherent ridiculousness. This is an abundant source of hidden gems that takes patience to completely explore but doesn't seem like hard work. While other major releases of 2025 seemed like feasting on scraps, this record offers a sumptuous banquet where the characters at the table, perhaps tipsy on holy wine, flit between discussions about ancient figures, the profound sensation of soul-shattering sadness, and common stories about hopeless partners. It is a modern-day musical from music's most endlessly inventive practitioner.
