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Initially, Lux may look more like a challenging university examination than the latest popular music project from an artist whose last hit was a collaboration with a global K-pop star. Divided into four separate parts and performed in thirteen tongues, we have a breathtaking symphonic work that delves into female mystique, spiritual ascent, and physical transformation, frequently via the perspective of different female saints. The dissolution of a love affair—a theme handled with raw honesty elsewhere—soars heavenward on this record, supported by the constant sound of a major symphony orchestra and work from an award-winning composer among an extensive roll call of contributors. Its sheer audacity alone renders the work of other artists look quite laughable.

Transcending Scholarly Pretense

That Lux manages to escape dry academic posturing is nothing short of miraculous, and complete credit going to the artist. While this is not the first time project to alchemize historical sounds with modern styles, the ambitions are far greater here, and the tightrope walk more precarious. What really raises this fourth release, outside of its complex melodies, dense arrangements, and inherent drama, is an essential sense of fun. Much like the legendary artist at her peak, you find a wondrous quality to Rosalía's voice that pulls you up in its tornado. Even when she is tearing hearts in two, you still desire to be right there for the ride.

A Prime Example of Exuberance

That exuberant energy comes forth clearly on a stirring piano-led ballad about a saint. It luxuriates in a string-drenched whirlpool for several minutes. Then, all the music drops silent, and we hear a spontaneous laugh followed by a comment before a comically over-the-top orchestral surge thuds in like comedic impact. The track immediately segues to the frenetic track driven by racing orchestration, a powerful choir, and a cameo role from none other than herself.

"The charm with Lux is that you never quite know—or even wish to predict—where you is going to next."

Almost every song ends in a completely distinct place than where it started. A track examines the transient nature of celebrity over a featherlight symphony only to collapsing into electronic cacophony. Another, a cut echoing her earlier rhythmic style starts out moody and brooding, with menacing vocals, until fluttering traditional handclaps and a heavenly chorus arrive to smooth the song's rough edges.

The Bridge Between Art and Accessibility

Another crucial achievement on the album is navigating the gap of radical innovation and mainstream appeal. This is no surprise that the album has achieved her highest-charting work to crack the upper reaches of major markets: at its core a collection of truly catchy hits. One track sung entirely in the English language swells around a chorus that seems to collect increasingly infectious melodies while it spins skyward. This trick is repeated on a different powerful track that expands and contracts, intertwining multiple tunes as an intricate tapestry.

• A dance-infused song charms via its playful, theatrical flair and a chant-along chorus.
• Lyrically, it shares the cultural honesty of contemporary breakup songs, eviscerating a former partner labeled an "psychological terrorist".
• Across these tracks, the singing have a sharp edge, akin to a storybook character concealing a blade: "Gold medal in being a scoundrel / You've the podium of letdown."

A Maximalist Banquet for the Ears

Lux represents popular music on a grand level, a hungry grasp for capital-A Art in an era of looming artificial blankness. It eschews self-absorption in favor of sublime transcendence, creating a dramatic drama that skillfully controls its own built-in excess. It is an abundant source of buried treasure that requires time to fully explore but doesn't seem like a chore. While some major releases of the year felt like a meager meal, Lux is a sumptuous banquet at which the guests at the table, some tipsy on holy wine, flutter from discussions about ancient figures, the profound feeling of soul-shattering sadness, and common stories about hopeless men. In essence, it's a contemporary musical from pop's truly endlessly creative visionary.