On ‘Lux,’ Rosalía Breaks Herself Open and Turns Forward Into Reinvention — You Can’t Help but Follow: Album Review

On ‘Lux,’ Rosalía Breaks Herself Open and Turns Forward Into Reinvention

Rosalía challenges herself and triumphs with her fourth studio album, Lux, marking a bold step into radical reinvention. The cover features the Spanish (Catalan) artist cloaked in a nun’s habit, symbolizing both religious devotion and personal ritual as she embraces this new creation.

Unlike the sharp electronic sound of her Grammy-winning third album, Motomami, Lux places Rosalía within a rich orchestral setting. The album contains no obvious hits; instead, it highlights her voice woven into a carefully arranged ensemble.

A Spiritual and Musical Journey

Lux unfolds as a deeply spiritual odyssey composed from carefully chosen elements Rosalía has amassed over three years. The album demands close listening — each lyric and note requires full attention, offering a transcendental experience that invites reflection.

"Far from contemporary pop, each note and lyric demands your full attention; the reward is transcendence, even as the material nudges you to annotate like a philosophy student with a highlighter in hand."

Rosalía's Musical Foundation

It is important to note Rosalía's background as a conservatory-trained musician. She attended the Catalonia College of Music, where she studied vocal flamenco performance in an elite program accepting only one student annually. This rigorous training informs the deliberate and sophisticated nature of Lux.

Summary

Lux marks a powerful, reflective reinvention for Rosalía, centered on orchestral depth and spiritual exploration, showcasing her unique artistry beyond mainstream pop conventions.

Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?

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Variety Variety — 2025-11-07