The Catalan singer’s operatic fourth album presents a unique, inspired stroke; serving as an antidote to fleeting viral snippets and the instant gratification prevalent in today’s music landscape.
If you’re acquainted with Rosalía’s artistry, you’ll recognize her constant evolution. She excels in blending musical contrasts. Her 2018 breakthrough, ‘El Mal Querer’, reimagined flamenco through layered electronic pop, while ‘Motomami’, released in 2022, offered an avant-garde perspective on reggaeton, enriched with industrial sounds and tinged with cyberpunk and Sinogrime elements. However, the new album ‘Lux’—an 18-track collection—marks her most ambitious project to date. It challenges the algorithm-driven norms of modern music consumption, flipping pop on its head by reinterpreting classical music with Rosalía’s audacious, forward-thinking production style.
Recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and performed in 13 different languages, ‘Lux’ is a demanding experience that draws on Rosalía’s conservatory training and collaborative expertise. This work serves as a sweeping subversion of symphonic compositions, reintroducing the boundaryless essence of ‘Motomami’ while delving into historical and spiritual contexts spanning Catalonia, China, Mexico, and beyond.
Structured into four distinct movements, ‘Lux’ explores themes of feminine mysticism and saintly figures, shedding light on Rosalía’s personal journey as a woman navigating opposing forces; the sacred contrasting with the profane, romance against solitude, and tradition versus modern innovation. Adrift, she interacts with lovers, friends, fallen comrades, and, crucially, different aspects of herself.
The operatic introduction ‘Sexo, Violencia y Llantas’, adorned with dramatic string passages and marked by profound silence, finds the singer reflecting on her relationship with the one unchanging presence in her life—God. In the expansive reverie ‘Divinize’, Rosalía contemplates creation myths, forbidden desires, and the dual experiences of being cherished and revered. The operatic piece ‘Berghain’, featuring contributions from experimental artists Björk, Yves Tumor, and a Catalan choir, highlights ceremonial grandeur as Rosalía grapples with her surrender to a possessive partner.
Rosalía’s mastery of vocal nuances (her melismatic abilities shine here), religious symbolism, and linguistic abstractions are most resonant in the commanding ‘La Yugular’. Sung in Spanish and Arabic, she portrays love as a profound, life-affirming force; raw, evocative, and awe-inspiring. This enhances the impact of the somber closing track, ‘Magnolis’. With church bells, majestic strings, and vocals enveloped in subtle ethereal effects, it becomes a tribute to life and legacy. Ultimately, when all pretenses dissolve, Rosalía understands that she has loved and been loved in return.
In comparison to other prominent releases in pop music, ‘Lux’ stands out as a unique, inspired stroke; a refreshing breath and a remedy to the rapid-fire viral culture and the monotony of instant gratification. Whether it fits the technical definition of classical music is irrelevant; ‘Lux’ persistently invites you to escape the inertia of contemporary life and immerse yourself in a richly layered auditory experience. The effort required to appreciate it is significant, but ultimately rewarding.
9/10
Words: Shahzaib Hussain
—
Photo Credit: Noah Dillion
Join us on WeAre8 as we explore global cultural events. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we journey through clubs, concerts, interviews, and photo shoots. Get exclusive backstage insights and an intimate view of our world as the excitement unfolds.
Subscribe to the Clash mailing list for the latest updates on music, fashion, and film news.
5 Seconds Of Summer are reclaiming their story. The Australian quartet has broken numerous chart records, and the group has come together again.
UK producer IZCO collaborates with Reek0 on their latest single, 'Guiding Star.' The producer has garnered acclaim for his intricate sound, blending elements of hip-hop's
Connie Constance has released her new single 'The Offering' in its entirety. Released through Jump The Fence, the track combines various elements that highlight her distinctiveness.
The most recent occasion I witnessed King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard was in a wild festival atmosphere. I ended up losing part of a front tooth due to a head that whipped around. Therefore, going
Chloe Slater has released a compelling new track titled 'War Crimes'. This song has been under development for several months, during which Chloe has been following news headlines in an
Romy has released a new single titled 'Love Who You Love'. The artist ventured out on her own with her impressive 2023 album 'Mid Air', and CLASH caught up with Romy in Ibiza to talk about it.
If you are acquainted with Rosalía's music, you’ll recognize that she has consistently been in a state of transformation. Her talent lies in blending different musical styles. Her 2018 breakthrough, ‘El