Rosalía's _Lux_: A Multifaceted Exploration of Love and Loss

Rosalía's fourth studio album, _Lux_, released on November 6, 2023, marks a significant evolution in her musical journey. The album, which features 15 tracks sung in 13 languages, showcases a blend of avant-garde classical pop and orchestral arrangements, including contributions from the London Symphony Orchestra. Thematically, _Lux_ reflects on her recent breakup with reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro, infusing personal experiences into a broader exploration of love, desire, and spirituality.

Rolling Stone

_Lux_ is structured in four movements, each inspired by different Catholic saints, and incorporates a variety of musical styles. Rosalía's use of strings, chanting, and religious iconography is prominent, particularly in tracks like “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas,” where she expresses a yearning for transcendence. The album's lead single, “Berghain,” features collaborations with artists such as Björk and Yves Tumor, while “La Perla” features Yahritza y Su Esencia, addressing themes of betrayal and heartbreak.

Rolling Stone

Rosalía's linguistic ambition is evident as she sings in languages including Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, English, Japanese, and Arabic, among others. She emphasized the human effort behind this multilingual approach, stating, “It’s a lot of trying to understand how other languages work,” and rejecting the use of AI in her creative process.

Rolling Stone

The album features notable collaborations, including flamenco singers Estrella Morente and Silvia Pérez Cruz, and fado artist Carminho, who contributed to the track “Memória.” Carminho described working with Rosalía as a “truly beautiful experience,” highlighting Rosalía's respect for traditional music and her ability to reinterpret it in her unique style.

Vulture

Critics have lauded _Lux_ as a groundbreaking work, with Rolling Stone calling it “a truly timeless work of art.” The album is seen as a departure from Rosalía's previous projects, offering a more introspective and experimental sound. It has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike, who analyze its layered references and emotional depth.

Rolling Stone

Despite its acclaim, _Lux_ has faced scrutiny regarding cultural appropriation, particularly due to Rosalía's roots in Catalonia and her early reliance on flamenco, a genre deeply tied to the marginalized Romani communities of Andalusia. Critics argue that her exploration of diverse musical styles may not fully address these cultural sensitivities.

Lux: 4 collaborators unpack Rosalía’s monumental new album

• “How nice it’d be, to come from this Earth, go to Heaven, and come back to the Earth.” — Rosalía

Pitchfork

• “There’s a whole intentional structure throughout the album, I was clear that I wanted four movements,” — Rosalía

Lux: 4 collaborators unpack Rosalía’s monumental new album

• “’ “Working with Rosalía was an incredible and truly beautiful experience.” — Carminho, Fado Artist

Lux: 4 collaborators unpack Rosalía’s monumental new album

• “It’s different from anything else I’ve ever worked on – I think Rosalía is pushing a lot of boundaries, both internally and externally.” — Daníel Bjarnason, Conductor

Lux: 4 collaborators unpack Rosalía’s monumental new album

Following the release of _Lux_, Rosalía is set to perform on _The Tonight Show_ on November 16, 2023, further promoting her ambitious project. Fans can anticipate ongoing discussions and analyses of the album's intricate themes and musical compositions in the months to come.

Rolling Stone