Rosalía's LUX: NPR Music's Best Album of 2025

Rosalía's album LUX has been unanimously recognized as NPR Music's No. 1 album of 2025, garnering significant acclaim from critics and listeners alike. The album's release in early November marked a pivotal moment in the year, as it quickly became a standout choice among NPR Music's staff, with more than half of the critics including it in their top ten lists. Four critics specifically highlighted it as the best album they had encountered throughout the year.

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LUX is characterized by its ambitious blend of genres, incorporating elements from opera, flamenco, electronica, and Baroque orchestral music. Critics describe the album as a "profoundly stirring, unified feast for the ears," showcasing Rosalía's ability to seamlessly transition between various musical styles. The track "Reliquia," for instance, evolves from orchestral beginnings into an electro-pop reverie, illustrating the album's dynamic range. Rosalía's lyrical themes traverse complex subjects such as spirituality, identity, and human experience, delivered in over a dozen languages.

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The album is divided into four thematic parts, exploring feminine mysticism, transformation, transcendence, and intimacy. Critics have drawn parallels between LUX and John Coltrane's iconic jazz album A Love Supreme, noting the spiritual journeys both artists undertake through their music. Rosalía's lyrics reflect a deep personal connection to her themes, culminating in a call for divine connection: "God descends and I ascend / We meet in the middle." This exploration of spirituality and personal growth resonates throughout the album, inviting listeners to engage with its profound emotional depth.

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Despite its eclectic influences, LUX remains rooted in flamenco, which serves as the sonic backbone of the album. Critics emphasize that the essence of flamenco—its emotional intensity and cultural significance—permeates the work, making it a quintessential representation of Rosalía's artistic identity. The album's ability to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, from joy to sorrow, is attributed to its flamenco heritage, which has historically been a medium for communication and connection.

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NPR Music's staff collectively praised LUX for its technical ingenuity and emotional resonance. They noted that the album transcends mere musical experimentation, embodying a deep human connection that resonates with listeners. Critics highlighted that the album's diverse sounds and languages are unified by Rosalía's unique artistic vision, making it a landmark achievement in contemporary music.

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• “But it's also frequently, boldly, at times breathtakingly beautiful — a work of craft and care, empathy and deep emotion.” — Stephen Thompson

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• “But Rosalía shows how with a profoundly stirring, unified feast for the ears.” — Robin Hilton

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• “LUX meets the musical legacy of A Love Supreme in the middle and picks up where that classic left off.” — Felix Contreras

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• “Despite apparent sonic distance, LUX may be Rosalía's most flamenco album yet.” — Anamaria Sayre

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Rosalía's LUX stands as a testament to her artistic evolution and the power of music to bridge cultural divides, making it a defining album of 2025.

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