On the surface, this work could seem closer to a challenging academic examination than a new pop record by an artist who just had a previous hit featured an international pop star. Divided into 4 separate movements and sung in thirteen tongues, this is a head-spinning orchestral-influenced album that delves into female mystery, spiritual ascent, and corporal transformation, often through the lens of different female saints. The dissolution of a romance—a topic treated with raw openness elsewhere—is launched skyward here, supported by the lush presence of a full symphony orchestra and contributions from an award-winning songwriter among an extensive list of collaborators. Its sheer ambition by itself makes the work of contemporary artists appear rather laughable.
Rising Above Scholarly Pretense
The fact that Lux manages to transcend overly academic chin-stroking feels nearly miraculous, with full praise going to the artist. Although it's not her first album to fuse the past with the present, the scale are much greater here, with the balancing act far more pronounced. What really elevates this fourth album, outside of its complex tunes, dense arrangements, and engrained theatricality, proves to be a core spirit of joy. Similar to the legendary Björk at her peak, there is a captivating quality to the vocalist's singing which sweeps you into its whirlwind. When she's breaking hearts in two, you still desire to stay alongside her through the ride.
A Signature Moment of Joy
This exuberant spirit comes forth clearly during the stunning Italian song about a saint. It bathes in a sorrowful whirlpool over several minutes. Suddenly, all the music drops silent, to reveal there's a spontaneous laugh followed by a comment before a hilariously over-the-top string crescendo crashes in like comedic impact. The track immediately segues to the frenetic single driven by racing orchestration, an imposing choir, and a surprise role from none other than Björk.
"The charm of this album is that the listener never quite understand—or even want to know—what it will go to next."
Almost each track concludes in a completely distinct place than where it began. One moment examines the fleeting trappings of fame with a featherlight orchestration before collapsing in electronic chaos. Another, a cut that recalls her previous trap-infused work starts out dark and sinister, featuring menacing beats, until fluttering traditional rhythms and a heavenly chorus arrive to smooth its jagged corners.
The Balance Of Experiment & Accessibility
Another crucial balancing act of Lux involves navigating the gap of bold experimentation and mainstream appeal. This is no coincidence that the album has become the artist's highest-charting work to break into the upper reaches of key charts: its heart contains a suite of truly undeniable pop songs. One track performed entirely in English builds on a chorus that feels to collect more and more nagging hooks as it spins upward. This trick gets repeated on another powerful ballad that grows and constricts, weaving layered tunes like a complex tapestry.
- A waltz-like song seduces with its jaunty, theatrical flair and a chant-along hook.
- Lyrically, it shares with cultural impact of contemporary heartbreak anthems, eviscerating a former partner described as an "emotional bully".
- Throughout these tracks, the vocals have a painted-on edge, akin to a storybook figure hiding a blade: "Gold medal in acting like a scoundrel / You've the podium of disappointment."
A Maximalist Feast for the Ears
This album represents popular music on a grand scale, an ambitious reach for high artistry amid of impending artificial sameness. It eschews self-absorption in favor of glorious transcendence, crafting an over-the-top spectacle that masterfully manages its built-in ridiculousness. It is an abundant source of hidden treasure that takes patience to completely mine but never seem like hard work. Where some big pop albums of the year felt like feasting on meal, Lux is a lavish banquet at which the characters around the table, perhaps intoxicated on sacred wine, flutter between conversations about ancient figures, the profound sensation of heartbreaking grief, and shared stories about useless men. It is a contemporary musical from pop's truly endlessly inventive practitioner.
