Initially, Lux could seem closer to a difficult academic quiz than a new popular music album by a musician whose last single was a collaboration with a global pop icon. Broken into four different parts and sung in 13 languages, we have a head-spinning symphonic opus that delves into feminine mystique, spiritual transcendence, and bodily transformation, frequently via the lens of different women saints. The dissolution of a love affair—a theme handled with grounded honesty elsewhere—is launched heavenward on this record, buoyed by the constant sound of a full symphony orchestra and input from an award-winning composer among an extensive list of contributors. Its sheer ambition by itself makes the work of other artists look quite laughable.
Rising Above Scholarly Exercise
The fact that Lux manages to transcend overly intellectual chin-stroking is nothing short of miraculous, with sole credit going to the artist. While this is not her first project to alchemize the past and modern styles, the scale feel much greater on Lux, with the balancing act far more dramatic. The element that truly elevates this fourth album, outside of its complex melodies, rich compositions, and engrained theatricality, is an essential sense of playfulness. Much like the iconic artist at her height, there is a captivating quality to the vocalist's voice that pulls you up in its whirlwind. When she is tearing hearts apart, the listener nevertheless want to stay alongside her for the ride.
A Prime Example of Joy
That playful energy comes forth clearly on the stirring Italian song inspired by a saint. It luxuriates in a sorrowful whirlpool over several moments. Suddenly, everything falls away, and we hear a spontaneous giggle followed by a declaration prior to a comically exaggerated string crescendo crashes down with cartoonish force. The song immediately segues to the wild track driven by racing strings, a powerful choral group, and a surprise appearance from the artist herself.
"The magic of Lux lies in you rarely exactly know—or even want to know—where you is going next."
Almost every song finishes in a totally different place from where it began. A track examines the transient trappings of fame with a delicate orchestration before collapsing into electronic chaos. Elsewhere, a song that recalls the artist's previous trap-infused style begins out moody and brooding, featuring prowling vocals, until fluttering flamenco handclaps and an angelic choir arrive to soften its jagged corners.
The Balance Of Art and Accessibility
Another crucial balancing act of the album is straddling the line between radical innovation and broad appeal. It is little surprise that the album has become the artist's highest-charting release to crack the Top 5 of major markets: its heart contains a collection of truly catchy hits. A song sung primarily in the English language swells on a refrain that seems to gather more and more infectious hooks as it spirals skyward. This feat gets repeated by another expansive ballad that grows and constricts, weaving multiple tunes like an intricate weave.
- A dance-infused song seduces with its jaunty, theatrical flair and an anthemic chorus.
- Lyrically, it shares the cultural impact of contemporary heartbreak anthems, eviscerating an ex- lover described as an "psychological bully".
- Across the album, the vocals have a painted-on smile, like a fairy-tale character concealing a knife: "Top prize in being a scoundrel / You've the podium of letdown."
A Maximalist Feast for the Soul
Lux is popular music on a grand level, a hungry grasp for high artistry in an era of impending artificial sameness. It eschews self-absorption in favor of sublime elevation, crafting a dramatic spectacle that skillfully manages its inherent excess. It is an abundant source of buried treasure that requires time to completely explore but doesn't feels like hard work. Where other major releases of the year seemed like a meager scraps, Lux offers a lavish banquet at which the guests around it, some tipsy on holy wine, flit from discussions about ancient saints, the galvanizing sensation of soul-shattering sadness, and shared stories about useless men. In essence, it's a contemporary theatrical production from pop's truly endlessly inventive visionary.
