On the surface, this work might appear more like a difficult university examination than a new popular music record by an artist who just had a previous hit was a collaboration with an international pop icon. Split across 4 separate parts and sung in thirteen languages, it is a dizzying orchestral-influenced work that delves into female mystery, religious ascent, and physical transformation, frequently through the prism of different women saints. The end of a love affair—a topic handled with raw honesty elsewhere—is launched skyward here, carried by the constant presence of a full orchestra and contributions from a Pulitzer-winning songwriter within an extensive list of contributors. Its sheer ambition alone makes the efforts of contemporary artists appear quite small.
Rising Above Academic Exercise
That Lux succeeds in transcend overly academic chin-stroking feels nothing short of miraculous, and full credit belonging to the artist. Although this is not her first album to blend historical sounds with the present, the ambitions are far greater here, with the tightrope walk far more pronounced. What truly elevates this fourth release, outside of its complex melodies, rich arrangements, and inherent theatricality, proves to be an essential sense of fun. Much like the iconic artist during her height, there is a captivating sense to the vocalist's singing which sweeps you into its whirlwind. Even when she's tearing hearts in two, the listener still want to be alongside her through the ride.
A Prime Moment of Joy
That exuberant spirit comes forth clearly on a stunning Italian ballad inspired by a saint. It luxuriates in a sorrowful melancholy for more than four moments. Then, all the music falls away, to reveal we hear a gleeful giggle followed by a declaration before a hilariously over-the-top orchestral surge thuds down like comedic force. The track immediately shifts to the wild single featuring galloping strings, an imposing choir, and a cameo appearance from the artist Björk.
"The charm of this album lies in the listener never quite understand—or even wish to know—where it is going to next."
Nearly each track concludes at a completely different place from where it began. A track examines the transient nature of fame with a delicate orchestration only to disintegrating into digital chaos. Another, a cut echoing the artist's earlier rhythmic style begins off moody and sinister, with prowling vocals, before fluttering traditional handclaps and an angelic choir arrive to smooth its rough edges.
The Balance Between Art and Pop
A key achievement of Lux is straddling the gap between radical experimentation and broad accessibility. It is little surprise that the album has achieved her first release to break into the upper reaches of key markets: its heart contains a suite of truly undeniable hits. One track sung primarily in English builds around a chorus that seems to gather more and more infectious melodies while it spirals skyward. This feat is echoed by another powerful track that expands and contracts, weaving layered tunes as an intricate tapestry.
- A dance-infused number seduces with its playful, theatrical flair and an anthemic chorus.
- Lyrically, it aligns the pop culture impact of contemporary heartbreak anthems, eviscerating an ex- partner described as an "emotional terrorist".
- Throughout these tracks, the vocals have a painted-on edge, like a storybook figure hiding a blade: "Gold medal in being a scoundrel / You've won the trophy of letdown."
A Maximalist Feast for the Soul
Lux is popular music on a grand level, an ambitious grasp for capital-A Art in an era of looming AI-generated sameness. It eschews self-absorption in favor of sublime transcendence, crafting a dramatic spectacle that skillfully manages its built-in excess. It is an abundant well of hidden gems that takes time to fully explore but never feels like a chore. Where other big releases of 2025 seemed like feasting on scraps, this record offers a lavish banquet at which the characters around it, some intoxicated on holy wine, flutter between conversations about historical saints, the galvanizing feeling of heartbreaking grief, and shared gossip about hopeless partners. In essence, it's a modern-day theatrical production from music's truly restlessly creative practitioner.
