Initially, this work may look more like a difficult academic challenge rather than a new popular music record from an artist whose last single was a collaboration with a global K-pop star. Broken into 4 separate sections and performed in thirteen tongues, this is a breathtaking classical-tinged album investigating feminine mystery, spiritual ascent, and corporal change, often via the perspective of different saintly figures. The dissolution of a relationship—a topic treated with grounded openness elsewhere—soars upwards here, supported by the constant sound of a full symphony orchestra and work from a Pulitzer-winning composer among an extensive list of collaborators. The pure ambition by itself makes the work of other artists seem rather modest.
Transcending Scholarly Exercise
The fact that this album succeeds in transcend overly intellectual chin-stroking is nearly miraculous, and full credit belonging to the artist. Although this is not the first time album to alchemize historical sounds with modern styles, its stakes feel far higher on Lux, and the balancing act far more precarious. The element that truly elevates this fourth release, beyond its multilayered tunes, rich compositions, and inherent drama, proves to be an essential spirit of joy. Similar to the iconic artist during her peak, there is a captivating quality to the vocalist's singing that pulls you into its whirlwind. Even when she is tearing hearts apart, the listener still want to be right there through the journey.
A Prime Moment of Joy
This playful spirit comes forth brightly during the stunning Italian song inspired by a saint. It bathes in a sorrowful whirlpool for more than four moments. Suddenly, everything falls silent, to reveal we hear a spontaneous giggle and a comment before a comically over-the-top string surge thuds in with comedic force. The song immediately segues into the wild single featuring galloping orchestration, a powerful choir, and a surprise appearance from none other than Björk.
"The charm with Lux lies in the listener rarely quite know—or even wish to predict—what it is going to next."
Almost each track ends in a totally different place from where it started. One moment explores the transient nature of fame over a delicate orchestration only to collapsing in electronic cacophony. Elsewhere, a song that recalls her previous rhythmic style starts out moody and sinister, featuring prowling vocals, until fluttering flamenco rhythms and a heavenly chorus enter to smooth the song's jagged corners.
The Balance Between Experiment and Pop
Another crucial balancing act on the album involves straddling the line between bold innovation and mainstream accessibility. This is little coincidence that the album has achieved the artist's first work to break into the upper reaches of major charts: at its core a suite of truly catchy hits. A song performed entirely in the English language builds on a chorus that seems to gather increasingly infectious melodies while it spins skyward. That feat is echoed on another powerful ballad that grows and contracts, intertwining layered tunes as a complex tapestry.
- A waltz-like number seduces via its playful, theatrical drama and a chant-along hook.
- Lyrically, it shares the cultural honesty of contemporary heartbreak songs, eviscerating a former lover labeled an "psychological terrorist".
- Throughout these tracks, the vocals carry a painted-on edge, akin to a storybook figure hiding a knife: "Top prize in acting like a scoundrel / You have the podium of letdown."
An Opulent Banquet for the Ears
This album is popular music on a grand scale, a hungry grasp for high Art amid of impending artificial blankness. It eschews self-absorption in favor of glorious transcendence, creating a dramatic drama that skillfully manages its inherent ridiculousness. This is an abundant well of hidden gems that takes patience to completely explore but doesn't feels like hard work. While some major pop albums of the year felt like feasting on scraps, this record is a sumptuous banquet where the characters at the table, perhaps tipsy on sacred drink, flit between discussions about ancient saints, the galvanizing feeling of heartbreaking sadness, and common gossip about useless men. In essence, it's a contemporary theatrical production from pop's most endlessly creative practitioner.
