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Initially, Lux could seem closer to a difficult university quiz than a new pop project from an artist who just had a last single featured an international K-pop star. Broken across 4 separate movements and performed in thirteen tongues, it is a head-spinning symphonic opus that delves into female mystery, religious ascent, and physical transformation, often through the prism of different women saints. The dissolution of a relationship—a topic treated with grounded openness elsewhere—soars heavenward here, supported by the lush sound of a full orchestra and contributions from an award-winning songwriter within an extensive list of collaborators. Its sheer audacity alone makes the efforts of contemporary pop stars look rather small.

Rising Above Scholarly Exercise

The fact that Lux manages to escape overly intellectual chin-stroking feels almost miraculous, and sole credit belonging to the artist. Although it's not her first album to blend historical sounds and modern styles, the ambitions are much higher on Lux, with the tightrope walk more precarious. What truly elevates this fourth release, outside of its multilayered melodies, dense compositions, and inherent drama, is an essential sense of joy. Much like the iconic Björk during her height, there is a captivating sense to the vocalist's singing that pulls you into its tornado. Even when she's tearing hearts apart, you still want to be right there through the journey.

A Signature Moment of Exuberance

This exuberant energy shines clearly on the stunning piano-led ballad about Saint Clare. It bathes in a sorrowful whirlpool over more than four moments. Suddenly, everything drops silent, and there's a spontaneous giggle and a comment before a hilariously exaggerated string surge crashes down like comedic impact. The song then segues to the frenetic track driven by racing orchestration, an imposing choral group, and a cameo role from the artist herself.

"The charm of Lux is that the listener never exactly know—or even wish to know—what you will go to next."

Almost every song ends in a completely distinct point than how it started. A track examines the fleeting trappings of fame over a featherlight symphony only to disintegrating into digital chaos. Another, a cut that recalls the artist's previous trap-infused work begins off moody and sinister, featuring menacing beats, until fluttering flamenco rhythms and an angelic choir enter to smooth its rough corners.

The Balance Of Experiment and Pop

A key achievement of the album involves navigating the line of bold innovation and broad accessibility. It is little surprise that it has achieved her highest-charting work to crack the upper reaches of key markets: at its core a suite of truly undeniable hits. One track sung primarily in English swells on a chorus that feels to gather more and more infectious hooks as it spirals skyward. This trick is echoed on a different expansive track that grows and contracts, intertwining layered tunes like an intricate tapestry.

• A waltz-like number seduces via its jaunty, theatrical drama and a chant-along chorus.
• Lyrically, it shares with cultural impact of contemporary breakup songs, eviscerating a former lover described as an "emotional bully".
• Throughout these tracks, the vocals have a painted-on smile, like a fairy-tale figure hiding a knife: "Top prize in acting like a scoundrel / You've won the trophy of disappointment."

A Maximalist Feast for the Ears

This album represents popular music on a grand level, an ambitious grasp for high Art in an era of impending AI-generated blankness. It eschews self-absorption for sublime elevation, crafting an over-the-top spectacle that masterfully manages its own inherent ridiculousness. This is a deep source of buried gems that takes time to completely mine but never seem like hard work. Where other major pop albums of the year seemed like a meager meal, Lux is a lavish banquet at which the guests at the table, perhaps tipsy on sacred wine, flit between conversations about ancient saints, the galvanizing feeling of soul-shattering sadness, and shared gossip about hopeless partners. In essence, it's a modern-day musical from pop's most restlessly creative visionary.