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At first glance, this work may look more like a challenging scholarly quiz rather than a new popular music project by an artist whose last hit was a collaboration with an international pop icon. Divided across four different sections and voiced in 13 tongues, it is a breathtaking orchestral-influenced work that delves into female mystique, religious transcendence, and bodily change, frequently through the lens of different saintly figures. The dissolution of a romance—a theme treated with grounded openness elsewhere—is shot upwards here, carried by the lush presence of a major symphony orchestra and work from an award-winning composer within a vast list of contributors. Its sheer daring by itself makes the efforts of other artists seem quite modest.

Rising Above Academic Exercise

That this album succeeds in escape overly intellectual chin-stroking is almost a miracle, with full credit going to the artist. Although it's not her first project to fuse historical sounds with modern styles, the ambitions feel far higher on Lux, and the tightrope walk far more dramatic. The element that really elevates this fourth release, outside of its multilayered tunes, dense arrangements, and inherent theatricality, is a core spirit of joy. Much like the legendary Björk at her peak, there is a wondrous quality to the vocalist's singing that pulls you up in its tornado. Even when she is breaking your heart apart, the listener still desire to stay alongside her for the ride.

A Prime Moment of Exuberance

This exuberant spirit shines brightly on the stirring Italian song inspired by a saint. It luxuriates in a sorrowful melancholy for more than four moments. Suddenly, everything drops away, to reveal there's a gleeful giggle and a declaration before a comically over-the-top orchestral surge thuds down like cartoonish impact. The track then segues to the frenetic single featuring racing strings, a powerful choral group, and a cameo appearance from none other than Björk.

"The magic of Lux is that the listener never quite know—or even want to predict—what you is going to next."

Nearly each song ends in a totally different place than where it began. A track explores the transient trappings of celebrity with a delicate orchestration only to disintegrating into electronic chaos. Elsewhere, a song echoing the artist's earlier rhythmic style begins out dark and brooding, with menacing beats, before fluttering flamenco handclaps and an angelic chorus arrive to soften the song's rough corners.

The Balance Between Art & Pop

A key balancing act of the album involves navigating the gap of bold innovation and mainstream appeal. It is little surprise that the album has become the artist's first work to crack the Top 5 of key charts: its heart contains a suite of utterly undeniable pop songs. A song performed entirely in the English language builds on a chorus that seems to collect increasingly nagging melodies while it spins skyward. This trick is repeated on another powerful ballad that grows and constricts, intertwining multiple melodies as an intricate weave.

• A dance-infused song charms with its playful, theatrical flair and a chant-along hook.
• In its words, it aligns with pop culture impact of other heartbreak anthems, lambasting a former lover labeled an "emotional bully".
• Across the album, the vocals carry a sharp edge, akin to a storybook character concealing a blade: "Gold medal in acting like a motherfucker / You have the podium of disappointment."

An Opulent Banquet for the Ears

Lux represents popular music on a grand level, an ambitious grasp for high artistry amid of impending artificial sameness. It eschews solipsism in favor of glorious transcendence, crafting an over-the-top drama that masterfully manages its own inherent ridiculousness. It is an abundant well of hidden treasure that requires patience to completely explore but doesn't feels like hard work. While some big releases of the year felt like a meager scraps, Lux offers a sumptuous feast where the guests at the table, some intoxicated on sacred drink, flit between discussions about historical saints, the galvanizing feeling of soul-shattering sadness, and shared gossip about useless partners. In essence, it's a contemporary theatrical production from music's truly restlessly inventive practitioner.