The release of Spanish artist Rosalia’s new album LUX was greatly anticipated by loyal fans, and they say it didn’t disappoint.
“Pues, simplemente es maravilloso,” said 15 year old Madrileño Dante Arenas. Arenas has been a fan of Rosalia since her album MOTOMAMI gained prominence in 2022. “To me, the new album was really good,” Arenas said. “I prefer MOTOMAMI, but LUX is up there.”
Released on Nov. 4, Rosalia’s fourth studio album was awaited with heightened anticipation after the promotional single Berghain was released in advance.
The singer, known for her blending of traditional flamenco elements with pop-style layered vocals and electronic accompaniments, continued to develop her genre-blending style in LUX.
“For me, the new track that came out seems very innovative,” said Fabiana Medina. Medina, who has been a fan of Rosalia since the age of 12, describes listening to the album as almost a “religious experience.”
“I thought it was very beautiful,” said Medina, “Very religious, […] it’s weird, but it’s art.”
The eighteen-track project combined orchestral accompaniments with electronic production and pop-influenced vocal layering, producing a sound distinct from Rosalia’s MOTOMAMI while still maintaining her established artistic style.
“My favorite song was La Perla,” said Miguel Mani, who has been listening to Rosalia for over six years. “I love the lyrics,” said Mani. “They’re direct shots at her ex.” Mani described LUX as an example of Rosalia’s “musical evolution,” noting that her sound has changed greatly over the course of her discography.
Rosalía first rose to international fame with her 2018 album El Mal Querer, which fused flamenco with modern pop and electronic beats. She has collaborated with multiple global pop stars like Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny. On the single Berghain, she collaborated with Björk, an Icelandic singer widely recognized for her innovative music.
While the release of LUX was received with excitement, some listeners described it as underwhelming. “I can listen to it with no problem,” says 26-year-old student Tamara Fernandéz, “but it was overhyped.” Fernandéz had heard the album discussed by her friends as if it was “on another level,” and was disappointed that it didn’t meet her expectations.
“Personally, I don’t listen to Rosalia very much,” said 29-year-old bartender Julián Alexis. Alexis has lived in Madrid for more than 10 years, and though much of his music taste was influenced by his upbringing in Argentina, he has developed an appreciation for Flamenco during his time in Madrid.
“I don’t know much about Rosalia’s work, but I like her Spanish musical influences,” says Alexis. “Either way, I think she sings beautifully.”