Rosalía’s new album, LUX, has sparked a diverse array of reactions, particularly highlighting the contrasting perspectives from English-speaking and Spanish-speaking audiences. The ambitious project demonstrates the artist’s linguistic prowess, featuring lyrics written and performed in 14 languages including Spanish, English, French, and even Mandarin. Rosalía dedicated an entire year to crafting the lyrics, often relying on tools like Google Translate and engaging with traditional translators to refine her work. She revealed that each language is not only representative of different cultures but also honors a specific female mystic or Catholic saint.
The reception in the English-language media has been overwhelmingly positive, with prestigious outlets like Rolling Stone applauding the album as a groundbreaking achievement. Reviewers have hailed it a “transcendent album” and “stunning,” praising its originality and the euphoric experience it provides. Attendees of early listening events described the album as revelatory, reflecting a sense of excitement and anticipation for its official release.
Conversely, reactions from Spanish-speaking listeners have been starkly different. Some fans voiced their concerns on social media about the quality of the lyrics, with critiques labeling them as nonsensical. While acknowledging the exceptional instrumentation and Rosalía’s captivating voice, many argued that the multilingual approach detracted from the overall message. Notably, Spanish publications have been more cautious, with writers suggesting that the focus on cultural references and linguistic variety could have overshadowed the substance of the album. One critique specifically mentioned that the extensive use of languages felt excessive and did not necessarily enhance the listening experience.
The poetic complexities and ambitious imagery in her lyrics further provoked debate. Lines in songs like “Berghain” and “La Yugular” have elicited eyebrow raises for their surrealistic motifs, leading listeners to question the depth and coherence of the lyrics. This focus on the lyrics has shifted attention from Rosalía’s vocal talent and production quality, both of which have traditionally drawn acclaim.
Despite the stark contrasts in reaction, LUX represents a bold experiment in music that seeks to blend cultural influences with modern themes. Rosalía’s willingness to take risks and venture into uncharted territory may eventually allow for a transformative discourse about language, authenticity, and identity in contemporary pop music. The polarized reviews serve as a reminder of the complexities of cultural reception, and how an artist’s background and intentions can shape interpretations of their work. Ultimately, LUX invites listeners to engage with a myriad of emotions, challenging them to find meaning within its intricate layers, regardless of linguistic background.