The new album “Lux” by Spanish pop star Rosalía has caught the attention of both fans and religious leaders alike for its profound spiritual themes. Released in March 2024, the album features fifteen songs sung in thirteen different languages, including Latin, Arabic, and Hebrew. With lyrics reflecting a deep yearning for the divine, “Lux” marks a significant departure from her previous Grammy-winning works, positioning Rosalía as a unique voice in contemporary music.
The album has garnered praise from church officials, notably from Xabier Gómez García, the bishop of Sant Feliu de Llobregat, which encompasses Rosalía’s hometown of Sant Esteve Sesrovires. In an open letter, he commended her for expressing her spiritual journey with “absolute freedom.” He noted that while some tracks may be “provocative,” they reveal a genuine quest for understanding God.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Gómez remarked on the album’s significance, stating, “Here was a spiritual search through the testimonies of women of immense spiritual maturity.” The opening lyrics set a contemplative tone, asking, “Who could live between the two/ First love the world and later love God,” signaling a thematic shift from her earlier urban beats to a more introspective sound.
Rosalía, now 33, has captivated audiences with her eclectic fusion of musical styles. Her previous albums, “El mal querer” and “Motomami,” established her as a leading figure in Spanish music, but “Lux” showcases a new direction. The album includes a range of musical forms, from classical strings to modern flamenco, and features collaborations with artists like Björk. Currently, four of its songs are featured in Spotify’s global Top 50 chart, outpacing even major artists like Taylor Swift.
Notable figures in the music industry have also expressed admiration for “Lux.” Andrew Lloyd Webber described the album as the “album of the decade,” and Madonna has publicly endorsed it. Rosalía attributes her creative shift to a long-held desire for spiritual exploration, stating, “There is more need than ever for a faith, or a certainty, or a truth.”
In her artistic journey, Rosalía has navigated the complexities of faith in a rapidly secularizing Spain. While she grew up in a country with deep Catholic roots, many younger Spaniards have distanced themselves from organized religion. Her early works, which included medieval religious poetry, hint at her longstanding interest in spirituality.
“Lux” reflects this interest, incorporating diverse influences and even quoting a Sufi poetess. Rosalía acknowledges the breadth of her reading, which includes hagiographies of female saints from various cultures. She explains, “They accompanied me throughout this process,” highlighting her quest for understanding through multiple religious lenses.
Her visual style has also evolved. The album cover presents her in a stark white nun’s veil, a striking contrast to her earlier hip-hop inspired image. Despite some controversy, such as the song “Dios es un stalker,” which compares God to an obsessed lover, the album has resonated with listeners seeking depth in popular music.
Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education, noted that Rosalía’s work addresses a growing desire for spirituality in contemporary culture. He stated, “When a creator like Rosalía speaks of spirituality, it means that she captures a profound need in contemporary culture to approach spirituality, to cultivate an inner life.”
Rosalía’s ability to blend high and pop culture is a defining characteristic of “Lux.” According to Josep Oton, a professor of religious history at the ISCREB theology school in Barcelona, she has successfully merged popular music with deep cultural roots. “It is pop music, but it is profound,” he stated, emphasizing her unique appeal.
The complexity of “Lux” can be daunting for some listeners, as it features elaborate orchestration and esoteric lyrics inspired by medieval mystical poets. Tracks such as “Reliquia” and “Mio Cristo Piange Diamanti” reflect her exploration of spiritual themes, from the nature of relics to the emotional imagery of divine sorrow.
Victoria Cirlot, a humanities professor at Pompeu Fabra University, praised the album for its ability to introduce intricate religious concepts to a broader audience. She noted that Rosalía’s performances are marked by emotional depth, enhancing the album’s impact. “Rosalía is not just a great singer; she is a great actress,” Cirlot said, pointing to her expressive body language and vocal prowess.
As “Lux” continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, it stands as a testament to Rosalía’s artistic evolution and her ability to intertwine spirituality with popular music, challenging audiences to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.
