What makes Lux Prima by Karen O notable?

The album received critical acclaim, earning a score of 80 on Metacritic and praise from outlets like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone for its innovative blending of genres. It also positioned Karen O as a prominent figure in the contemporary indie music scene, influencing a new generation of artists with its atmospheric production. Released on March 15, 2019, Lux Prima marks Karen O's first solo project outside her work with Yeah Yeah Yeahs since 2013's Mosquito. Collaborating with producer Danger Mouse, this album showcases a significant departure from her previous indie rock roots, exploring a more experimental and ambient sound.

Who is Lux Prima for?

Lux Prima works well if you're into steady unfolding soundscapes, ethereal vocals for introspection and immersive listening experience.

How many songs are on Lux Prima?

Lux Prima has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Lux Prima

Karen O · 2019

40 min · 9 tracks · indie rock

A lush tapestry of atmospheric soundscapes intertwined with ethereal vocals and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lux Prima — The title track serves as an expansive opener, establishing the album's dreamlike ambiance with its lengthy exploration of sound and lyricism.
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Woman — This track stands out with its empowering themes and infectious groove, contrasting vulnerability with strength through dynamic vocal delivery.
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Turn the Light — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song encapsulates the album's emotional depth while showcasing O's vocal prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Lux Prima blends atmospheric soundscapes with distinct vocal styles, creating a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The opening track features a slow build with layered synths and vocals that gradually introduce the album's atmospheric tone.
Several tracks utilize a call-and-response vocal style, where Karen O's voice is echoed or complemented by harmonies, creating depth.
The album includes moments of silence between tracks, allowing for a reflective pause that enhances the overall mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady unfolding soundscapes
ethereal vocals for introspection
immersive listening experience
cascading layers of atmosphere

Maybe skip if you

seeking immediate gratification
prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on March 15, 2019, Lux Prima marks Karen O's first solo project outside her work with Yeah Yeah Yeahs since 2013's Mosquito. Collaborating with producer Danger Mouse, this album showcases a significant departure from her previous indie rock roots, exploring a more experimental and ambient sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Yeah Yeah Yeahs· Bat for Lashes· Florence + the Machine

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Lux Prima 9:02
2 Ministry 5:06
3 Turn the Light 3:19
4 Woman 2:54
5 Redeemer 3:49
6 Drown 3:26
7 Leopard’s Tongue 3:13
8 Reveries 3:44
9 Nox Lumina 6:09

What to play next

Go back to

Crush Songs

2014

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indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata