Quick Read
- Rosalía’s new single ‘Berghain’ features Björk and Yves Tumor.
- ‘Berghain’ blends opera, German and Spanish vocals, and orchestral music.
- The music video follows Rosalía through daily routines, with surreal fantasy elements.
- The track is the first release from her upcoming album ‘LUX’, out Nov. 7.
- London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daníel Bjarnason contributed to the song.
Rosalía’s Return: A Surprising Collaboration Unveiled
After months of speculation and scattered hints on social media, Rosalía is back—this time, not just in Spanish, but singing opera in German. On October 27, the Spanish superstar dropped “Berghain,” the first single from her upcoming album, LUX. But this is no ordinary comeback. Joined by Icelandic icon Björk and the avant-garde force Yves Tumor, Rosalía delivers a track that is chaotic, orchestral, and undeniably dramatic.
The anticipation for new music from Rosalía had reached fever pitch. Fans dissected her social media teasers, which included the song’s sheet music—a puzzle that many tried to piece together, unaware of the operatic surprise that awaited them. As the first notes of “Berghain” ring out, listeners are greeted by Rosalía’s powerful vocals in German, layered over a sweeping orchestral arrangement. It’s a bold move, and one that signals a new creative era for the artist.
‘Berghain’: A Fusion of Genres and Languages
What makes “Berghain” so compelling is its fearless genre fusion. The track opens with Rosalía, her voice soaring in operatic German, before shifting to her signature Spanish lyricism. The classical music underpinning the song ebbs and flows, culminating in poignant lines like: “Yo sé muy bien lo que soy / Ternura pa’l café / Solo soy un terrón de azúcar / Sé que me funde el calor / Sé desaparecer / Cuando tú vienes es cuando me voy.”
The collaboration is as eclectic as the song itself. Björk, appearing as a bird in the music video, brings her own enigmatic presence, singing in both German and English. Yves Tumor, the Miami-born experimentalist, storms in towards the end, adding thunderous drums that amplify the song’s feverish energy. The London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Daníel Bjarnason, provides the lush, cinematic backdrop that ties these disparate elements together.
Music Video: Everyday Life Meets Fantasy
Directed by Nicolás Méndez—who previously helmed Rosalía’s “Malamente,” “TKN,” and “Pienso En Tu Mirá”—the music video for “Berghain” blurs the line between the mundane and the fantastical. Viewers follow Rosalía through ordinary routines: drinking coffee, making her bed, ironing, and riding a bus. Yet, as the orchestra trails her every move, the day-to-day becomes a performance in itself, imbued with dramatic intensity.
The video’s climax transports Rosalía into a Snow White-inspired universe, where Björk’s bird character takes center stage. The surreal imagery, paired with the song’s escalating instrumentation, creates a sense of fever dream—one where boundaries between reality and imagination dissolve.
Rosalía & Björk: A Creative Partnership
This isn’t the duo’s first joint venture. In 2023, Rosalía and Björk released “Oral,” a dancehall-tinged experimental track that supported a campaign against open-net pen fish farming in Iceland. Their previous collaboration leaned into electronic and dancehall sounds, co-produced with Sega Bodega. With “Berghain,” however, they pivot to classical music, showcasing their versatility and willingness to break new ground.
According to a press release, “LUX” will be available on November 7. For fans eager for more, the CD and vinyl editions promise three exclusive tracks, described as inviting listeners to experience the album in its most immersive form.
Setting the Stage for ‘LUX’
“Berghain” is more than a single—it’s a statement. The track sets the tone for Rosalía’s next chapter, hinting at an album that will challenge expectations and expand her artistic palette. By collaborating with artists like Björk and Yves Tumor, and enlisting the London Symphony Orchestra, Rosalía signals her intent to explore new sonic territories.
For those who have followed her evolution—from flamenco-infused pop to reggaetón experiments—“Berghain” is both a surprise and a logical progression. It’s the sound of an artist refusing to be boxed in, drawing from the world’s musical traditions to craft something distinctly her own.
The music video, available now, offers a visual companion to the song’s thematic complexity. As viewers, we’re invited into Rosalía’s world—a place where routine becomes ritual, and every moment is charged with creative possibility.
As “LUX” approaches its release, one question lingers: what other surprises does Rosalía have in store?
Rosalía’s “Berghain” is a masterclass in reinvention. By merging opera, classical orchestration, and experimental pop, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to artistic evolution. The track is not just a collaboration; it’s a declaration that boundaries—musical or otherwise—exist only to be challenged.