Lizzo is back, back, back with more love to give with her fourth studio album Special, released on July 15 through Nice Life and Atlantic Records. Ranging from funky, feel good songs to slower and grounded joy, the album featured the previously-released singles, “About Damn Time” and "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready).”
May we all feel seen as Grammy award-winning singer Lizzo (Melissa Viviane Jefferson) brings in her classic energy with a bit of a different take–just enough to keep ourselves on our feet and wanting for more.
Something special is brewing
Coming off of her last album Cuz I Love You and her hit single “Rumors” featuring rapper and singer Cardi B, Lizzo sings her heart out yet again with songs that are a perfect continuation of everything we love about her.
With 12 new songs, Special is an album that finally finds Lizzo present and aware of who she is now. Although she stayed true to her signature style of mixing different tones of songs, everything comes together in a unified message of feeling love in our present selves.
The best of the best
Welcoming us with a party and some top tier vocals is “The Sign.” The opening track encapsulates the upbeat and funny essence of who Lizzo is. It calls back to the same energy we left off from the last time we were dancing to her music.
Familiar songs that were released before the rest of the album, “About Damn Time” and "Special," are both power anthems that empower us the most. Both songs have their own unique funk about picking yourself up and believing in yourself–despite pressure or feeling insecure about our uniqueness.
Furthermore, the album goes deeper into Lizzo’s personal journey with love, both receiving and giving it, “How am I supposed to lovе somebody else, whеn I don't like myself?” The groovy song “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)” shares some things the artist had to learn to love about herself.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lizzo album without a slow track all about passionate romance. “Naked” swoops in as a poetic message to a lover about opening up about her body.
Meanwhile, “If You Love Me,” the 11th track, is the most heartfelt song off the album. It pulls on heartstrings as it keeps the theme of self-love and self-respect.
And onto the next
In all honesty, it’s hard to top her previous album. However, Special showcases something we have seen with Lizzo before, but in its deserving spotlight. If anything, it is more of a strong leap into the future of Lizzo by continuing what made her love, as well as never really stopping to grow as an artist.
Lizzo remains as the unofficial queen of all things self-love, good vibes, and catchy music. Special might just be the start of a new era for a more diverse future discography filled with different takes that thread the same themes we’ve always loved her for.
You are loved and you deserve to know it! Listen to Lizzo’s Special on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms.
