I never thought an album would make me get up and dance mindlessly around my room from dusk to dawn, but Lizzo’s “Special” gave me no choice.
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Lizzo, 34, the Detroit, Michigan-born rapper and singer-songwriter, released her 12-track fourth studio album, "Special,” on July 15th. Her third studio album “Cuz I Love You,” released in 2020, garnering much critical success as it showcased her range of musical talent in various genres like pop, rap, hip-hop and R&B alongside inspirational messaging.
Her 2019 lead single “Juice” was the Grammy award-winning singer’s first of several commercial triumphs and has since gone off and taken over the music industry on a global magnitude.
From countless guest appearances on award-winning shows like “Saturday Night Live,” performing with Harry Styles at Coachella, to musical collaborations with industry greats like Cardi B and Missy Elliot, Lizzo has become a staple in pop culture for a new generation of listeners.
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On July 12th, just a few days before the release of “Special,” Lizzo earned an Emmy Awards nomination for her Amazon Original reality show series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.”
When Lizzo’s album “Special” was announced expectations were high, and she did not disappoint.
Her fourth album’s lead single "About Damn Time" was released on April 14th, and has already earned a top three spot in the music charts in eight countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song also quickly became a dance trend on TikTok and the accompanying music video earned over 58 million views.
Lizzo is known for her motivational storytelling through her music mixed with an upbeat disco-like sound that would make anyone get up and boogie. “About Damn Time” was no expectation and a great way to introduce her new era as the megastar Lizzo has become.
Aside from the killer beat, “About Damn Time” is ultimately a celebration of the person you’ve evolved into, dismissing the past and enjoying the life you have in the present. The positive and unique empowering lyrics from her hit single bleed into the corresponding album’s track list with songs like “Special” and “If You Love Me.” It was a great foreshadowing of what was to come.
After grooving tirelessly to the cheery rhythm of “Everybody’s Gay,” tears quickly came running down during “If You Love Me” moments after. The 35 minutes of the album shift from classic high-energy pop sounds like “Grrrls” and her lead single “About Damn Time” to low-energy ballads like “If You Love Me” and “Coldplay.” The album is an emotional rollercoaster.
From songs that you can easily add to a gym playlist like “The Sign” to songs you would maybe save for when you need a bit of a boost in confidence and motivation like “Naked,” there is also a song for every occasion in “Special.”
The musician told TODAY that “Special” is a “classic, no skips album” and “the best thing I’ve ever done,” and I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Lizzo’s artistry is incomparable to any artist we’ve seen to date. Her music, simply put, slaps a smile on your face and can resonate with a ride a variety of listeners. Whenever you need a positive shift in mood Lizzo’s album “Special” can easily be that aid for anyone. From disco beats to uplifting lyrics to a killer voice, Lizzo remains undefeated in the industry and her positivity empire continues to grow.
When Lizzo said, “Come on. I’m very good at music, man.” in an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe on July 13th, she wasn’t kidding.
Make sure to follow Lizzo on Instagram to stay up to date with her latest music. Don't forget to check our her latest album, Special, on Spotify and all streaming platforms.