Lizzo is back and better than ever

Charging back onto the scene with her viral disco-infused hit “About Damn Time,” the lead single for her latest album, Special has millions of streams on Spotify, as well as its own TikTok dance. In an ever-changing world where each day seems more stressful than the last, Lizzo’s upbeat and empowering music inspires millions of her listeners.

Special is Lizzo’s third album, following 2019s Cuz I Love You. 12 tracks long, this record showcases the Lizzo we all know and love, her powerful voice and personality shining through on every song. Among the flashy pop tracks is a layer of vulnerability, highlighted on tracks like “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready).” Lizzo muses about craving a relationship but fearing that she is not emotionally prepared. It’s a common struggle that a lot of people deal with, and navigating dating during a pandemic certainly isn’t easy. While the lyrics are vulnerable, the track itself is upbeat and bright. It’s a powerful anthem, and one of the high points on the album for sure.

“I Love You Bitch” is a tribute to female friendships, a song to sing along to with your besties on a night out. While a bit predictable and repetitive, the sentiment is there. In a patriarchal society, there can never be enough songs dedicated to the power of women supporting women. Lizzo’s sense of humor is showcased throughout as well, “Give me your hoodie when I’m cold/Bless your heart it’s too small,” and it’s a lighthearted track that serves its purpose.

Another highlight is “Break Up Twice”, a soulful, funky track with horns and Lizzo’s gospel-esque vocals. With a slower tempo, Lizzo showcases her powerful vocal talents. She is belting her heart out but still somehow makes it sound easy. The emotion in her voice is palpable, and the message is sure to be heard by any listener. Her previous record, Cuz I Love You, featured similar tracks, such as “Jerome.” The sonic variety keeps the album interesting, showcasing Lizzo’s musicality. 

This album is filled with earworm choruses and funky horn lines, concocting a phenomenal pop album. It’s refreshing to listen to pop music that is so unashamedly pop: no manufactured fake deep lyrics, no experimentation that falls flat. Just a strong voice, fun instrumentals, and reassuring messages. Lizzo hasn’t strayed far from her roots, this album could almost be considered a sister album to Cuz I Love You. Lizzo has found her musical niche, and instead of experimenting with other sounds or styles outside of her comfort zone, she has chosen to improve what she knows she’s good at. Lizzo is still evolving musically, just honing her craft instead of going beyond her means. She knows who she is, and she’s just letting the world know.