Special
by Lizzo
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2022
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. The New York Times
    Jul 19, 2022
    60
    When it works, it works. And when it doesn’t, well … you get a song like overzealous-ally anthem “Everybody’s Gay,” which aims for Paradise Garage euphoria but lands closer to Target’s collection of Pride month apparel. The energy of the opening track, “The Sign,” somehow manages to be both relentless and listless.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 15, 2022
    60
    These are songs with the glossiest pop sheen steamrolled over them, erasing any wrinkles or mishaps – the exact thing that made her so endearing to begin with.
  3. PopMatters
    Jul 18, 2022
    40
    Special is such a disappointment because you can hear the better album she’s capable of – but she insists on digging her heels in to crank out one-size-fits-all empowerment jams that can’t be resonating with anyone beyond someone just getting back to the elliptical for the first time in a year.

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed Album of 2022

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 113
  3. Negative: 23 out of 113
  1. Xiaomingwu
    Jul 16, 2022
    0
    pretty boring to be honest it feels like it was made specifically towards tik tok viral moments.
  2. Taylouddream
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    El album es muy bueno por donde se le mire, con el rap, pop y los distintos generos usados en el album lo hacen muy bueno, la increible voz deEl album es muy bueno por donde se le mire, con el rap, pop y los distintos generos usados en el album lo hacen muy bueno, la increible voz de lizzo le da una vibra increible al album.… Full Review »
  3. Sross1239
    Mar 15, 2023
    6
    While Lizzo continues her success and positive messages on this album, it overall comes up short of being a satisfying follow up to herWhile Lizzo continues her success and positive messages on this album, it overall comes up short of being a satisfying follow up to her previous album. The album takes less risks and many tracks end up sounding generic, although they are enjoyable. As a second major label project, it’s not terrible, but it lacks some of the creativity and unapologetic nature of Lizzo in the past few years.… Full Review »
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