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Special
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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for Lizzo features contributions from Benny Blanco, Max Martin, Pop Wansel, Ricky Reed, and Mark Ronson.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 15, 2022
    100
    Her rap flow has a terrific tensile strength. When singing, she delivers as both a belter and a breathy balladeer. ... Special is good as hell.
  2. Variety
    Jul 18, 2022
    90
    It’s hard to imagine this isn’t immediately locked in as one of the leading album of the year candidates. On another day, maybe we’ll think that the lack of ballad showcases keeps this from being the career peak-to-date it feels like in the moment. Whether in years to follow the record will hold up as Ms. Right may be anyone’s guess, but it is definitely Ms. Right Now.
  3. The Guardian
    Jul 15, 2022
    80
    An album that transformed Lizzo from an alternative hip-hop curio to a recognised star. But whatever the pains staked in its making, Special pulls its task off with style.
  4. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 25, 2022
    80
    Musically, Special’s a bit of a retread. Lead single About Damn Time, with its Saturday-night, last-song-before-we-leave-the-house vibe, bounces on a similar podium to 2019’s Juice, and the title track boasts imperious orchestration, just as it did on Cuz I Love You. But it works.
  5. PopMatters
    Jul 19, 2022
    70
    Special’s second half loses traction in terms of hooks, though Lizzo’s charisma remains undeniable.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jul 21, 2022
    64
    In its effort to reach the masses, Special has the unfortunate fault of both trying too hard to hit the zeitgeist—like the nonsensical Tesla metaphor on opener “The Sign”—and striving for pure blahtitude. ... In fact, when it comes to happiness, some of the most satisfying songs on Special—the ones that come closest to finding inner peace—are also the most subdued.
  7. 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.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 48
  3. Negative: 5 out of 48
  1. introandreww
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    This album is terrific. Productions are on point and the lyrics are beautiful and powerful just like Lizzo's voice. It's one of the bestThis album is terrific. Productions are on point and the lyrics are beautiful and powerful just like Lizzo's voice. It's one of the best albums released this year for sure.… Expand
  2. Jorgepardo
    Jul 18, 2022
    10
    She always makes me extremely happy with her music.
    I love her voice. She’s so sweet and has a great taste in music. Her genres and music    She always makes me extremely happy with her music.
    I love her voice. She’s so sweet and has a great taste in music. Her genres and music performances are just great. My lizzo    … Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. KevinMFS
    Jul 29, 2022
    9
    Lizzo on this album sounds espectacular. The lyrics are simple and you can understand the message right away after you start listening to it,Lizzo on this album sounds espectacular. The lyrics are simple and you can understand the message right away after you start listening to it, the production and the vocals are the highlight here. She talks about self-love and female empowerment and I'm here for it. She deserves everything.… Expand
  6. lorenzopuccinel
    Jul 15, 2022
    7
    this album is ok for me, it's cute. there aren't songs with deep meaning and the production is efficient.
  7. hausoflilluis
    Jul 25, 2022
    6
    When I found out about the original concept of the album [rock and politic], I was a bit disappointed remembering the genres that are in theWhen I found out about the original concept of the album [rock and politic], I was a bit disappointed remembering the genres that are in the current project, according to critics. Throughout the LP, I heard a lot of things that sound like Cuz I Love You: body positivity, cursing, uncontrolled screaming and Hip-Hop with funk. I thought that Lizzo would improve musically, but I see that she has remained at the same point since 2019, which has benefited her in marketing. Perhaps, as an independent, she was doing better... The only thing that helped change my perspective was the final message on the "Special" edition of AppleMusic: an album made out of love for modern times. A good one, but it does not help to ascend.

    fav tracks: "Naked", "Birthday Girl", "Coldplay", "Special" & "Everybody's Gay"
    KEY-TRACK: "About Damn Time"    … Expand
  8. josequezad
    Aug 12, 2022
    0
    Lizzo is a great artist. Fun, powerful voice, comes across likeable. But when she goes out of her way to win Twitter points, put out someLizzo is a great artist. Fun, powerful voice, comes across likeable. But when she goes out of her way to win Twitter points, put out some grandiose 'girl boss' persona, etc., I roll my eyes. Maybe she'll stop caring what people think and focus solely on the music for future projects. Also, the big majority of the tracks just sound like cringy gen-z quotes to me. it kind of feels like toxic positivity to me.… Expand

See all 48 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed Album of 2022

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