Special
by Lizzo
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2022
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
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  1. 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 de lizzo le da una vibra increible al album.
  2. Wanesta
    Jul 15, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With a lot of expectations on her back following the greatness of "Cuz I Love You", Lizzo returns with "Special" that seems like a parody of herself more than anything. Featuring either powerful anthems like the amazing title track, "Naked" and "The Sign", there's multiple embarrassing duds like "Grrrls", "Everybody's Gay" and "I Love You **** It's a bit everywhere, lacking focus and thus bringing down the quality of the record. Although it's not as charming as her debut studio album, it still works on the magical standouts songs… but only them sadly.

    5/10

    ///// SPOILER /////

    Honorable Mentions: The Sign, About Damn Time, Special, Naked, Break Up Twice

    Least Favorites: Grrrls, Everybody's Gay, I Love You **** If You Love Me    … Expand
  3. MrDaustar
    Jul 17, 2022
    10
    It's very good album! Lizzo has a beautiful voice!
    2 Be Loved, About damn time are really hits!!!
  4. 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 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.
  5. Xiaomingwu
    Jul 16, 2022
    0
    pretty boring to be honest it feels like it was made specifically towards tik tok viral moments.
  6. puremelopower
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    love the new album, its so positive!

    the kind of music that makes you want to get up and dance.
  7. leradegay
    Jul 17, 2022
    10
    The album is awesome. It is from this album that the pop music of 2022 has returned. Yes, there are a bit similar tracks, but this album is just for fun, relaxing with a beer.
  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 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 toxicLizzo 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
  9. All_ButTrU4
    Jul 18, 2022
    4
    Lizzo is a beacon. She's an energetic, body positive and contagious eruption of joy. Her image is one of improvement in all facets of life and knowing that it's okay to not feel okay . Her 2019 major label succeeded because of this inimitable presence she casts and as this record shows this one should be. "Special " might not live up to it's name in terms of giving us a new side or soundLizzo is a beacon. She's an energetic, body positive and contagious eruption of joy. Her image is one of improvement in all facets of life and knowing that it's okay to not feel okay . Her 2019 major label succeeded because of this inimitable presence she casts and as this record shows this one should be. "Special " might not live up to it's name in terms of giving us a new side or sound of lizzo's but it sure does if it pertains to how it makes you feel. This record feels good to listen to ,beginning with a bubbling lizzo's saying **** ,did you miss me?" knowing just how much awfulness has happened between now and "Truth Hurts" . "The sign " is my favorite off the record because it's the most free she's sounded. The lead single "about damn time" had failed to resonate with me beyond the fact it wasn't awful but on the album it's a full fun confident wake up call . The third song is one of the worst I've heard from her and i don't think that because of it's slight controversy over containing a slur ,no. Instead it's because of how painful it sounds. It's nearly a parody with how thin the lyrics feel or how annoying the chorus just is,this being a single was a big mistake. Max Martin arrives to help usher in one of lizzo's catches songs 2beloved(im ready) . It's an earworm weirdly reminiscent of Adeles 30 (especially "can i get it") and it's just an all round romp. "I love you **** " is an inoffensive generic best friend anthem that i can enjoy but will most likely skip in the future but "break up twice " is a show stopper! Lauryn Hills Doo Wop (one thing) is interpolated to fantastic results… Expand
  10. Kaerys
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lizzo once again reinvents herself and remain original and creative, even amongst an industry filled with basic artists and basic songs. Special brings a sonority very distinct from her previous works, but keeps the quality of the production. Once again, Lizzo is unafraid to put her soul, her personality and her thoughts into her songs, staying true to herself but still inovating and perfecting her craft. The introductory track "The Sign" speaks directly to the listener and it's a great way to start the album, and throughout it, the songs keep connected to each other, it's all part of a beautiful storyline that closes perfectly on "Coldplay". She did it again, the wait was definitely worth it!… Expand
  11. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 27, 2022
    7
    Its arrangements don't reinvent the R&B wheel [though the odd searing guitar solo and more acoustic folk-minded track make for welcome bridges to other genres] and its lyrical content isn't particularly profound or revelatory, but the irrepressible joy and abundant positive vibes Lizzo infuses every second of "Special" with via peppy instrumentals and her stellar vocals make the record oneIts arrangements don't reinvent the R&B wheel [though the odd searing guitar solo and more acoustic folk-minded track make for welcome bridges to other genres] and its lyrical content isn't particularly profound or revelatory, but the irrepressible joy and abundant positive vibes Lizzo infuses every second of "Special" with via peppy instrumentals and her stellar vocals make the record one that's nonetheless hard to resist for the sheer uplift the singer provides to listeners as well as herself.

    Choice Cuts: "2 Be Loved [Am I Ready]," "Special," "Naked," "If You Love Me"    … Expand
  12. 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 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 sheWhen 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
  13. daichislvt
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    this album really does stay true to itself... it's truly SPECIAL. i'm speechless
  14. 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 performances are just great. My lizzo
  15. natalipistan
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Fue un viaje entretenido desde principio a fin. Lo que hizo Lizzo aquí es especial.
  16. PEDROMFR
    Nov 27, 2022
    6
    Besides the important and positive messages, most of these songs sound outdated. With "Special" we all expected an evolution from Lizzo, a step forward in her career that was not just based on commercial success, but for me it didn´t achieved that goal. Lizzo's still a "singles" artist.
  17. camcam47b
    Jul 17, 2022
    9
    In Lizzo's sophomore record, she manages to expand her sound while maintaining the original attractive qualities of her music. Special goes into more depth than her classic "I'm a bad **** and love myself" message. Though this message is still there, it doesn't take up the entire album and it delivers it better than before. The record has some very superficial tracks that still manage toIn Lizzo's sophomore record, she manages to expand her sound while maintaining the original attractive qualities of her music. Special goes into more depth than her classic "I'm a bad **** and love myself" message. Though this message is still there, it doesn't take up the entire album and it delivers it better than before. The record has some very superficial tracks that still manage to draw you in with its catchy tunes and well-done production. This can be seen in songs like about damn time and birthday girl. The album particularly shines in the deep cuts such as naked and if you love me. Special is a drastic improvement for Lizzo and is a very promising project with few flaws to pick out.… Expand
  18. Lovejtmk
    Jul 29, 2022
    2
    It was sooo corny with no true depth. It's like she was wearing a mask of positivity. It was as if she was hiding her true feelings... with cookie cutter lyrics. Very lackluster.
  19. iamdavidcipra
    Jul 19, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i think her latest album is such a BOP album,i love the lizzo the way she is… Expand
  20. bidenbussyqueef
    Jul 25, 2022
    10
    lizzo literally slayed with this album. i honestly have no idea how people online think it's underwhelming; it's just perfect
  21. 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.
  22. 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, 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.
  23. bussylikecola
    Jul 16, 2022
    5
    I've been a huge fan of Lizzo's previous album and I am extremely disappointed with this album. The production was fun but the lyrics were horrible. Since this is a pop album, I didn't expect them to be outstanding; the problem was that they were bad even for a pop album. The titles are awful, remind me of t shirt slogans. She should have kept the sound of rumors. Also I cannot ignore howI've been a huge fan of Lizzo's previous album and I am extremely disappointed with this album. The production was fun but the lyrics were horrible. Since this is a pop album, I didn't expect them to be outstanding; the problem was that they were bad even for a pop album. The titles are awful, remind me of t shirt slogans. She should have kept the sound of rumors. Also I cannot ignore how this album is extremely short, like a lot of newer pop albums . Most of the tracks were underwhelming and just plain boring. I'm looking forward to a better one in the future.… Expand
  24. submnibiriyae
    Jul 15, 2022
    6
    Todas las canciones hablan de lo mismo, cambia de tema por favor. El álbum tiene tres canciones buenas. Hay que decir que los samples que tiene están bien usados, pero nada nuevo comparado con Cuz I Love You. Además, la mayoría de las canciones son iguales, y la escuchar el álbum es ABURRIDO. Se me hace más amena la escucha de Cuz I Love You o Big GRRRL Small World.
  25. javierp
    Aug 26, 2022
    5
    The songs are fun but it feels like it's the same one over and over again. I think this lowers the quality of a record that, regarding the expectations, could have been a smash project.
  26. 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 best albums released this year for sure.
  27. joaotekiaware
    Jul 15, 2022
    7
    Lizzo's proving she's not an "one hit wonder artist". With an energetic, free and empowered vibe, she connects the listeners with all her possibilities as a woman... From the strong, independent one to her party and sexy side, without denying her vulnerabilities, especially as a black woman. Mixing pop, house and r&b elements, she creates a classy album. It's completely personal and still dancing.
  28. ETVERY
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    Amo que lizzo se haya arriesgado a otro concepto diferente al de Cuz I Love You, y lo logro muy bien, me parece un buen album con una produccion excelente y letras muy buenas, muchas felicidades a Lizzo por este album.
  29. annbca
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    feeling completely amazed with Lizzo's powerful voice in this album, all the songs take us to another levels, I felt fancy, I thought about my life, I had fun, I cried, Lizzo brought us an amazing experience specially on break up twice, this girl is such a big star!
  30. Love_I
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    La cantante regreso un increible concepto, canciones muy bien producidad y escritas, me parece una maravilla teniendo increibles canciones como 2 Be Loved y Special, un album de amor propio muy bueno
  31. PPPYYY
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    Maravilhosa como sempre e minha música favorita já é "Everbody's Gays" Lizzo você sempre será famosa
  32. The_Union
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    Este es un album revelador de una parte de lizzo, canciones como About Damn Time y I Love You Bit*** son canciones de amarse a si mismo, como todo el album, en conclucion a como nos dice lizzo, tenemos que amarnos y ella no lo dice con Speacia y i Love You B****
  33. Deivisonmotta
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O Álbum é incrível tem uma sonoridade diferente do que a lizzo já trouxe, as letras mais uma vez falando sobre empoderamento e de como a mulher tem que se sentir Amada Da forma que ela é… Expand
  34. santibr
    Jul 18, 2022
    10
    Best album from Lizzo. Extremely well crafted, cohesive, and setting a new bar in her career. A ground-breaking force & emotional booster that can turn around any bad day.
  35. Rickbispo
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amei o álbum, me traz memória boa e me mostra que a lizzo permanece feliz e única.… Expand
  36. jbelzero
    Jul 16, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album is a great comeback of Lizzo, songs are full of her energy but I'm sad that song "Rumors" featuring Cardi B isn't on the album.… Expand
  37. johnbonnie
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    Her last album "Cuz I Love You" was a masterpiece., for me. So my expectations were HIGH and I started to listen to "Special" kind of scared because I hate to disappointed.
    But to my surprise she does not. The first song "The Sign" started and I was into it from the first beat. And I was into it until the last song "Coldplay" ended.
    I don't want to take away too much but the way she    Her last album "Cuz I Love You" was a masterpiece., for me. So my expectations were HIGH and I started to listen to "Special" kind of scared because I hate to disappointed.
    But to my surprise she does not. The first song "The Sign" started and I was into it from the first beat. And I was into it until the last song "Coldplay" ended.
    I don't want to take away too much but the way she fuses disco, r&b, hip hop with modern themes, honest lyrics, metaphors and amazingly handled samples (Coldplay, Kool & the Gang, Lauryn Hill...) amazes me. After her major-label debut and the stand-alone "Rumors" this album is exactly what it needs to be.
    Lizzo said lately "I worked real hard on it, so it better be good" (quote) and all I can say is:
    It's not good, it's amazing!    … Expand
  38. matheusvas
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    A true declaration of self love. It's powerful and fun. You can feel the truth in every word.
  39. Axeminis
    Aug 5, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best album of 2022 incredible songs that make you dance. With incredible sounds that make you remember Britney Spears, Maddona, The weekend, Prince, Beyonce, etc... . But I feel like there's something missing on this record… Expand
  40. jts0429
    Aug 12, 2022
    9
    The album is one for the books for Lizzo. It is full of energy and positivity. Her song Special is my favorite from the entire project. She is so vibrant and puts it into her music.
  41. cacau3435
    Aug 21, 2022
    6
    Sinto que ela tentou fazer um álbum Jazz/Rap/Dance, más não conseguiu inovar, seu último álbum Cuz I Love You deixou grandes expectativas para seu próximo álbum, não acho que foram atendidas.
  42. brenno1206
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    É um álbum bem legal, divertido e tem faixas bem bacanas também, mas não passa disso, apesar de ser um álbum bom parece que não tem nada demais.
  43. Ritasecret
    Aug 21, 2022
    3
    Lady gaga and Nicki Minaj did it better! this lady really should take a note from the queens! Apparently she need to stop clown herself.
  44. Crutionix
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    "Special" feels like a confidently put together project with everything that Lizzo's learned through her career. The songs feel classically Lizzo but in a way that doesn't come across as boring or cheap. Highlights include: "2 Be Loved (I am ready)" and "If You Love Me" with other tracks like "Everybody's Gay" and "Coldplay" coming in as great tracks.

    This album deserves your listen.
  45. Yurer13
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    I loved so much this album, the all álbum have a good energy and talk so much with me, her voice is PERFECT, I’m like how lizzo take your humor, and your jokes and pass to the music, when she says sheesh I in the moments close my eyes and smile seeing she saying this little word
  46. Bourgu
    Jun 29, 2023
    0
    just a normal boring album while had others so so amazing and good!!! this is just 1 hit wonder and another songs ....
  47. evandosf
    Jan 12, 2023
    5
    It's a 12-track compilation only made to somehow go viral on Tik Tok. Awful lyrics but good instrumentation, congrats to its producers.
  48. wojtekk
    Mar 16, 2023
    6
    Good album, nothing less and nothing more. First of all I'm a big Lizzo fan, totally love her! Album has no skips, however there are big differences in level of some songs. With Cuz i love you Lizzo had set the bar very high, sadly for Special album - too high. 2 be loved (am i ready), About damn time, Special, The Sign and even If you love me - these are the songs that carry the album.Good album, nothing less and nothing more. First of all I'm a big Lizzo fan, totally love her! Album has no skips, however there are big differences in level of some songs. With Cuz i love you Lizzo had set the bar very high, sadly for Special album - too high. 2 be loved (am i ready), About damn time, Special, The Sign and even If you love me - these are the songs that carry the album. Amazing tracks and each is an amazing job, rest might is a bit boring and only lyrics make them no-skip tracks. I hope next project will be a mix of Special AND Cuz i love you :))… Expand

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. AllMusic
    Jul 25, 2022
    80
    Far from a rehash of Cuz I Love You, Special finds Lizzo revealing new layers to the genuine songwriting and generous spirit that has defined her music since the beginning.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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