What makes Special by Lizzo notable?

Special debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and received widespread acclaim from critics, further cementing Lizzo’s influence in contemporary pop music. The lead single 'About Damn Time' topped the charts, showcasing her ability to blend catchy hooks with empowering messages during a time when self-acceptance was paramount. Released on July 15, 2022, Special marked Lizzo's fourth studio album and followed her breakthrough record Cuz I Love You. At this point in her career, Lizzo was solidifying her position as a cultural icon known for body positivity and self-love, having gained significant mainstream attention and critical acclaim.

Special works well if you're into steady groove for uplifting vibes, feel-good anthems for celebration and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Special?

Special has 12 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Special

Lizzo · 2022

35 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

Uplifting anthems shine through glossy production, blending vibrant pop with soulful R&B and empowering lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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About Damn Time — This track encapsulates the album's theme of resilience and joy, combining a disco-inspired beat with lyrics celebrating personal triumphs and self-worth.
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Special — The title track serves as an anthem of self-love, featuring introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners seeking affirmation and acceptance.
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Grrrls — This empowering song emphasizes female solidarity, using playful yet impactful lyrics that encourage confidence and strength among women.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends uplifting themes with polished production, showcasing Lizzo's signature style while exploring deeper emotions.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain an upbeat tempo, while the following tracks gradually introduce slower ballads and reflective moments.
Several songs feature call-and-response structures, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the anthemic quality of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady groove for uplifting vibes
feel-good anthems for celebration
short tracks for quick enjoyment
empowering messages for self-love
for group sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, introspective pieces
seek deep, complex narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on July 15, 2022, Special marked Lizzo's fourth studio album and followed her breakthrough record Cuz I Love You. At this point in her career, Lizzo was solidifying her position as a cultural icon known for body positivity and self-love, having gained significant mainstream attention and critical acclaim.
Stylistic neighbors: Janelle Monáe· Anderson .Paak· Bruno Mars