Special

pitchfork

As the relentlessly positive artist ascends to pop culture ubiquity, her hook-filled and saccharine music feels increasingly boxed in by the Lizzo brand.

fantano

When Special isn't coming across like a motivational poster it's pretty good.

rollingstone

It's also the best music she's ever made.

nme

joyful superstar uplifts with self-assured, self-empowering bops

thelineofbestfit

Special dims Lizzo's shine

consequence

Special doesn’t necessarily break new ground for Lizzo or deviate too far from the pop persona presented in Cuz I Love You, but sometimes it’s ok not to mess with a great thing. Amid the undeniably catchy pop are moments of vulnerability that populated her previous efforts as well.