Special

Overview
Special is Lizzo’s fourth studio album, released July 15, 2022, on Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records. It blends disco-pop, funk, and R&B, centered on self-empowerment and love, and produced a No. 1 single with About Damn Time. It peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 and earned Grammy recognition in major categories. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_%28Lizzo_album%29))

Recording History
- Recording spanned multiple years, with work beginning in 2018 and the bulk completed between September 2021 and March 2022. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_%28Lizzo_album%29))
- High-profile producers shaped the sound, including Benny Blanco, Max Martin, Mark Ronson, and Ricky Reed; additional credits feature Blake Slatkin, Terrance Martin, and others. Lizzo worked with these collaborators to craft the album’s disco-inflected pop textures. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-07-15/lizzo-special-takeaways-myke-wright?utm_source=openai))
- Max Martin helped restructure the title hook for the track Special, prompting the album’s title change during development. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_%28Lizzo_album%29))
- The track Coldplay features a brief Chris Martin cameo, reflecting the album’s wide stylistic collaborations. The LP itself is a 12-track, roughly 35-minute set (some editions list 13 tracks). ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-07-15/lizzo-special-takeaways-myke-wright))

Chart Performance & Recognition
- US: Special debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with about 69,000 equivalent units in its first week, Lizzo’s career high on the chart at the time. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/07/25/lizzo-earns-second-no-1-hit-with-about-damn-time-as-new-album-special-debuts-at-no-2/?utm_source=openai))
- Singles: About Damn Time topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking Lizzo’s second No. 1 in the U.S. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/07/25/lizzo-earns-second-no-1-hit-with-about-damn-time-as-new-album-special-debuts-at-no-2/?utm_source=openai))
- Grammys: The album received nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album; the lead single won Record of the Year at the 65th Grammy Awards. ([grammy.com](https://www.grammy.com/news/lizzo-2023-grammys-performance-special-about-damn-time?utm_source=openai))
- Critical reception noted the album’s upbeat, celebratory tone and strong production; the Los Angeles Times highlighted its summery, lustrous sound and punchy tracks. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-07-15/lizzo-special-takeaways-myke-wright))

Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Grrrls samples Beastie Boys’ Girls, a notable Beastie Boys interpolation that became a talking point during the album’s rollout. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-07-15/lizzo-special-takeaways-myke-wright))
- The track Grrrls drew criticism for ableist language, prompting Lizzo to issue a change in lyrics; the moment is widely discussed as part of the era’s discourse on representation and responsibility in pop. ([pitchfork.com](https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-changes-lyrics-to-grrrls-after-criticism-of-ableist-lyrics/?utm_source=openai))
- In 2023, SZA joined Lizzo for a remix of the title track, extending the album’s impact beyond its initial release. ([ratedrnb.com](https://ratedrnb.com/2023/02/sza-joins-lizzo-for-new-version-of-special/?utm_source=openai))
- Special’s reception today remains that of a commercially successful, festival-ready disco-pop record that underscored Lizzo’s lasting influence in pop music. US/UK chart activity and multiple accolades attest to its enduring footprint. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-07-15/lizzo-special-takeaways-myke-wright))