Lizzo - Cuz I Love You

In an age where the same brands that once fed off our insecurities are now preaching messages of self-love, there’s something refreshing about Lizzo’s charismatic and free approach to her music. The message of ‘Cuz I Love You’ is clear: love yourself, have faith in your abilities and don’t be afraid to call out the people that don’t treat you how you deserve to be treated.

From the power ballad of the title track and immature ex-bashing ‘Jerome’ through to the exuberance of single ‘Juice’ and femininity-celebrating album ‘Like A Girl’, power and self-confidence run through the record. Ecstatic party starter ‘Soulmate’ takes it to a new level, with its witty refrain of “Look up in the mirror, like damn she the one / I’m my own soulmate / I’m gonna marry me one day,” whereas the Missy Elliott-featuring ‘Tempo’ is a trap-tinged command to let loose on the dance floor. It also manages to veer away from feeling gimmicky, Lizzo’s vibrant personality and humour shining through a set of tracks that switches through elements of funk, pop and R&B with ease.

Lizzo’s ascent to stardom has been a slow burn, building her music across three albums and multiple EPs and collaborations, but now almost a decade in, her star has finally been allowed to shine as bright as it should.