Fifth Studio Album Drops as Artist Navigates Shifting Identity
Lizzo's latest musical offering, 'Bitch', her fifth studio album proper, has arrived. Released a day ago, the album finds the artist experimenting with a variety of sounds, from Tame Impala-esque psychedelia on "Happy 2 Be" to clipped new-wave rock reminiscent of The Cure on "She Stole My Man." A track like "Sexy Ladies" reportedly revisits her well-known body positivity themes, framed as a soundtrack for nights out. This eclectic approach, however, is noted to result in a disjointed listening experience.
A Peculiar Career Juncture
The release of 'Bitch' occurs at a "peculiar juncture" in Lizzo's career, as described by critics. The album attempts to bridge various musical territories, including pastiches of Tame Impala and the new-wave rock stylings of The Cure. Tracks like "Still Bad" reportedly mirror her earlier, more commercially successful hits but, like "Bitch" itself, did not lead to a definitive sonic direction for the artist.
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Self-Reinvention and Past Projects
Speaking about the new album, Lizzo has indicated a desire to reclaim her narrative. "I had to take back who I am," she stated recently, suggesting 'Bitch' is part of a broader redefinition of her public persona. This coincides with the upcoming release of a children's book, hinting at a multifaceted approach to her creative output. The artist also released the mixtape 'My Face Hurts from Smiling' in June, described as a return to her hip-hop roots, and intended as a way to "subvert expectations" and encourage a "new discovery."

"You can feel the audience in a different way."
The album's arrival coincides with the theatrical release of 'Scary Movie', for which Lizzo recorded an original song. This follows her 2022 album 'Special', which aimed to help listeners "dance its way out of the pandemic."
A Look Back at Lizzo's Trajectory
Lizzo's musical journey has encompassed various phases, from her independent beginnings with 'Lizzobangers' to mainstream success with 'Cuz I Love You' and 'Special'. Her music draws from a broad spectrum of genres, including pop, R&B, soul, funk, hip-hop, and gospel. Past collaborations include a remix of her title track "Special" with SZA. Notably, Lizzo has been involved in legal matters, with her touring company remaining a defendant in a lawsuit initially involving clothing designer Asha Daniels, who had previously worked with the artist. Lizzo herself has denied allegations made against her. These legal entanglements reportedly impacted her plans for a music return, which she admitted "kind of crumbled."
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The artist's 2015 album, 'Big Grrrl Small World', was recognized on Spin's "50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015" list. Following her signing with Atlantic Records, her 2016 EP 'Coconut Oil' featured the single "Good as Hell." She also hosted MTV's music performance series 'Wonderland'.
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