Alright music lovers Lizzo is back in the game! After a bit of a break and some serious stuff happening behind the scenes she just dropped a brand new single called "Love in Real Life." It's been a minute since we heard fresh music from her so everyone's ears are perked up. Let's dive into this new track the buzz around it and everything else Lizzo's been up to.
"Love in Real Life" - Lizzo's Rock-Inspired Return: Is Pleasure the Answer?
Lizzo's new song "Love in Real Life" is not exactly what you might expect. It's got a bit of a throwback rock vibe which is a switch-up from her usual super-poppy sound. Think swinging beat guitars and even a Prince-esque scream thrown in for good measure. In the lyrics Lizzo herself acknowledges "It's been a while" hinting at the year or so she's been out of the spotlight dealing with various controversies.
The song and especially the music video seem to be all about escaping the noise and finding joy in real-life experiences. The video even opens with Lizzo saying she needs "no views no likes real Love in Real Life ." It shows her heading out for a night of dancing at a club letting loose and trying to leave the drama behind. The message? Maybe for a few minutes music and letting go can make everything feel better.
"Thriller" Homage and Boundary Setting: Decoding Lizzo's "Love in Real Life" Music Video
Speaking of the music video for "Love in Real Life" it is pretty eye-catching. Directed by Colin Tilley it's got a cool homage to Michael Jackson’s iconic "Thriller" video. Lizzo is rocking black lace and leather leading a dance crew through an alley and even facing off against some face-melting zombie-like characters. It's a visually interesting video for sure.
Some interpretations see the video's choreography as "combative" like Lizzo is physically fighting for space and setting boundaries. It is like she is saying "get these worries and negativity out of my face unless they know how to party!". It definitely adds another layer to the song's themes of escaping stress and seeking real connection in the physical world away from social media pressures and maybe even legal battles.
From Barbie to Battles: Lizzo's Journey Back to New Music Amidst Legal Challenges
It is worth noting Lizzo hasn't released solo music since her album "Special" back in 2022 besides her song "Pink" for the Barbie movie. So "Love in Real Life" marks her proper return after a couple of years. Those couple of years were not quiet ones for Lizzo though.
In 2023 she faced lawsuits from former backup dancers alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Then another lawsuit came from a former wardrobe employee with similar claims plus accusations of racist and fatphobic comments from Lizzo's team. Lizzo has denied these allegations calling them "unbelievable" and "outrageous" and her legal team has fought back in court. While one lawsuit was partially dismissed the main case from the dancers is still ongoing.
Intimate Venue Shows and Album Tease: Lizzo's "Real Life" Tour is Coming
Along with the new single Lizzo announced something else exciting for fans: small venue concerts! She is playing a few intimate gigs in March hitting up some iconic spots.
For fans lucky enough to snag tickets here are the dates and venues:
- March 12: The Wiltern in Los Angeles
- March 16: Irving Plaza in New York
- March 18: First Avenue in Minneapolis
Minneapolis fans are especially hyped because First Avenue is a legendary venue and Lizzo has strong ties to the city. She moved there in 2011 to pursue her music career and even recorded with Prince during her time in Minnesota. Tickets for these shows are expected to be in high demand especially the First Avenue gig. They go on sale March 6th and you can sign up for a presale on her website.
And that is not all Lizzo also hinted that her fifth album is on the way later in 2025. "Love in Real Life" is expected to be the lead single for this upcoming album. So it looks like this is just the beginning of Lizzo's next chapter.
Comeback or Calculated Move? Reception of "Love in Real Life" and Lizzo's Next Steps
The big question now is how will "Love in Real Life" be received and what does it mean for Lizzo's career moving forward? Some reviews point out that the song feels like a calculated move to get past the negative press and controversies . It is almost like she is saying "Hey remember me? I am still here to bring you fun and positive vibes!".
One review noted the song is "placid" and "pedestrian pop-rock" maybe not her most groundbreaking work musically. But it also acknowledges that people come to Lizzo for "zesty stress relief" and this song definitely tries to deliver that. It is like a push to remind everyone of what they love about Lizzo and maybe shift the focus away from the less positive headlines.
Whether "Love in Real Life" becomes a huge hit or not it is clear Lizzo is trying to reclaim her narrative and move forward. She is stepping back into the spotlight with new music tour dates and a message of seeking joy and real connection. It will be interesting to see how her comeback unfolds and if she can successfully navigate these choppy waters.