Lizzo, Love in Real Life | Song Review

Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Lizzo makes a fabulous comeback with her Prince-influenced single, “Love in Real Life.”

It was a quiet year for Grammy-winner Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) in 2024, musically speaking. Following controversy, Lizzo returns to what she excels at – music! “Love in Real Life” runs just over two-and-a-half minutes long and finds the singer/songwriter exploring a different sound.  She penned “Love” alongside Blake Slatkin, Eric Frederic, and Theron Thomas.  Slatkin and Ricky Reed produced the pop cut. 

“Love in Real Life” commences with rhythmic guitar.  Once the groove kicks in, the song has a rock vibe I love the tone of the drums, which have a hard-hitting sound. As for the different sound and vibe for Lizzo, “Love” is giving off Prince vibes, with a dash of alternative rock thrown in.  As always, Lizzo brings the heat vocally.  She sounds expressive and nuanced.  The melodies are tuneful.  The songwriting is also intriguing, with the artist getting personal and searching for real love. In the first verse, she shares fright: “Wipe my eyes, comb my hair / There’s a lot of shit out there, and I feel safer in my bathroom.” By the second verse, however, she has become comfortable, asserting, “Flashing lights, I’m so hot / This is better than I thought, am I dancing like a thot.” The section to beat is the funky chorus, where Lizzo memorably sings:

“Hey, ho, hey, ho

Give me something with a little tempo

Hey, ho, hey, ho

Give me something I can throw it back for

By the end of the world, by the end of the night

Baby, come over here, I need love in real life.”

Ultimately, “Love in Real Life” is another enjoyable record from the talented singer/songwriter.  The contrast is appreciated.  Will it catch on? Only time will tell. It earns my seal of approval. 

Lizzo // “Love in Real Life” // Nice Life Recording Company / Atlantic Recording Corporation // 2.28.25

[: Nice Life Recording Company / Atlantic Recording Corporation]