Love Galore Explained

Love Galore
Cover:SZALG.jpg
Alt:Cover art of "Love Galore": an acrostic of the song's title, with accompanying drawings for each word (love, olive, vitamins, egg, gratitude, atom, lemon, octopus, Rollie, energy)
Type:single
Artist:SZA featuring Travis Scott
Album:Ctrl
Studio:The Lake House (Michigan)
Genre:Alternative R&B
Length:4:35
Chronology:SZA
Prev Title:Drew Barrymore
Prev Year:2017
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"Love Galore" is a song by American singer SZA featuring American rapper Travis Scott. It was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records as the second single from her debut studio album, Ctrl, on April 28, 2017. SZA the artists wrote the song alongside TDE President Punch and producers Scum, Lang, and ThankGod4Cody. "Love Galore" received widespread acclaim from music critics and a Grammy nomination at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. An alternate version of the song was included on the deluxe edition of Ctrl, released on the fifth anniversary of the album's release on June 9, 2022, which features an additional verse from SZA that replaces Scott's verse.

The production was handled by Lang, Cody, and Donaldson, creating a unique blend of alternative R&B and hip-hop that captivated audiences. The song delves into themes of love, desire, and the complexities of relationships, striking a chord with listeners and critics alike. "Love Galore" achieved commercial success, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple certifications, including Platinum status by the RIAA. The accompanying music video, directed by Nabil, further elevated the song's popularity, contributing to its lasting impact on contemporary music.

Background and release

The song was recorded in November 2016, during the early stages of developing Ctrl. SZA has described the recording process as deeply personal and therapeutic, as it allowed her to channel her emotions into her music.[1] The track’s raw and honest lyrics resonate with listeners, showcasing SZA's ability to articulate complex feelings. SZA premiered "Love Galore" during a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in January 2017.[2] The studio version of the song premiered via SZA's SoundCloud account on April 27, 2017,[3] and the next day it was released for digital download on iTunes as a single.[4] It is the second single from SZA's album, Ctrl, which was released on June 9, 2017.[5]

While talking about Travis Scott in an interview with Genius, SZA said;

"I’m definitely a huge fan of Travis. I think he merges that super-fine line between melody and syncopation and pocket. And I love his pockets, and I love his note choice. He’s just gnarly. He’s perfect."[6]

Composition and Lyrics

"Love Galore" is characterized by its smooth R&B production, featuring lush synths, a steady beat, and atmospheric soundscapes. The song's composition blends contemporary R&B with hip-hop influences, showcasing SZA's ethereal vocal delivery and Travis Scott's distinctive rap style. Lyrically, "Love Galore" delves into the complexities of modern relationships, addressing themes of love, betrayal, and self-worth. SZA's verses reflect a narrative of romantic disillusionment, while Travis Scott's contribution adds a contrasting perspective on fleeting desires and commitment.

Live performances

To further promote the single following increased airplay on rhythmic and urban radio, SZA performed the song at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on July 20, 2017.[7] She also performed the song at the 2017 BET Awards and on Saturday Night Live.

Critical reception

"Love Galore" received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its innovative production, lyrical honesty, and the chemistry between SZA and Travis Scott. Pitchfork highlighted the song as a standout track from Ctrl, noting its "captivating blend of vulnerability and strength".[8] Rolling Stone lauded the song's "mesmerizing melody and introspective lyrics," and Billboard commended SZA's ability to "weave a complex emotional narrative with ease." The song's success helped solidify SZA's position as a rising star in the music industry. [9]

Music video

The music video for the song, directed by Nabil, premiered on April 27, 2017.[10] It was uploaded to SZA's Vevo channel on April 28, 2017.

Credits

Adapted from the liner notes of Ctrl[11]

Recording and management

Personnel

Note

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
South Africa (RISA)[12] 88

Year-end charts

Chart (2017)! scope="col"
Position
US Billboard Hot 100[13] 80
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] 39
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[15] 27

Release history

Release history and formats for "Love Galore"!Country!Date!Format!Version!Label
United StatesApril 28, 2017Digital download
August 1, 2017Urban contemporary radio[16]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: June 23, 2017 . SZA ft. Travis Scott – Love Galore . The Singles Jukebox.
  2. Web site: Watch SZA Perform Her New Travis Scott Collaboration "Love Galore". The Fader. January 11, 2017. June 20, 2017.
  3. Web site: SZA - Love Galore Feat. Travis Scott. HotNewHipHop. April 27, 2017. June 20, 2017.
  4. Web site: Love Galore (feat. Travis Scott) - Single by SZA. iTunes. June 20, 2017.
  5. Web site: SZA Finally Releases "CTRL" Album. HipHopDX. June 5, 2017. June 20, 2017.
  6. Web site: SZA "Love Galore" Official Lyrics & Meaning - Verified. . June 15, 2017. June 20, 2017.
  7. Web site: YouTube. www.youtube.com.
  8. Web site: Lobenfeld . Claire . June 13, 2017 . SZA-CTRL . Pitchfork.
  9. Web site: 2023-12-31 . The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time . 2024-06-04 . Rolling Stone . en-US.
  10. Web site: SZA Shares A New Video For "Love Galore," Featuring Travis Scott. The Fader. April 27, 2017. June 20, 2017.
  11. Ctrl. Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. 2017. CD liner notes. SZA. 88985449192.
  12. Web site: Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100 Week 24-2022. The Official South African Charts. Recording Industry of South Africa. June 23, 2022.
  13. Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2017. Billboard. December 12, 2017.
  14. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2017. Billboard. August 23, 2019.
  15. Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2017. Billboard. August 23, 2019.
  16. Web site: Urban/UAC Future Releases. https://web.archive.org/web/20170731194104/https://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases. July 31, 2017. July 31, 2017.