Love Galore


"Love Galore" is a song by American singer SZA featuring American rapper and singer Travis Scott. It was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records as the second single from the former's debut studio album, Ctrl, on April 28, 2017. The two artists wrote the song with producers ThankGod4Cody, Carter Lang, and Scum, alongside Punch. "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. "Love Galore" became SZA's breakout hit and a commercial success.
The production was handled by Lang, Cody, and Donaldson, blending elements of both alternative R&B and hip-hop. 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

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. The track’s raw and honest lyrics resonate with listeners, showcasing SZA's ability to articulate complex feelings.
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."

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.

Release

SZA premiered "Love Galore" during a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in January 2017. The studio version of the song was uploaded on SZA's SoundCloud account on April 27, and the next day "Love Galore" was released for digital download on iTunes as a single. It is the second single from SZA's album, Ctrl, which was released on June 9.
On the five-year anniversary of Ctrl, SZA released in celebration of the milestone the album's deluxe edition. It contains seven bonus tracks, one of which being a version of "Love Galore" without Scott's verse subtitled "Alt version".

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. She also performed the song at the 2017 BET Awards and on Saturday Night Live.

Critical reception

Pitchfork highlighted the song as a standout track from Ctrl, noting its "captivating blend of vulnerability and strength". 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."
Gerrick Kennedy at the Los Angeles Times called the song SZA's "breakout single". Rolling Stone highlighted the song for its "vulnerability beneath the bravado" in their 2023 edition of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time".

Music video

The music video for the song, directed by Nabil, premiered on April 27, 2017. It was uploaded to SZA's Vevo channel on April 28, 2017.
In it, SZA & Scott appear to prepare for a bondage session in an upstairs bedroom of a house, with the former tying the latter's hands to the bedposts. SZA gets up to look out the window, seeing an old woman sitting in a car across the street. The woman leaves the car and approaches the house as SZA returns to the bed, where she violently slaps Scott. As he struggles to free himself, she goes downstairs and lets the woman in, exiting afterwards. The woman climbs the stairs and enters the bedroom carrying a pickaxe, which she kills Scott with. Afterwards, she sits in a chair in the corner and laughs. Interspersed are scenes of SZA & Scott singing both together and separately in a gray room full of monarch butterflies.

Track listing

  1. “Love Galore” - 4:35
  2. “Love Galore” - 4:33

    Credits

Adapted from the liner notes of Ctrl
Recording and management
Personnel
'''Note'''

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart Peak
position
South Africa 88

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history