Love Galore

"Love Galore"
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)
Single by SZA featuring Travis Scott
from the album Ctrl
ReleasedApril 28, 2017 (2017-04-28)
StudioThe Lake House (Michigan)
GenreAlternative R&B
Length4:35
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
SZA singles chronology
"Drew Barrymore"
(2017) 		"Love Galore"
(2017) 		"What Lovers Do"
(2017)
Travis Scott singles chronology
"Go Off"
(2017) 		"Love Galore"
(2017) 		"Butterfly Effect"
(2017)
Music video
"Love Galore" on YouTube

"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, 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

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.

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."[2]

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.[3] The studio version of the song was uploaded on SZA's SoundCloud account on April 27,[4] and the next day "Love Galore" was released for digital download on iTunes as a single.[5] It is the second single from SZA's album, Ctrl, which was released on June 9.[6]

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".[7][8]

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.[2] 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".[9] 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. [10] Love Galore has been said to be SZA's breakout hit single.[11]

Music video

The music video for the song, directed by Nabil, premiered on April 27, 2017.[12] It was uploaded to SZA's Vevo channel on April 28, 2017.[12]

Credits

Adapted from the liner notes of Ctrl[13]

Recording and management

  • Recorded at the Lake House (Michigan)
  • Travis Scott's vocals recorded at Blake Harden's home studio
  • Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering (Los Angeles)

Personnel

Note

  1. ^ Appears courtesy of Epic Records

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Love Galore"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[24] Platinum 60,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[25] 4× Platinum 320,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[26] Gold 45,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[27] 3× Platinum 90,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[28] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[29] 6× Platinum 6,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release history and formats for "Love Galore"
Region Date Format Version Label(s) Ref.
United States April 28, 2017 Digital download Original
[5]
August 1, 2017 Urban contemporary radio [30]
Various June 9, 2022
Alt version [8]

References

  1. ^ "SZA ft. Travis Scott – Love Galore". The Singles Jukebox. June 23, 2017.
  2. ^ a b "SZA "Love Galore" Official Lyrics & Meaning - Verified". YouTube. June 15, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  3. ^ "Watch SZA Perform Her New Travis Scott Collaboration "Love Galore"". The Fader. January 11, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  4. ^ Schwartz, Danny (April 27, 2017). "SZA - Love Galore Feat. Travis Scott". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Love Galore (feat. Travis Scott) - Single by SZA". iTunes. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  6. ^ "SZA Finally Releases "CTRL" Album". HipHopDX. June 5, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  7. ^ Strauss, Matthew (2022-06-09). "SZA Celebrates Ctrl Anniversary With New Deluxe Album". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  8. ^ a b Abraham, Mya (2022-06-09). "SZA Drops Surprise 'Ctrl (Deluxe)' Album, Maintains 5-Year Run On Billboard 200 Chart". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  9. ^ Lobenfeld, Claire (June 13, 2017). "SZA-CTRL". Pitchfork.
  10. ^ "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
  11. ^ Service, Gerrick D. Kennedy Tribune News. "Sza is having a killer year with 'Ctrl'". Portsmouth Herald. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  12. ^ a b "SZA Shares A New Video For "Love Galore," Featuring Travis Scott". The Fader. April 27, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  13. ^ SZA (2017). Ctrl (CD liner notes). Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. 88985449192.
  14. ^ "SZA Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  15. ^ "SZA Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  16. ^ "SZA Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  17. ^ "SZA Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  18. ^ "SZA Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  19. ^ "SZA Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  20. ^ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100 Week 24-2022". The Official South African Charts. Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  21. ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  22. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  23. ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  24. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – SZA feat. Travis Scott – Love Galore" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  25. ^ "Canadian single certifications – SZA – Love Galore". Music Canada. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  26. ^ "Danish single certifications – SZA feat. Travis Scott – Love Galore". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  27. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – SZA feat. Travis Scott – Love Galore". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  28. ^ "British single certifications – SZA ft Travis Scott – Love Galore". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  29. ^ "American single certifications – SZA – Love Galore". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
  30. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases". Archived from the original on July 31, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.