Cuz I Love You

Lizzo

This is the most fun album of 2019 so far. Lizzo mixes all sorts of genres, from rap to funk to soul, and derives her own magical concoction. Some tunes might make you think of Prince, as they should: the Purple One was a Lizzo fan, and she ended up singing on his “Plectrumelectrum” album. Her lyrics here flow with self-empowerment and body-positive themes, drenched in oft-profane wit. She gives you songs that will make you want to dance (“Juice,” “Tempo” with Missy Elliott) along with slow-burns that combine oldschool sounds with new-era sentiments (“Jerome,” “Lingerie”). Expect “Cuz I Love You” to make plenty of year-end best-of lists.