SZA’s new album: “SOS”

By Alivia Williams 

Picture of SZA performing for her SOS tour taken by Alivia Williams

Artist Solána Rowe, professionally known as SZA, gained major traction through the 2017 release of her album, “Ctrl.” She’s been nominated for many awards and has won a Grammy for her collaboration with artist Doja Cat on the song “Kiss Me More” in 2021. SZA released her highly anticipated album, “SOS,” in Dec. 2022. Including 23 tracks and four features, songs on this album are continuing to top the charts. 

“Kill Bill”

This song topped Billboard’s #1 spot for three consecutive weeks. Gaining immense popularity on TikTok, fans loved the creative route SZA chose by following a similar plot to the film, “Kill Bill,” in which a woman is plotting revenge on her boss. Although the up-and-coming artist tweaked the narrative slightly, with her song following the theme of plotting revenge and killing her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend after seeing he’s moved on. With this track’s catchy beat and eyebrow-raising lyrics, fans loved the story told through this song. 

“Love Language” 

This track is number five on the album and features a slower tempo with an R&B influence. In this song, the singer is asking her partner to open up to her, as she wants to understand him. This song has gained traction for its beautiful melody and intimate tone. 

“Blind”

There was much anticipation for “Blind” as a snippet was featured at the end of the music video for “Shirt,” a single SZA released in Oct. 2022, just a couple of months before the full album release. Listeners were captured by the angelic vocals, flawless riffs and soothing instrumentals. This song is the musical version of the quote, as SZA sings, “I can’t see; I’m blind,” in reference to harmful behaviors in a partner/relationship. The gorgeous vocals represent the bliss of temporary avoidance. 

“Ghost in the Machine”

A personal favorite, this song features singer Phoebe Bridgers, who proves a great addition to the mellow track. This song feels like being at a loss in life, the battle between living for yourself and fighting for a grasp on humanity contrasted with the action of being stagnant and going through the motions. SZA claims to need a distraction from the spiraling, fast-paced world she lives in. This melody not only pleases the ears but leaves the listener feeling introspective about how they’re currently living. 

“Shirt”

Released as a single before the album, “Shirt” proves to be a turning point in the album, where the singer feels the push-and-pull of a complicated relationship in which she’s questioning the behavior she’s putting herself through. It is a perfect battle between choosing herself or familiarity. The beat is catchy, and although the lyrics are relatable to many, the flow of this song is more than enough for listeners to enjoy. 

“Special”

SZA touches hearts with “Special.” While the lyrics may seem a bit cliché, this song captures the insecurities many young women face with the ever-changing beauty standards and societal standards placed upon their shoulders from a young age. The instrumentals of this song are nostalgic and melancholic through the soft strum of an acoustic guitar and high-pitched tones used throughout the intro and chorus. The lyrics reflect mistreatment in a young relationship due to unrealistic ideals being posed against the singer. It is evident that SZA put great emotion into this track, proving very popular with listeners. 

“Open Arms”

This song is full of love and loyalty. It gracefully captures the feminine qualities of openness, vulnerability and emotion. The instrumentals are paced slowly and carefully as SZA sings about her devotion to her romantic partner. Though, in the second verse, the singer takes on an insecure tone, realizing that her devotion is not matched. The song then flourishes into a self-love piece, noted in the lyric, “Cause I’m the only one that’s holding me down.” The story-telling aspect of this track earns its title as a fan favorite. 

SZA recounts the struggles of being a young woman seeking a healthy relationship and stepping into one’s sense of self in her latest release, “SOS.” She tells a story of pain, self-love and identity through her unique collection of multi-genre songs on her 2023 album. The beautiful intent and purpose put into “SOS” places it at a solid 8.5/10.