By Ahmad El-Moussaoui
After 2,009 days of album drought, SZA drops her highly anticipated sophomore music release with “SOS.” Following an amazing debut with “Ctrl,” SZA has all the eyes on her, but all the pressure as well. She’s expressed that this will be her last album…ever. But as all true fans know, she has mastered the art of lying. Here is a track by track review of “SOS,” which is fully opinion based and does not include previously released songs like Good Days, I Hate U and Shirt:
⭐⭐⭐ = First
⭐⭐= Second
⭐= Third
✅= Great
SOS
SZA opens the album with a rather forgettable song. She beautifully showcases her anger that her ex has left her with, yet the song fails to stand out in comparison to the rest. Nonetheless, it sets your expectations exactly for what you’re going to get – an album full of anger and revenge.
Kill Bill⭐⭐⭐
“Kill Bill” is an astounding track that takes the anger from the opening track and builds a story with it. Inspired by the film, SZA cleverly says “I’m so mature, I got me a therapist” then contradicts her statement with the next line being “I might kill my ex,” humorously showing no maturity at all. Definitely the best track off the album.
Seek & Destroy ✅
SZA gets unapologetic with this track, showing no care to the chaos her relationship caused. While the vocals and beat beautifully work together to create a vibe, the chorus is extremely repetitive and lowers the quality of the song. A good song that lacks the lyrical abilities SZA demonstrates on other tracks.
Low⭐
SZA hops on a trap beat and shows that even with anger, one can still party. Another gem off the album, and one you should add to your workout and party playlists.
Love Language⭐⭐
Another gem off the album, SZA shows us how much she shines in the R&B genre. Not only that, but she also samples her OWN song at the end while a violin plays. GENIUS!
Blind ✅
Already having been teased, performed and become a trend, SZA drops Blind. Many teased songs are underwhelming in actual release, but Blind succeeds and meets the expectations of the snippet.
Used (feat. Don Toliver) ✅
We are introduced to our first guest artist of the album on this track. Both SZA and Don Toliver go back and forth and match their vocals perfectly. Definitely a song to listen to on a late night drive.
Snooze ✅
Another song perfect for the vibes, SZA gives us a gorgeous love song. This is where the album switches from anger to sadness and need.
Notice Me ✅
“Notice me” is most definitely a song that is worth adding to your playlist but you cannot help but yell at SZA’s toxicity as she sings “I don’t want to be your girl, cool with just being your person,” Please people, know your worth and set boundaries for yourself! Do not settle for less!
Gone Girl
“Gone Girl” is another rather forgettable song off the album as it fails for being too simple. A great chorus, but the verses lacked the diversity the other tracks showed.
Smocking on my Ex Pack
On this track, SZA forgets she has a beautiful voice and attempts to become a rapper. Sadly, it is not pleasing to the ear. One of the worst songs on the album.
Ghost in the Machine (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) ✅
Maybe the most surprising track off the album, SZA shocks us with a Phoebe Bridgers collaboration. Never having listened to Phoebe but familiar with her indie-folk style, it was interesting to see how these two artists would clash in style. Nevertheless, the track is beautiful and great to cry your heart out over. Definitely a gem off the album, and it made a new fan of Phoebe Bridgers.
F2F
SZA attempts pop-rock and demonstrates her versatility on this song. While it is a great song for some, I personally do not like rock as much.
Nobody Gets Me
SZA continues to show her versatility on “Nobody Gets Me” which has hints of country. This track is reminiscent of 2000’s Disney songs and can be compared to Miley Cyrus’ “Slide.” A great message, but similarly to F2F, not a song for everyone.
Conceited ✅
SZA gives us a break from the ballads with a simple fun song. This is a perfect example of quality not always being extravagant.
Special ✅
“Special” shows SZA’s insecurities with herself, and how to overcome them. Maybe the track with the strongest message off the album.
Too Late ✅
Another extremely toxic song no one should be proud of, SZA wants to stay with her ex even though they’re both dangerous to each other. Then again, she shines in her toxicity and creates beautiful music – just like this track!
Far ✅
Finally! A song about letting go of your toxic ex! I don’t feel as bad putting a checkmark to this song as it will influence people to do the same. Another great song off this album.
Open Arms (feat. Travis Scott)
SZA and Travis Scott join forces once more with “Open Arms.” The track is definitely the most lackluster feature, and falls short in comparison to their last collaboration “Love Galore” on “Ctrl.”
Forgiveless (feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard) ✅
SZA closes the album with an amazing song that wraps the anger and sadness of the album beautifully as she says “I’m too profound to go back and forth with no average dork.” People, do not waste your time arguing with people who are beneath you! However, one wishes that the track lasted longer than a mere two minutes, but nonetheless a gem off the album.
SZA did not disappoint with “SOS.” The album brought us genres that SZA had never done before, and remained consistent with the theme of anger and sadness all throughout. I think it is too soon to compare this project to her debut, but it is safe to say that she continues her streak of great albums. While this may very much be her last big project she releases, she has announced a deluxe in which she will be including a ton of unreleased (hopefully she adds PSA) and new tracks – with potential collaborations from Lizzo and Doja Cat!