SZA’s new album “SOS” saved 2022

By Lillian Doiron-Wahlstrom, Reporter

2022 was an outstanding year for contemporary R&B, and singer-songwriter SZA truly showcased this greatness with the release of her sophomore album “SOS.” The long awaited album has received critical praise as well as being the only album made by a woman to stream at number one for over four weeks since “Beyoncé” in 2013.

The album consists of twenty-three tracks spanning multiple genres including pop-rock, rap, R&B, and folk pop. “SOS” contains features by prominent artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Although the album can feel cluttered at times, SZA truly showcases her uniquely powerful range and creativity.

In “SOS,” SZA revels in her emotions. Going from anger to grief, she expresses a longing for her past self as well as a distinct eagerness for the future all encased in a beautifully rhythmic journey of self discovery. From rebounds, self love, and all the way to murder, SZA has a song for everyone on this album.

In her album, SZA expresses that she is not a perfect being and has many flaws she’s working on. In her song “Gone Girl,” she sings about trying to grow without hating the process.

In many songs, she expresses anger at past exes; her hit song “Kill Bill” expresses her desire to murder her ex and his new girlfriend after seeing how happy they seem: “I might kill my ex, not the best idea.” She also voices the insecurities she developed after changing herself for a man in her somber 16th track titled “Special.”

Arguably my largest critique of the album is the fact that many of the songs seem to get overshadowed. Due to the length of the album, it feels like there are three or four songs that are especially strong leaving the rest of them feeling underwhelming or like filler; though none of the tracks are necessarily bad, they feel weak in comparison to bops like “Kill Bill” or “Ghost in the Machine”—both of which highlight SZA’s artistic genius.

SZA’s new album is a long awaited return to music that explores the deeper sides of her musicality. It’s everything you could want from a sophomore album and, despite a few drawbacks, it is an overall impressive addition to her discography.

Rating: 7.5/10