SOS

SOS - SZA

By Alanni Liang

After her unforgettable debut with CTRL, SZA strikes again with her feeling-heavy sophomore album SOS. SOS is a captivating and soulful album that showcases SZA's incredible talent as a singer-songwriter. With her unique blend of R&B, neo-soul, and alternative sounds, SZA creates a sonic landscape that is both refreshing and introspective.

She includes songs on the album with one standout track on the album is “Good Days." It's a mesmerizing song that beautifully captures the complexities of love and self-discovery. She writes about the feelings of finally being clean of someone and finding peace within yourself. The song blends electronic elements as well as subtle percussion that adds to the sort of dizzy-like and captivating atmosphere. SZA's ethereal vocals, combined with the dreamy production, create a truly enchanting experience. Some would even say it “saved lives.”

Another favorite track of mine is “Too Late.” The song has a catchy beat and infectious energy that makes it impossible not to groove along. SZA's lyrics explore the realization of your own worth and never settling for less in a relationship, and she delivers this message in such a raw way. The beat is infectious with its blend of R&B and hip-hop that gets you moving right when you hear it.  

The album also features collaborations with other talented artists, such as “Ghost in the Machine” with Phoebe Bridgers and “Open Arms” with Travis Scott.  These tracks add a dynamic element to the album, showcasing SZA's versatility as an artist. In “Ghost in the Machine,” a never-expected collaboration with Bridgers is present, embodying a haunting sound along with lyrics focused on introspection. This song is unlike SZA’s other songs, with a different feel than her usual hip-hop beat. The lyrics dive into feelings about being disconnected from both ourselves and people around us, and rather sucked into a digital world. SZA’s words paint a picture of self-reflection, questioning the authenticity of her relationships as well as how technology impacts her life. It is a deep and thought-provoking song. “Open Arms” is all about vulnerability and desiring to be loved by another. SZA delivers the theme of the song with raw and yearning vocals. The soft guitar strumming in the background adds to the beautiful atmosphere of the song. Travis Scott’s verse focuses on how it feels to love someone and never want them to leave you, blending in perfectly with the softness of SZA’s vocals and the production. 

One of the things people appreciate about SOS is the vulnerability and honesty in SZA's lyrics. She delves into personal experiences and emotions, making each song feel intimate and relatable. Whether she's reflecting on past relationships or exploring themes of self-acceptance, SZA's authenticity shines through in every track. The production on SOS is top-notch, with lush instrumentals and intricate melodies that create a captivating backdrop for SZA's vocals. The album seamlessly blends different genres, creating a cohesive and cohesive listening experience. Overall, SOS  is a remarkable album that showcases SZA's growth as an artist. With its introspective lyrics, mesmerizing vocals, and captivating production, it's a must-listen for fans of R&B and soul music.