S.O.S. by SZA - A Review

Five years following the release of her debut album Ctrl, SZA released her highly-anticipated 23-track sophomore album S.O.S. with features from Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and more. Prior to the album, which was released on December 9, 2022, SZA released hit singles “Good Days”, “I Hate U”, and “Shirt”, which are included in the album. 

Similar to her debut album, SZA sings about love and heartbreak; her lyrics and production have allowed for catchy tracks, such as “Kill Bill” and “Blind”, to go viral.

When I first heard “Kill Bill”, I knew it was destined to become viral. Its lyrics [“I might kill my ex / Not the best idea” and “If I can’t have you, no one should”] and catchy melody prompted listeners to make TikToks that featured the song, causing it to rise on the Billboard charts and reach a peak of #2 on the Hot 100, becoming her highest-charting single. In fact, S.O.S. became the first female album ever to have more than 10 songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100 for 6 consecutive weeks (Billboard).

SZA’s album cover features her sitting on a diving board in the middle of the ocean, looking into the distance. In an interview with Hot 97, SZA revealed her cover was inspired by a photo of Princess Diana on a trip to Italy in 1997, weeks before her death (Yahoo).

S.O.S. is proof that SZA has improved her songwriting over the years. From writing ballads about body dysmorphia to upbeat revenge anthems, her versatility consistently allows her to reach new audiences. As a SZA fan since early 2022, I had high expectations from this album, and I’m glad to say she exceeded them.

by MRIGANK DHINGRA