"SOS" - SZA
(Top Dawg/RCA Records)
1) "SOS"
This acts as a thematic intro.
2) "Kill Bill"
This focuses on heartbreak & betrayal; "I'm still a fan even though I was salty....I'm so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there's other men". There's a really nice flow.
3) "Seek & Destroy"
This shows how destructive love can be; "I can't stand it, the urge is so demandin', the purge so necessary, the art of war". I love the lyricism in the verses, but would like a bit more in the chorus.
4) "Low"
She wants to be low-profile in a relationship; "If you see me out in public, you don't know me, keep it silent". There's a nice beat.
5) "Love Language"
She's asking for transparency; "Needin' you to talk to me in your love language. Show me, yeah, how to connect to you. Help me understand how you speak your love language". There's a nice slowed-down pace.
6) "Blind"
She's blind to the positives in her life while seeking them out; "All of the love I seek living inside of me I can't see, I'm blind". It's well-produced, putting the vocals forward.
7) "Used" (ft/Don Toliver)
This is about being used so much that you feel numb; "I've been used to being used like this. Ain't no difference, I'm immortalized in my thoughts".
8) "Snooze"
She's looking to be someone's number one.
9) "Notice Me"
SZA wants to be noticed; "We can't even speak, but you stay on my mind. I can't regret no times spent with you. And I still wonder if you notice me, yes".
10) "Gone Girl"
This deals with themes of love & abandonment; "I need more space and security. I need less voices, just you and me. I need your touch, not your scrutiny".
11) "Smoking On My Ex Pack"
This deals with independence and moving on.
12) "Ghost in the Machine" (ft/Phoebe Bridgers)
This focuses on her contempt for the industry & the look for an escape; "You reflect all that godlike, you forget how to love somebody". The collaboration with Phoebe brings a bit of a change of pace.
13) "F2F"
Starting with an acoustic intro and building to a rock feel, this deals with loneliness.
14) "Nobody Gets Me"
A break-up ballad, this reflects on feelings from a past relationship; "How am I supposed to tell you I don't wanna see you with anyone but me? Nobody gets me like you". This is a vocal showcase.
15) "Conceited"
She's rejoicing in the moment; "I got everything that I need and I want more".
16) "Special"
This deals with insecurities; "Hate how you look at her 'cause you never saw me, Like I was an art piece, like I was an ordinary girl". She shows off her vulnerable side.
17) "Too Late"
This focuses on the possibility of revisiting a relationship; "We both dangerous, movin' so close, we combust".
18) "Far"
She's dealing with rejection, and is looking to find herself; "I don't recognize me.....I let you define me".
19) "Shirt"
There's really good lyricism in this track; "Still don't know my worth, still stressin' perfection".
20) "Open Arms" (ft/ Travis Scott)
This is about ultimately leaving the one you love; "You're the only one holdin' me down". A solid collaboration.
21) "I Hate U"
Some strong lyricism; "Used to be solid, 'til you scrambled me".
22) "Good Days"
With a tranquil opening, this is about looking towards the future (away from the past & negativity); "I try to keep from losin' the rest of me. I worry that I wasted the best of me on you".
23) "Forgiveness" (ft/Ol' Dirty Bastard)
This closing track focuses on asserting confidence as people disrespect you; "Not in the dark anymore. I might forgive it, I won't forget it".
Just like with Olivia Rodrigo, there was a lot of anticipation and hype surrounding SZA's sophomore album, and SZA delivered. This album feels very connected. If there's something to criticize ( and this isn't specifically about "SOS") is the length for a standard/non-bonus edition album. (90.8)
Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6
boygenius: "The Record" - 92.1
SZA: "SOS" - 90.8
Olivia Rodrigo: "Guts" - 90.8
Lana Del Rey: "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - 87.1
Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4
Jon Batiste: "World Music Radio" - 82.4
Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4
