Z [EP]
by SZA
  • Record Label: Top Dawg
  • Release Date: Apr 8, 2014
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 48
  3. Negative: 1 out of 48

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  1. PedroOliveira
    Jun 30, 2014
    6
    An above average start to an abstract, sweet, delicate side of R&B and soul music. SZA has no problem letting you know which feelings she's singing about, but I think she needs a little work on how she's expressing them through her singing. Also, the production needs to help here a little more, not saying the production is not class enough, but sometimes I feel that it either overshadowsAn above average start to an abstract, sweet, delicate side of R&B and soul music. SZA has no problem letting you know which feelings she's singing about, but I think she needs a little work on how she's expressing them through her singing. Also, the production needs to help here a little more, not saying the production is not class enough, but sometimes I feel that it either overshadows here, o leaves her all alone, walking on a thin line. The featurings on this album leave me wanting more, specially the Isaiah Rashad and Chance The Rapper ones, which leads me to think, SZA needs to work on making her solo stuff much more powerful and consistent. At the end of the day, I'm looking forward to her next project, wishing no more than improvement and endurance.… Expand
  2. alexc4761
    Jul 6, 2018
    6
    Pretty bland in sense of song tones, but SZA does show her amazing voice and potential on this EP.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. PopMatters
    Jul 30, 2014
    50
    Apart from a few highlights, SZA’s latest work suffers from uninspired production, forgettable songwriting, and unfitting tacked on features.
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  2. AllMusic
    Apr 29, 2014
    60
    Rowe seems even more like an instrument rather than a lead voice, but it's all comforting, if not revealing, made more for background or late-night listening than complete emotional immersion.
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  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Apr 24, 2014
    67
    The main downfall of Z is a lack of strong lyricism. In the rare moments that the murk clears or the light becomes too bright, what lies behind is less graceful than what it seemed.
    Read full review
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