CTRL
by SZA
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 9, 2017
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 570 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 535 out of 570
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 570
  3. Negative: 19 out of 570
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  1. Synthl0ver22
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    When I think of a debut album that defines an artist the best, I think of ctrl. SZA perfectly opens the door to a therapeutic, honest and warm way of expressing her true feelings. Some songs feel confident as others talk about how loneliness can make or break a person, with standout tracks like Drew Barrymore and Supermodel. CTRL wraps you in a warm aura, and feels like a warm blanket on aWhen I think of a debut album that defines an artist the best, I think of ctrl. SZA perfectly opens the door to a therapeutic, honest and warm way of expressing her true feelings. Some songs feel confident as others talk about how loneliness can make or break a person, with standout tracks like Drew Barrymore and Supermodel. CTRL wraps you in a warm aura, and feels like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. The definition of a perfect debut album… Expand
  2. rubens07
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    Work of art, Sza delivered one of the best albums of 2017! Supermodel and normal girl are my favorite tracks.
  3. manicomeback
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    talvez o melhor álbum que tive o prazer de escutar
    nao consigo descrevê-lo com toda intensidade que ele merece me falta palavras para tamanhas músicas e composições para sempre o supremo do r&b
  4. juanselopez340
    May 14, 2023
    10
    It was only enough for him to make an R&B gem with his debut, this is reality taken from another planet with plans to take it to the planet; this album should be considered an anthropological bible att: Me.
  5. brunoleonlo
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This is a 9.5 out of 10, an album that has not aged at all and still sounds fresh to this day. Incredible lyrics that show her must vulnerable and soft side, delivering some heart breaking lyrics with a beautiful and unique voice.
  6. lucasrossi
    Dec 10, 2022
    10
    The best album of my live, it’s just showed me a new world of clarification and being a human being trying to do my best in a chaotic world. I love it so much
  7. CTRLTZA
    Dec 10, 2022
    10
    A R&B Modern day classic. Strong content throughout no misses. Favourite tracks are "Drew Barrymore", "Garden", "Prom" and "20 Somethings".
  8. kaiovs
    Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is for sure the best album of SZA's career and the best R&B album of ALL TIME, memorable, uncontrollable!!… Expand
  9. paidelimon
    Dec 9, 2022
    10
    ame totalmente este album, uno de los mejores trabajos que escuche, todas las canciones son tan aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh (asombrosas).
  10. quietdelilah
    Nov 16, 2022
    10
    Uma verdadeira obra de arte pessoal de SZA, a gente se lança na mais profunda concepção das suas melodias e letras
  11. TheAlchemist15
    Nov 12, 2022
    10
    THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE AN ALBUM!!!! This woman makes some truly remarkable works, and her voice is perfect for the songs she makes. This is what you call an artist.
  12. isjohan
    Oct 29, 2022
    10
    R&b perfection, really incredible, lyricism and production on point, mesmerizing
  13. cloud2
    Aug 16, 2022
    10
    Amazing album, no skips.
    Highlights are:
    Supermodel
    Love Galore
    Doves in the Wind
    Prom
    Broken Clocks
    20 Something
  14. solosolsol
    Jul 15, 2022
    9
    i should not treat this album like therapy but i do! i do!!! and I am right
  15. Enrique490
    Jun 23, 2022
    10
    Even after 5 years this album sounds refreshing and new. SZA really defined R&B new with this album
  16. nickytino
    Mar 28, 2022
    10
    One of the best R&B albums ever made. Also debut. Also female. So different and so cohesive. Nothing will ever top this.
  17. Wanesta
    Jan 15, 2022
    8
    Powered by an electrifying narrative and concept, SZA's CTRL is a great first step towards greatness for the R&B alternative new princess. Filled with gorgeously composed strings and her unique vocal abilities, SZA delivers on her debut studio album despite suffering from some skippable fillers.
  18. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 17, 2021
    8
    The irony of control is that we never really have it. A truth that lends itself to sza cosmic sparse debut coming during her 20's. Sza songwriting is unflinching in it's details. Whether it's a scorching confession to a neglectful lover about **** their friend on valentines day or the weak security of being the other woman ,we are immersed in her narratives. Her quick smooth "stream ofThe irony of control is that we never really have it. A truth that lends itself to sza cosmic sparse debut coming during her 20's. Sza songwriting is unflinching in it's details. Whether it's a scorching confession to a neglectful lover about **** their friend on valentines day or the weak security of being the other woman ,we are immersed in her narratives. Her quick smooth "stream of consciousness " delivery can under play serious emotions with enough sincerity to avoid becoming cliche. In the vein of amy winehouse and erykah badu her record has a improvisational jazz charm. The interludes taking from phone calls fill the albums discussion of growing up and finding or losing control revealing each song as an analysis of her own various attempts or experiences with it ,irrespective of it being hers. Immediacy seems to never be an issue for sza nor do features,as all the artists (mostly TDE alumni) add textures to the album. The hilarious Kendrick verse dissects lust,commitment and masculinity with enough word play to keep it fresh. The fauntelroy feature adds a smokey edge to "pretty little birds" that centers her ideals for domesticity against her commitment issues. This power house debut from TDE 1st female sign argues that the choice was one that gad to be made. Favourites:garden (say it like that),supermodel,go gina,prettyy little birds,20something.… Expand
  19. solacidic
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    I first listened to this album when I was 17 and I’m 21 now. The lyrics keep hitting harder everytime and I’m not even mad. SZA is such a genuine artist and you can truly tell that her lyrics are a raw depiction of what she goes through at the time. The production makes it even better, her voice is soothing even when the topic is painful which is probably what makes it hurt less if youI first listened to this album when I was 17 and I’m 21 now. The lyrics keep hitting harder everytime and I’m not even mad. SZA is such a genuine artist and you can truly tell that her lyrics are a raw depiction of what she goes through at the time. The production makes it even better, her voice is soothing even when the topic is painful which is probably what makes it hurt less if you relate to her. The beat drops right when needed, and the overall production of the album has this dreamy hazy tone that I can’t quite put into words, but it makes me feel like life isn’t real and that’s exactly why this has been my comfort album for years. My favourite tracks are 20 something and Drew Barrymore. thank u Solana for this gem!… Expand
  20. Naley
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    Absolutely loves this!!! SZA never does any bad song. This album is on my top 10 ♥️
  21. notblonded
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This album is r&b perfection. SZA is very raw. Her art, her vibes, her pen games is out of this world. One of my favorite album of all time.
  22. LaValeh
    Aug 22, 2021
    4
    No es el estilo de música que suelo escuchar y tampoco siento que pude encajar demasiado con SZA, es más un tema personal, no sé si el álbum es malo o bueno, solo sé que no conecté con él, me gustaron pocas canciones pero aún así le voy a dar una segunda oportunidad a la cantante en su próximo álbum.
  23. rllllstr
    Jun 1, 2021
    10
    Wow I discovered SZA in early 2016 when she appeared on rihanna's album “Anti” and that song was very very good. I kept listen to her music until one day she released “Ctrl” a rollercoaster of emotions. A hodgepodge of R&B, Trap, Blues and Indie Rock. Every song is magical and her granny talking at every end of the song is so sweet. Every song contains a determined message that hits in theWow I discovered SZA in early 2016 when she appeared on rihanna's album “Anti” and that song was very very good. I kept listen to her music until one day she released “Ctrl” a rollercoaster of emotions. A hodgepodge of R&B, Trap, Blues and Indie Rock. Every song is magical and her granny talking at every end of the song is so sweet. Every song contains a determined message that hits in the deepest part of the heart. “Supermodel”, “Normal Girl” and “Go Gina” are the best songs not only for their meaning but also for the vibe they give: nostalgic and dreamy. Collaborating with Travis Scott for a trap song was a very good idea, and a feature with Kendrick Llamar was perfect for this album. No skips, every song is perfect. One of the best albums of all time.… Expand
  24. Mocha3828
    Mar 2, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its really good it has too many great songs yall should listen to her love u boo… Expand
  25. levidon
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. best, i like this album cause it took time and you can tell. it also is just good and good.… Expand
  26. gabrixl
    Nov 23, 2020
    10
    simplesmente um dos melhores álbuns r&b já feitos!! sza umas das artistas mais perspicazes que surgiram nos últimos anos.
  27. panzcoolg
    Nov 20, 2020
    10
    SZA wrestles with insecurity and her love life in a raw and personal fashion not seen before.
  28. beyosupermodal
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
    they don't make rnb albums like these anymore. sza , an icon of rnb truly. Ughhhhh mf queen!
  29. stream134340
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    sza is a great singer and songwriter and with this album you can see that she’s an amazing and talented woman she is, this album is so cohesive but in a good way and every song stands out on her own every lyric of every song is personal and sexual and that’s what makes this album unique. sza is the future of r&b
  30. kicyclex
    Aug 4, 2020
    10
    tá rindo porque ela é corna? ok, tudo bem! é corna, mas dorme com ele todos os dias. dirige o carro dele, ele dirige o carro dela, frequenta a casa da família dele e ele da família dela. viajam juntos, tem sonhos... tem problemas, tem alegrias, tristezas, mas enfrentam juntos um dando força pro outro. a mulher que ele escolheu pra amar, é corna, mas tem prioridade em tudo o que ele faz. étá rindo porque ela é corna? ok, tudo bem! é corna, mas dorme com ele todos os dias. dirige o carro dele, ele dirige o carro dela, frequenta a casa da família dele e ele da família dela. viajam juntos, tem sonhos... tem problemas, tem alegrias, tristezas, mas enfrentam juntos um dando força pro outro. a mulher que ele escolheu pra amar, é corna, mas tem prioridade em tudo o que ele faz. é corna, mas quem faz ele dormir no sofá, quando mandado, é ela! e depois ele vem, todo obediente, fazendo tudo o que ela mandar. e você? você é apenas, um depósito de esperma da necessidade de um homem casado. tem de fazer sexo com qualquer coisa, inclusive, com você.

    e você coitada, fica aí toda feliz quando um homem sem autoestima e mal resolvido, resolve te chamar de linda e dizer que te ama... mentindo na cara dura, só pra te comer e pra você dar pra ele. aprenda gata!

    um homem ou uma mulher, trai sim... trai por insegurança, por carência, por vingança, por raiva, ou por necessidade fisiológica. mas amor, cumplicidade, dedicação de verdade? ah, meu amor... isso você não tira do marido de ninguém!

    se valorize mulher, o amor próprio, é o primeiro de todos os amores. quem vive de migalha é pombo, ou formiga! jamais se sinta plena, destruindo uma família, destruindo a felicidade dos outros por capricho    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2017
19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 26, 2023
    70
    Ctrl is a Facebook-photo album of opinions and behaviours that probably shouldn’t be broadcasted online. It’s also an assembly of tracks that prevail as mantras of self-affirmation, and it balances the two sides of its character with an awareness that feels like an accident, though it's welcomed all the same. But even if we disregard what it all means, these tracks are still jams, tunes, or any other blasé term people attach to music that you can throw away your dignity to.
    Read full review
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 26, 2023
    100
    From start to finish, CTRL os nothing less than outstanding - the late arrival of a very important artist.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 14, 2017
    90
    In Ctrl, SZA draws on her personal experience and explores women’s sexuality in a direct and honest way which was so far mostly reserved to male R&B and pop artists.
    Read full review
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