• Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 9, 2022
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 354 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 31 out of 354
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This album is beautifully written and produced. Also there lies a message behind these songs that most of everyone can relate to, also her diversity of how she can rap and sing is just amazing. It was definitely worth the 5 year wait.
  2. Dec 11, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this album so much and the hype was totally worth it. There is only one song in my opinion which is a skip that is seek and destroy but its not a bad track just not my taste. Somgs like low, nobody gets me, too late, and ghost in the machine with phoebe bridgers are wonderful tracks with I highly recommend to anyone who hasn't streamed the album yet Expand
  3. Dec 12, 2022
    10
    AMAZINGG, love everything from the openeing track to the ending. Weak spots like F2F but overall it is great
  4. Dec 9, 2022
    8
    SZA returned even more versatile, vulnerable, aggressive, majestic, experimental and stripped down in this new work, although R&B is her central style, she walks through different sounds in S.O.S
  5. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    it's not topping ctrl for me but this is a GREAT album with just 1 filler track out of 23. it's insane SZA it's at her prime after 5 years no hype lost and quality perfect as always!
  6. Dec 9, 2022
    9
    Truly an amazing album SZA outdid herself one again i give 10s when 10s are due
  7. Dec 9, 2022
    9
    She ate here
    Favs: gone girl, kill bill, ghost in the machine, blind and Forgiveless
    Least favs: conceited and notice me
  8. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The sound, the sadness and the disappointments only transformed into music, SZA managed once again that it is not an artist of a single genre... SOS IS PERFECT, ALBUM OF THE YEAR YES!!! Expand
  9. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    tHiS ALBUM IS AMAZINNGGGGGGG SZAA YOURE A GENIUSSSSSS!!!!!
    sza (Solána Imani Rowe) you’re talented, brilliant,amazing,SHOWSTOPPING,never the same, totally unique.
    you’re an icon
    you’re a legend AND you’re the moment
    NOW COME ON NOW
  10. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    10/10 album! SZA served vocals, made 23 unique and different songs and showed versatility. She solidified her spot as one of the best rnb artists there are!
  11. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    SZA did her BIGGEST one, I love her so much. She’s filled w talent and I just know she’s bout to end so many careers
  12. Dec 9, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. SOS was a highly anticipated project that did not disappoint. You could tell SZA really let her creative juices flow on this album with songs like “F2F” and “Smoking on my Ex Pack”. In the album, similar to Ctrl, she expresses the same kind of love from a more self-assured perspective. Hearing the versatility on this album was like a breath of fresh air, it makes the album so much fun to listen to and allows others to enjoy SZA even more than before. This is an amazing album to introduce yourself to SZA with because I guarantee there will be something on there you’ll love. I loved seeing songs like “Used” finally get finished into a beautiful song especially when it’s with the talented Don Toliver along with Phoebe Bridgers in “Ghost in the Machine”. The few features on this album is exactly what SZA fans needed so we could finally listen to her alone on her own record instead of her being on other artists’.

    The album is just so great and I’ll be listening to it over and over again to the point where I’ll memorize all the creative lyrics of this album. She definitely surprised me in the best way possible.
    Expand
  13. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Estoy sin palabras fueron años de espera y ver todo lo que ah crecido es impresionante y estoy sumamente orgulloso de ella, nos entregó letra sentimientos vocals visuales la mejor portada de lo que va del año en un álbum ella es simplemente magnífica te amo con la vida sza atte:solanachile
  14. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    Sza is just the best!! i love it so much, can’t stop listening to it!! girl, you rock!
  15. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    a sza nesse album trás suas emoções através de um bom r&b classico com um toque de trap e rock, a autointitulada é sem dúvidas um dos melhores vocais da sza em toda sua carreira. e os feats, principalmente a com a Phoebe sao impecáveis. Álbum do ano e Best R&B Album 2023.
  16. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Wow, not sure what to even say. The seamless shifts from song to song, the content, the messages, everything is perfect. SZA truly embodies so many feelings and dose not hold back at all during all 23 songs. Perfect 10/10. I wouldn't say it is the best of her work, but this beautiful and truly stunning album was worth the 5 year wait.
  17. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    A strong return to music to one of the best artist out right now! Favorite Tracks: Blind F2F
    Nobody Gets Me Kill Bill
  18. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    After a 5 year wait, SZA delivered and exceeded expectations. She gave a range of genres and sound throughout the album while still proving she can write immaculately.
    The best follow up from CTRL.
  19. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I feel like many people went into this album expecting Ctrl Pt. 2, and while I do think the two are comparable in their quality…that’s kinda where the similarities end. SOS seems to showcase herself as 10x more multifaceted than she did on Ctrl. With production and her lyrics she goes from rapper, to alternative, to 2000s rockstar in a matter of three tracks, and it’s this kind of chaotic cohesion that makes the album so enjoyable. This album was really worth the 5 year wait. Expand
  20. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    I'm in love with SZA, and she delivered so much without promising. This new album is incredibly passionate. My favorite is nobody gets me ❤️‍
  21. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    it is so good, the range of genre she used, from rap, r&b, hip-hop to alternative, country, ballad and punk rock is shockingly not all over the place. this is her best album
  22. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    this album is shock...we've been waiting for it for 5 years and it's incredible work, we love you sza!!!
  23. Dec 10, 2022
    7
    My feeling about this album are mixed as the album is split into 2 different parts.
    On the first half (Track 1-11) the production is fine but it gets very dull after a few songs which makes you to want to skip most of it, the only tracks I'd listen to again from that part are probably SOS and Kill Bill. The songwriting is decent on some songs and very tedious on others (Used, Snooze,
    My feeling about this album are mixed as the album is split into 2 different parts.
    On the first half (Track 1-11) the production is fine but it gets very dull after a few songs which makes you to want to skip most of it, the only tracks I'd listen to again from that part are probably SOS and Kill Bill. The songwriting is decent on some songs and very tedious on others (Used, Snooze, Notice Me). None of the songs are necessarily bad, but it gets very predictable after a few tracks.

    The second part (Track 11-23) of the album , is far more interesting, energized, fun, and creative.
    The production is just great, the range is far wider and creativity is thriving. The songwriting is way better, and the overall atmosphere is better. SZA vocals are really highlighted here and it feels like she just gave more nuance and effort into that part of the album.

    Favorite Tracks, respectively: Nobody Gets Me, Ghost In The Machine (ft. Phoebe Bridgers) , Open Arms, Kill Bill
    Expand
  24. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Como todos os seus trabalhos, simplesmente impecável! Me colocou pra chorar em posição fetal como uma criança sem chupeta.
  25. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    On SOD, SZA experiments with a mix of genres while continuing to display her fantastic songwriting and vocals. Everything she does on this album I love- instantly a classic
  26. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Brilliant. Exactly what everyone needed right now, SZA delivers a extense and carefully mixed album with a very clear artistic line. It’s a ecclectic work that still mantains all her musical codes.
  27. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    it was something i was expecting but wasn't at the same time, love it so much, one of the best albums of 2022 for sure.
  28. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Beautiful in every sense. Not a single skip on the album. Shifting seamlessly from genre to genre, kept constant by her smooth voice and confident delivery. It’s a long album with 23 tracks, however I could not imagine the album without all 23, and each track feels as if it belongs on the project. Each sound and word is intentional, creating a project that comes together to create a richBeautiful in every sense. Not a single skip on the album. Shifting seamlessly from genre to genre, kept constant by her smooth voice and confident delivery. It’s a long album with 23 tracks, however I could not imagine the album without all 23, and each track feels as if it belongs on the project. Each sound and word is intentional, creating a project that comes together to create a rich tapestry of a five year period. Expand
  29. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    With 23 tracks SZA managed to make the album cohesive and coherent with more than three genres, including r&b, country, rap and rock.
  30. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This albums is everything that I was expecting of her after a 5 year Hiatus (and more). I truly loved how she experimented with different genres and how her lyrics truly matched the song´s rhythm. Same quality if not higher than CTRL
  31. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    It’s so good, my favorite are “ Shirt “, “ Blind “, “ I hate U “ !! I’ll love this record.
  32. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    spectacular, attractive and innovative. Those are three words with which I would describe this album that should be nominated for the 2024 Grammys anyway. Exceeding my expectations from Ctrl, sza manages to captivate me once again
  33. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved this album so much, there were some songs that I didn't like that first but when I kept listing to them, I started to like them more & more but there are definitely some skips on this album other than that I love this album so much. Expand
  34. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    SZA doesn’t make music, she makes art. This album truly blew me away and was absolutely worth the wait.
  35. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    To sum up what "S.O.S." was, it was simply worth the wait. In this record, SZA presents what is likely her most explorative album to date, with elements of rock, indie, pop, and even rap. This album is proof that SZA is one of the most versatile musicians of our generation, and it is definitely sad to know that this album will be her last. However, SZA went out with a bang, and definitelyTo sum up what "S.O.S." was, it was simply worth the wait. In this record, SZA presents what is likely her most explorative album to date, with elements of rock, indie, pop, and even rap. This album is proof that SZA is one of the most versatile musicians of our generation, and it is definitely sad to know that this album will be her last. However, SZA went out with a bang, and definitely will keep fans satisfied. Expand
  36. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    SZA made a work of art with SOS in every aspect, she is completely good at everything she does, but she proved that on this album she was able to do something specular since ctrl.
  37. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This album is truly inspiring. The vibes are plenty, various, and exciting. ❤️
  38. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    she is one of the best artists currently, she always delivers her best work and after 5 years of waiting this was enough to satisfy the will of us fans.
  39. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    It's easy to describe this album and say why it deserves a 10. An immersive and special experience, the way Solana manages to move between pop-punk and r&b is incredible, is unbelievable. She managed to keep her girly post, but this time she manages to be angry and spiteful, as described in the track 'Kill Bill'. AMAZING.
  40. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. é um álbum lindo e delicioso de se ouvir
    a sza arrasou bastante nesse álbum vai ser sucesso que nem o ctrl, valeu muito mesmo esperar por essa nova fase da mãe sza, ela sabe o que fazer e dizer nas músicas
    não tem erro esse álbum, é versátil demais, vai ser sucesso.
    Expand
  41. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    perfect I loved all the songs and made me want to listen to her entire discography
  42. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s a really good album; it was worth the wait, but I would say there might be some filler tracks, but they’re still good. Expand
  43. Dec 9, 2022
    8
    It had a lot of genres in it but in all she poured her heart into each songs.
  44. Dec 9, 2022
    9
    no supero mis espectativas, sin embargo, sos sigue siendo un trabajo excelente.
  45. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    this is the best album of all time. It moved mountains it ended drake. SOS 4EVER
  46. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. it's a giant talent how sza manages to tell a complete story of her relationships with beautiful lyrics and traveling instrumentals Expand
  47. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Worth the wait i’m gonna be totally honest.. this cannot be her last album tho cause y’all know how she love to lie
  48. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. its so good, have a mix of a lotta musical generes, in one single you are sad and on another you are vibbing. Sza slay the house down boots Houston im deceased. Expand
  49. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    SOS ALBUM OF THA YEAR ! my favs are open arms, kill bill andddd low
    IM SO DEVOTEDDDDDDD TO YOU TO YOU TO UOU !!
  50. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    The album surpassed all expectations & was definitely worth all the wait. This is a masterclass album created with passion, where production & especially lyricism shine through. All in all the bish can’t make bad music
  51. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    How do you follow one of the greatest debut albums of all time? With a sweeping masterpiece that spans every genre imaginable. Her range is impeccable. Her songwriting is intimate. The production is excellent. Her vocals are strong. Heartbreaking yet joyful.
  52. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    In this masterpiece, SZA explores r&b, hip-hop, melodic rap, trap and even pop/rock, she reinvented herself and kept being sincere and poetic. This album deserves many awards, truly beautiful!
  53. Dec 9, 2022
    7
    This album is the reason artists shouldn’t go so many years between albums. The sheer length of this album is quite ridiculous. There is a lot of filler, with not a ton of high points, but the high points, and lack of bad spots are good enough to push this into “good” territory. It’s sad to see a step down from Ctrl when it’s been so long without an album, and I don’t see myself listeningThis album is the reason artists shouldn’t go so many years between albums. The sheer length of this album is quite ridiculous. There is a lot of filler, with not a ton of high points, but the high points, and lack of bad spots are good enough to push this into “good” territory. It’s sad to see a step down from Ctrl when it’s been so long without an album, and I don’t see myself listening to this top to bottom again, but I will definitely revisit some tracks. Expand
  54. Jan 12, 2023
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  55. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    this álbum is the purest art of R&B, sza manages to expose all the feeling that abandoned people feel, without a doubt a strong contender For AOTY at the Grammy.SZA is the Queen of R&B!
  56. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    The girls that get it get, the ones who dont dont. J make sure u dont embarrass yourself with the laughably low reviews some of yall are posting
  57. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 10 10 10ssssss across the board!!! A breathtaking masterpiece that dissolves the line of what defines “genre”. Expand
  58. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    What an incredible follow up to one of the most important and amazing albums released in CTRL. SOS not only follows up on the themes from CTRL but also expands on them in the most beautiful ways possible. Worth the 5 year wait.
  59. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such a beautifully perfect album. 23 tracks and not a single chop, so many different genres yet so cohesive Expand
  60. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There was so much hype for this album and its very well deserved, This is a complete 180 from her debut album 'CTRL' and it works really well, I wasn't expecting the pop/rock sounds in this album but it suits her voice very well, some of my personal favorites is Kill Bill, Gone Girl and Love Language Expand
  61. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    The lyricism!!! In this album is phenomenal. Definitely worth the wait. I can’t wait for the deluxe
  62. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    BEST ALBUMMMM OF THE YEAR, AMAZING COMPOSITION I LOVED IT. Amazing how she made me cry on some tracks like love language and blind SZA love you
  63. Dec 9, 2022
    8
    amazing on all fronts. Wish there were more features. SOS was a slow start to the album but LOW makes up for it and it’s smooth sailing from there. Great Album. I hope people who just broke up with their partners resist the temptation to get back together after listening
  64. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Amei este álbum incrível , muita expectativa para ouvir as músicas da Sza e me surpreendeu o quanto artista ela é maravilhosa
  65. Dec 9, 2022
    9
    a sza foi gigante quando chamou esses cantores para participar do projeto selecionando aqueles que realmente encaixavam, a escrita muito boa com letras profundas e sinceras, achei a produção boa mas esperava algo mais inovador por conta do o álbum anterior ctrl mas essa foi uma expectativa pessoal minha, o álbum é bom e ponto.
  66. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Uma obra completamente atemporal que nos mostra tamanha evolução pessoal tendo com base seu último álbum, CTRL (2017), ela se mostra uma pessoa mais madura e responsável para lidar com seus próprios sentimentos.

    Transitando pelos diversos gêneros nesse disco, sem perder a sua personalidade, nos mostrando que possui uma absurda excelência em tudo que se propõe a fazer com talento e
    Uma obra completamente atemporal que nos mostra tamanha evolução pessoal tendo com base seu último álbum, CTRL (2017), ela se mostra uma pessoa mais madura e responsável para lidar com seus próprios sentimentos.

    Transitando pelos diversos gêneros nesse disco, sem perder a sua personalidade, nos mostrando que possui uma absurda excelência em tudo que se propõe a fazer com talento e maestria.

    É inegável que SZA está entre as maiores artistas que essa geração já viu, tendo em vista sua genialidade em entregar um trabalho bem feito, desde as escolhas de colaborações aos assuntos abordados.

    Conforme as faixas são ouvidas é possível sentir claramente tudo o que ela quer dizer, transbordando emoções com seu jeito leve e doce.
    É notável que esse projeto foi extremamente pensado em cada detalhe, o que faz o público querer mais e entender o motivo de tremenda espera.

    made in brazil.
    Expand
  67. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    SZA shows just how diverse and flexible she is with this album. Her lyrics just as meaningful as always and her voice angelical. She opens the album with a powerful voice whilst standing her ground. The second track Kill Bill is pure chaos in the best possible way. Her range is amazing and truly unique. No skips, no bad songs and no joke. Sza kills it as usual
  68. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Absolutely amazing, worth the wait since Ctrl. Sza's beautiful writing, her fantastic voice, and the melodic beats are truly a masterpiece.
  69. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Um álbum completo que está bem consistente e com um gosto muito bom, valeu a pena esperar 5 anos
  70. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    A SZA é muito artista, com o SOS ela entregou o maior álbum do ano, aos 45min do segundo tempo.
  71. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    S.O.S packs a punch with every single song on the album. The songs are all unique and shows how versatile SZA is, and I have never experienced an album like this one. Every song has its own meaning and vibe.
  72. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. PFFT WHATS WRONG WITH IT??! Ugh im so glad she released Expand
  73. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This album is a very worthy successor to “CTRL”! SZA did her thing on every song. The production is slick, the lyrics are golden, and her vocals are unique and special as always. If CTRL didn’t win any Grammys, this album most definitely should. The only small critique I may have is the length. I feel like SZA could’ve shaved off a couple of minutes but it doesn’t matter. Still an AMAZINGThis album is a very worthy successor to “CTRL”! SZA did her thing on every song. The production is slick, the lyrics are golden, and her vocals are unique and special as always. If CTRL didn’t win any Grammys, this album most definitely should. The only small critique I may have is the length. I feel like SZA could’ve shaved off a couple of minutes but it doesn’t matter. Still an AMAZING album. Can’t say that enough. I’ve said it so many times and I’ll say it again. SZA deserves all of her flowers PERIOD!!! Expand
  74. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Best album of the 2022! Such a raw and honest album that surpasses CTRL. This is a masterpiece! Thank you SZA.
  75. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    So worth the wait literally no skips she is boss. Goes from r&b to alternative to some country vibes and she KILLS IT EVERYTIME like girl how
  76. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    SZA's new album is pure perfection from start to finish. SOS is 67 minutes of divine listening with so much variation and some of her best songs yet. Truly a work of art.
  77. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Album of the year possibly album of the decade!!! Sza is pure talent I would rate this 100/10 if I could.
  78. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Long-awaited but worthy of the wait. Shifted genres effortlessly without lacking quality of lyricism or production at all. Thank you SZA :)
  79. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. solana u beech u ate it gurl. yes slayed. all tracks ate. Expand
  80. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    This album is simply incredible ,the diversity of genre and szas angelic voice will not leave fans disappointed ,very worth the wait imo
  81. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    perfect, it was worth it to wait 5 years. so many songs there has potentional to be a massive hits
  82. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    esse sem dúvidas é um dos melhores álbuns de 2022. a SZA arrasou muito na produção, literalmente todas as músicas foram bem trabalhadas. eu amo essa mulher. ela é uma artista.

    bônus: - melhor música: Kill Bill
  83. Dec 10, 2022
    9
    Los singles que decidió publicar SZA lograron su objetivo, atraer a todos hacia un álbum que es bueno de principio a fin. En mi opinión, será un fuerte contendiente para Album of the year 2024 en los grammys.
  84. Dec 10, 2022
    10
    She was gonna go broke and her label was gonna drop her then she dropped SOS. Another modern day classic R&B album. The plate was cleared so heavily. She not only delivered songs with so many replayability and strong vocals throughout but the versatility she presented going from R&B to Trap to Rock to Indie is insane showing how strong she really is an artist despite it not being asShe was gonna go broke and her label was gonna drop her then she dropped SOS. Another modern day classic R&B album. The plate was cleared so heavily. She not only delivered songs with so many replayability and strong vocals throughout but the versatility she presented going from R&B to Trap to Rock to Indie is insane showing how strong she really is an artist despite it not being as cohesive as I hoped it was still a outstanding performance and experience overall making a 23 album actually enjoyable and feel like it wasn't even 23 songs. All collaboration songs clicked and worked.
    -
    FAVS:
    Kill Bill
    Blind
    Used
    Ghost In The Machine
    F2F
    Nobody Gets Me
    Open Arms
    Good Days
    Expand
  85. L0N
    Dec 10, 2022
    10
    A wonderful and beautiful collaboration of generes that blend seamlessly without overwhelming the listener. The passion and thoughtfully added details make this album a 10, and able to be listened on repeat.
  86. Dec 16, 2022
    10
    amazing, love her first album and this is growing on me just as much, loving "low" and "kill bill"
  87. Mar 17, 2023
    9
    Despise not being in to SZA’s career, i was really surprised hearing one of her albums in full for the first time. A great collection of great songs, incredible productions and really sad depressed lyrics (with i enjoy btw).
  88. Jan 13, 2023
    7
    Jetzt springe ich aber ab, meine Süße. Lass uns doch wieder auftauchen in Liebe und Verständnis, so retten wir uns.
  89. Jan 21, 2023
    10
    It’s so good. Really refreshing. Give it a listen! Kill Bill is one of the best songs in there.
  90. Dec 22, 2022
    10
    100% Emotion 100% Talent This is the best album of all times SZA YOU OUTDID YOURSELF
  91. Jan 10, 2023
    10
    Phenomenal. Amazing. Great. An album worth its long await. Very proud of this woman and her current success. Love love love
  92. Dec 12, 2022
    10
    i love this album, my favorite is gone girl and f2f,I admired sza. the album cover is very good, the ocean is very beautiful, it reflects the album very well.
  93. Dec 14, 2022
    9
    Apart from being a bit bloated and what I think are some sequencing problems, this album is excellent. A worthy follow up to CTRL. Hope she continues to release more music.
  94. Dec 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing album. It’s been so long since her last album so I’m happy to hear new music from her finally Expand
  95. Dec 13, 2022
    10
    Excelent job. So incredible how SZA make music... So much inspiration. I just say: YOU'RE KILLING IT GIRL!
  96. Dec 26, 2022
    8
    It's finally here. 5 years after the critically-acclaimed "best debut album of all time" 'Ctrl', R&B icon SZA finally comes through with an album release, and not just any regular album, but a 23-track experience.

    This album starts off extremely strong. The opening track "SOS" begins with an eerie high pitched and echoey clicking noise which matches the vibe created by the oceanic album
    It's finally here. 5 years after the critically-acclaimed "best debut album of all time" 'Ctrl', R&B icon SZA finally comes through with an album release, and not just any regular album, but a 23-track experience.

    This album starts off extremely strong. The opening track "SOS" begins with an eerie high pitched and echoey clicking noise which matches the vibe created by the oceanic album cover well. It goes into a gorgeous beat with group vocals layered on top of that. SZA's vocals and flow are wonderful as well, making this a short but sweet intro track at 1:57. Following this track is my personal favorite, "Kill Bill". SZA lyrically snaps on this record, not shying away from saying "I might kill my ex" (at least she admits it's not the best idea, though). This track contains a groovy and mysterious beat and a very catchy hook. SZA's flow on this track is also perfect; it's nonchalant and cool. I also noticed that SZA's vocals on this album are much more of a center point compared to her last. "Seek & Destroy" and "Blind" contain some of SZA's most beautiful high notes, and "Nobody Gets Me" offers this nostalgic-sounding old Taylor Swift twang to it in terms of production, and showcases SZA's diverse vocal ability. The track "Low" and "Smoking on my Ex Pack" also showcase SZA's ability to create a catchy rap track.

    As far as features go on this album, it's iffy. Travis Scott, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Don Toliver's features are very much mediocre and forgettable. "Ghost in the Machine", a track containing the surprising feature of Phoebe Bridgers, is great, though. When I first heard the track, I honestly thought Phoebe didn't fit, but this is one that grows on you. SZA's vocals on this track are once again wonderful, and Phoebe's voice meshes with that piano so well.

    Besides the forgettable features, there are some other moments of "meh" on this album. I felt that the three-track run of "Snooze", "Notice Me", and "Gone Girl" were a bit bland, along with the odd pop-punk track "F2F" that was slapped in the album. This is quickly recovered, however, by the beautiful "Nobody Gets Me", and vulnerable songwriting on "Special" (if you ignore the bland filler-sounding tracks "Conceited" and "Too Late"). The album ends decently well with some of SZA's quality singles that she dropped before the full album release.

    This SZA album is shockingly consistent and high-quality for a 23-track project. SZA is obviously improving more as an artist, both technically and creatively. This is a great sign and I'm excited to see what the future holds for SZA.
    Expand
  97. Dec 11, 2022
    9
    This album is kind of crazy. It’s spans such a wide range of musical ventures while simultaneously staying cohesive. The song writing is incredible and the production is the best you’re going to find on any R&B album.
  98. Feb 8, 2023
    7
    amo mas sabe né nao é uau tanta coisa assim acho o album antigo dela muito meljor que essa mas ela é mt diva e esse ta bom tb
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Dec 19, 2022
    80
    The peaks on SOS, (“Used,” “Smoking on my Ex Pack,” and “Forgiveless”) find SZA sounding refreshingly comfortable rapping over gritty, hazy, and grimy productions.
  2. Dec 16, 2022
    88
    It may take a few years for SOS to ascend to the heights, but if 808s & Heartbreak was the breakup record of the 2000s and Blonde was the 2010s examination of loss and trauma, then SZA might have produced that emotional breaking point for the 2020s.
  3. Dec 15, 2022
    90
    Hour-plus length and stylistic variety likewise signal that SOS could be the overreaching kind of highly anticipated follow-up. Still, it's an advancement from Ctrl in every respect apart from cohesion