S.O.S.
by SZA
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 9, 2022
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 389 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 332 out of 389
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 389
  3. Negative: 32 out of 389
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  1. andreialismo
    Dec 13, 2022
    10
    Excelent job. So incredible how SZA make music... So much inspiration. I just say: YOU'RE KILLING IT GIRL!
  2. leumassregor
    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
  3. szjoaao
    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
  4. FreeRunner29
    Mar 17, 2023
    9
    God, I'm so bipolar with this album. Metacritic should have a lock. I'm sorry SZA this album is solid, I'm just going through it and you're making me feel things I don't want to confront. Solid 9, because I'm stressing perfection.
  5. KJ_20
    Dec 22, 2022
    9
    The confident writing, amazing melodies (+SZA's gorgeous voice), makes SOS a fantastic album. While the chords and sound of the music feels overused and quite basic, the boldness and catchiness still prevails, to make SOS a fantastic album.
  6. joaotekiaware
    Dec 25, 2022
    7
    The second SZA's album reveals differents sides of her emotional journey in love and how she deals with high and lows emotionally. The album has a simple production, wich is not bad, but in a album of long duration, it can sound too static soundly talking. In other side, the lyrics are completely the opposite, it's too good, depth and shows SZA's vulnerability, angry, insecurities andThe second SZA's album reveals differents sides of her emotional journey in love and how she deals with high and lows emotionally. The album has a simple production, wich is not bad, but in a album of long duration, it can sound too static soundly talking. In other side, the lyrics are completely the opposite, it's too good, depth and shows SZA's vulnerability, angry, insecurities and the few moments that she tries to overcome her issues but always get overwhelmed by her inner self fears. The album is simples in the production at the same time it's too complex in the lyrical, if you get connected to her feelings you'll be welcomed to a depth trip, but if you don't, you might get bored.… Expand
  7. someonewhocares
    Dec 31, 2022
    9
    It is a grower nonetheless for those whose experimental R&B listens are rare.
  8. wilma5
    Dec 11, 2022
    9
    Great album, a few songs felt like fillers but overall it’s excellent. A good follow up from CTRL
  9. jonno_oreo
    Dec 21, 2022
    10
    Mannnn SZA never misses. Like the 5 year wait was sooo worth it for sure. The Album is beautifully cohesive considering its length, like she pulled off all 23 of those tracks- plus her versatility is just insane ughhhh
  10. oNewYorker
    Jan 1, 2023
    9
    Too much tracks for me to remember… beautifully produced and we all can agree the SZA is a lyrical genius but, some songs start to sound similar, especially with all these tracks! Nobody Gets Me and Open Arms start to sound oddly similar, along with some other tracks. Other than that, I love this album with all my heart, the album covers story is so meaningful too.
  11. jw72201
    Dec 12, 2022
    10
    One of the most cohesive albums this year- while giving multiple genres. Incredible!
  12. Matthewnewman1
    Dec 19, 2022
    8
    This album is the epitome of SZA's music style. Beautifully performed, masterfully produced, but at times repetitive and derivative of other artists.

    As much as I think SZA is unique, as her second studio album rolls along - I'm not certain she's developed her unique style as an artist yet. This can be seen in the genre explorations throughout this record, including the pop-punk    This album is the epitome of SZA's music style. Beautifully performed, masterfully produced, but at times repetitive and derivative of other artists.

    As much as I think SZA is unique, as her second studio album rolls along - I'm not certain she's developed her unique style as an artist yet. This can be seen in the genre explorations throughout this record, including the pop-punk influenced "F2F" and the sugary nostalgic ballad "Nobody Gets Me". However, these genre explorations tend to be my favorite tracks on the album due to their infectious melodies and layered production.

    Where she hails back to her alternative R&B roots on this album is where it becomes forgettable in my eyes. Truly, it has only been released for 10 days, but any of the slower R&B tracks have faded in contention for the highlights of this album. I think her lyrical prowess in R&B songs specifically, shone brighter in her first work, CTRL. In SOS, the attention paid to the lyrics is overshadowed by the versatility on other tracks, paired with catchy melodies. Additionally, I think there are a couple tracks that did not need to be stacked on to this 23 song LP.

    In full, I see SOS as a transitional record for SZA as an artist. If CTRL was an elementary school student, SOS is middle school. In the crossroads of finding your true self and throwing away unnecessary parts of your old self. SOS and each of it's tracks are heavily influenced by the ever-changing trends of current music- whether that's positively or negatively. I think this is accurately represented on the cover of the album, as Solana looks outward to an ocean. The ocean being a consistent but spacious place, full of mystery. At this point in her career, she is looking at her concrete identity, which is shrouded with mystery. SOS is exploration, vulnerability, development, and most importantly, versatile.

    Highlights: Kill Bill, Open Arms, F2F, Nobody Gets Me, Blind
    Lowlights: Seek and Destroy, Love Language, Far
    Rating: 8.4    … Expand
  13. nami2
    Dec 28, 2022
    9
    What can I say about SOS except that it is amazing? This SZA's first album in 5 years, and it was worth it. The album has a diverse range of genres, showing SZA's range, as well as some amazing features (I'm looking at you, Phoebe Bridgers). While the album's length and refusal to stick to one genre is it's biggest strength, it can feel like a lot to digest, especially on first listen, butWhat can I say about SOS except that it is amazing? This SZA's first album in 5 years, and it was worth it. The album has a diverse range of genres, showing SZA's range, as well as some amazing features (I'm looking at you, Phoebe Bridgers). While the album's length and refusal to stick to one genre is it's biggest strength, it can feel like a lot to digest, especially on first listen, but SZA reminded us how much of a talent she is. I just really hope this is not her last album and she makes more music with the quality and range of SOS (and Ctrl).… Expand
  14. sabliess
    Dec 31, 2022
    10
    After 5 years, the expected album has arrived. It should be appreciated that SZA tried new things on this album. 'Kill Bill' has a distinctly neo-psychodelic tone and mix of R&B, and it's incredible, 'F2F' is an incredible rock song mixed with SZA and Lizzo's excellent songwriting. On the other hand, 'Special' is kind of the key point of the album, you feel all the emotions very sincerely.After 5 years, the expected album has arrived. It should be appreciated that SZA tried new things on this album. 'Kill Bill' has a distinctly neo-psychodelic tone and mix of R&B, and it's incredible, 'F2F' is an incredible rock song mixed with SZA and Lizzo's excellent songwriting. On the other hand, 'Special' is kind of the key point of the album, you feel all the emotions very sincerely. In addition, SZA's 23-song album instead of making an album of 11-12 songs after a 5-year hiatus, like other singers, is a move to be applauded, and announced that the deluxe version of the album will be released, with great collaborations. I can easily say that even people who are not SZA fans will listen to this album with great pleasure, I hope it gets the awards it deserves at the 2024 Grammys and does not live like it was on Ctrl :)

    FAVS:

    Kill Bill
    Low
    Blind
    F2F
    Nobody Gets Me
    Special
    Too Late
    Far
    Good Days
    and more and more...    … Expand
  15. gemmaliciosa
    Dec 9, 2022
    9
    An almost perfect piece of work from SZA. Even though the album is 23 tracks long and over an hour, the album traps you quickly enough so you can sit through it all and enjoy every track for what it is.
  16. fjemrbekxuc
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    very valid
  17. imalisonf
    Dec 11, 2022
    9
    Sza is one of the most talented artists of her generation and she proves it again on her second album.
  18. jvloves
    Dec 11, 2022
    9
    it is an amazing and interesting experience, sza transports us into his mind in a surprising way, despite being repetitive at times
  19. gabrielstz12
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    simplesmente o melhor album do ano! nao tem nem oque falar, essa mulher é dyva e artista demais! o álbum escrito e produzido por ela, o murro em algumas aí que só roubando música dos outros mesmo kkkk. como tudo não é flores infelizmente o travis scott deu in no álbum, mas tudo bem porque todo o sofrimento ao escutar open arms é compensado ao dar o play em kill bill ou seek & destroy.simplesmente o melhor album do ano! nao tem nem oque falar, essa mulher é dyva e artista demais! o álbum escrito e produzido por ela, o murro em algumas aí que só roubando música dos outros mesmo kkkk. como tudo não é flores infelizmente o travis scott deu in no álbum, mas tudo bem porque todo o sofrimento ao escutar open arms é compensado ao dar o play em kill bill ou seek & destroy. aoty!… Expand
  20. oibrito
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    SZA is perfect, that's art. The mix of sounds in this album is amazing!!!!!!!
  21. Ahedd79
    Dec 12, 2022
    10
    This is the best album I’ve heard in years. It’s a true masterpiece. I really cannot stop listening to it. I’m over here wishing I could bring it into the shower with me, and wanting to share it with everyone I know. This is the album of the year and possibly even the album of the decade.
  22. Hlawall188
    Dec 12, 2022
    10
    This album has be one the best I’ve listened to in a while. Most albums have a select few things I like but nearly this album has been added to my playlist. Between the word flow, beat, and how much I can relate to these songs make me love it that much more.
  23. Synthl0ver22
    Aug 16, 2023
    9
    Worth the wait, SOS perfectly embraces the emotions and feelings of any 20 and 30-somethings. Despite the long tracklist and some filller tracks, SZA once again delivers beautiful songs with amazing production. Is it better than ctrl and an escape from the sophomore album slump? Time will tell, but still an album worthy of your listen and recognition.
  24. Eddie712
    Dec 14, 2022
    10
    Wow I've listened to tos album every day since it come out and it grows on me every day. See my top 5 below 1. Nobody gets me
    2.Snooze
    3.gone girl
    4.Search &destroy
    5. Ghost in the machine
  25. jyayke
    Dec 14, 2022
    10
    It is a perfect album, every track has its own unique feeling to it. I love how SZA really tried with this album and experimented with different genres and those genres she tested out with, turned out to make her a beautiful pop, pop punk singer to along with her main R&B genre. Kill Bill and F2F stand out a lot as they are the pop, pop-punk tracks of the record and she really gave it herIt is a perfect album, every track has its own unique feeling to it. I love how SZA really tried with this album and experimented with different genres and those genres she tested out with, turned out to make her a beautiful pop, pop punk singer to along with her main R&B genre. Kill Bill and F2F stand out a lot as they are the pop, pop-punk tracks of the record and she really gave it her all and those genres really suit SZA and I am excited to see if she will be going back into those genres for future releases.… Expand
  26. efrendguez
    Dec 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. No skips, just perfection. Blind, Kill Bill and Snooze are my top 3.
    Thank u Solana.    … Expand
  27. joseluismendoza
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    Álbum of the year, best R&B álbum of the last 6 years since Anti by Rihanna
  28. kamo0606
    Dec 22, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was really hoping this would top Ctrl, but she kinda disappointed me. Still, I love SZA's penmanship and her voice has matured a lot since Ctrl.… Expand
  29. oolivverr
    Apr 29, 2023
    9
    With such a long tracklist I got nervous before my first listen, but I know now never to doubt SZA. She brings it to you every ball!
  30. braids
    Jan 4, 2023
    10
    toda vez que eu ouço esse álbum ele fica melhor. já tem semanas desde que lançou e eu ainda me surpreendo. é uma obra de arte.
  31. thevenditti
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
    O álbum tem um conceito muito bem definido, o título "SOS" não funciona apenas como um pedido de socorro diante de todos os traumas e situações emocionais na vida da artista, mas também indica seu isolamento e reflexão em cima desses momentos. A foto de capa referencia-se a princesa Diana de férias em Portofino, Itália, em 97 e transmite muito bem essa energia de introspecção, isolamento eO álbum tem um conceito muito bem definido, o título "SOS" não funciona apenas como um pedido de socorro diante de todos os traumas e situações emocionais na vida da artista, mas também indica seu isolamento e reflexão em cima desses momentos. A foto de capa referencia-se a princesa Diana de férias em Portofino, Itália, em 97 e transmite muito bem essa energia de introspecção, isolamento e reflexão que viaja por todas as 23 faixas do álbum. O "SOS", apresenta uma sonoridade mais eclética do que o seu antecessor, "CTRL", mas sem perder a autenticidade. Acredito que a única coisa que possa pesar para alguns ouvintes seja a extensão do álbum, o que para mim não é um problema, mas para muitos ouvintes dessa geração que estão mais acostumados com projetos mais objetivos e curtos isso seja um problema.

    Destaques: SOS, Kill Bill, Blind, Nobody Gets Me, Shirt.    … Expand
  32. Sross1239
    Feb 3, 2023
    10
    After a long wait, SOS is finally here. Wow was it worth the wait. SZA gifts us a 23 track masterpiece, showcasing her vocal versatility. Starting from the beginning and listening all the way through will never leave you bored. Repeat listens, especially from “Kill Bill”, “Shirt”, and “Low” can be expected. This album is the hype, and thrives in it.
  33. ChrisStogden
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Without this song we wouldn't have any theme song for killing our ex's... I haven't and never will but this song would be good for it
  34. Carlosws
    Feb 11, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. E um álbum incrível tem sons bons melodias ótimas composição incrível feats com artistas bem requisitados e ótimos no que fazem S.O.S e sem dúvida um dos melhores álbums de 2022/2023… Expand
  35. Gurv707
    Feb 19, 2023
    8
    All i have to say is that if you do not like this album you have no taste. i said what i said.
  36. Awner
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    Amazing album what a way to end 2022 and enter 2023. She is a genius and hit maker you can see that she proved that she deserved that grammy and hopefully she’ll be nominated again this year and win more
  37. spontaani
    Mar 5, 2023
    9
    Does not top her previous album Ctrl, in my opinion. Still a beautifully written and produced album with Solana's gorgeous vocals. Personal favorites are Used, Gone Girl, Smoking on my Ex Pack & Forgiveless.
  38. kevstone
    Apr 30, 2023
    10
    I only got into SZA’s music a couple months before SOS dropped, but after I listened to album a few times, it became my favorite album of all time. Everything about this album- the world-building production, the flawless lyrics, and the uniquely-SZA vocals- really showcase her true talent. Even though this album may not be everyone’s favorite, this is my favorite album of all time, and II only got into SZA’s music a couple months before SOS dropped, but after I listened to album a few times, it became my favorite album of all time. Everything about this album- the world-building production, the flawless lyrics, and the uniquely-SZA vocals- really showcase her true talent. Even though this album may not be everyone’s favorite, this is my favorite album of all time, and I could listen to it on repeat for hours. Even though the album is relatively long (at just over an hour), there’s never a dull moment. Another thing to mention is SZA’s insane versatility throughout the album. She seamlessly flows through different genres and is album to rap and sing so well. I think this album deserves all the success it’s gotten and more, and thank you SZA for this masterpiece. I can’t wait for the deluxe.… Expand
  39. coolmattsinegar
    May 3, 2023
    10
    Matthew Alexander "Matt" Sinegar [SIN-NA-GAR] (An EXTREMELY Mature & EXTREMELY Heterosexual (Straight) African-American/Black Man):
    S.O.S. (2023) Is Literally Always One Of My All-Time Favorite R&B Albums.
    The Song "Kill Bill" Is Literally Always Lit.
  40. nicsks
    Jun 16, 2023
    10
    Did somebody say “Album Of The Year”…?

    It’s just the best of the best, favorite track: “Shirt” (guilty pleasure)
  41. hugles
    Jul 9, 2023
    10
    De fato uma das maiores OBRAS de SZA! A queen nunca decepciona e lançou esse álbum para provar, cada canção, cada instrumental. Está tudo perfeito principalmente pela quantidade de musicas e com um anuncio de pausa na carreira musical esse álbum foi certeiro.
  42. manicomeback
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    Sza lança mais um álbum supremo do R&B e se consagra como a maior R&B desse século
  43. rubens07
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    The best album of the year, Sza proved to be versatile and served trap and hip-hop.
  44. Fruitflavors
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    This is the album of the year. This is a no-skip album. SZA really hit it out of the park with this one…
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2022
11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. HipHopDX
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Beats Per Minute
    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.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    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
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »