S.O.S.
by SZA
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 9, 2022
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 346 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 297 out of 346
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 346
  3. Negative: 29 out of 346
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  1. ferximilian
    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.
  2. CTRLTZA
    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
  3. 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.
  4. ksr91
    Dec 16, 2022
    10
    amazing, love her first album and this is growing on me just as much, loving "low" and "kill bill"
  5. davifontenelle
    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).
  6. jens76
    Jan 13, 2023
    7
    Jetzt springe ich aber ab, meine Süße. Lass uns doch wieder auftauchen in Liebe und Verständnis, so retten wir uns.
  7. xoGabexo
    Jan 21, 2023
    10
    It’s so good. Really refreshing. Give it a listen! Kill Bill is one of the best songs in there.
  8. liyema_mpompi
    Dec 22, 2022
    10
    100% Emotion 100% Talent This is the best album of all times SZA YOU OUTDID YOURSELF
  9. taytumthegoat
    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
  10. erdal220
    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.
  11. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    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.
  12. Meniexorvnctbp
    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
  13. andreialismo
    Dec 13, 2022
    10
    Excelent job. So incredible how SZA make music... So much inspiration. I just say: YOU'RE KILLING IT GIRL!
  14. 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
  15. JRWardy
    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.
  16. 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
  17. FreeRunner29
    Mar 17, 2023
    3
    *Edit* After listening to this album more and hearing the singles more and more I realize how awful this album actually is. The songs that are cohesive and good have terrible lyrical content....I know lyrical content has went out the window for the majority of main stream artists and people tend to not really care but, for what she is trying to portray, it ends up coming across as*Edit* After listening to this album more and hearing the singles more and more I realize how awful this album actually is. The songs that are cohesive and good have terrible lyrical content....I know lyrical content has went out the window for the majority of main stream artists and people tend to not really care but, for what she is trying to portray, it ends up coming across as desperate and psychotic. Nothing about it truly entertains me, it seems like she is trying to create some sort of movie out of the songs but the songs sound like they are made for a horror/thriller film, not leisurely listening. When I think of SZA, I don't think of what this album has turned out to be....I hate the song Kill Bill, I should have loved it but the concept is truly disturbing and I can't believe it plays on the radio...I can't believe a lot of songs do but, coming from abusive relationships, it's an extremely triggering song. Shirt is the only good song but, the music video associated with it is beyond dark, it's not entertaining anymore, it's just Satanic...and trust me, I am your average dude, not a Bible thumper but, the industry has really gotten dark the past 10 years. Or so, it's more in your face and no longer subtle. I gave it a 3 for the 3 songs I did somewhat like...… Expand
  18. 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.
  19. javierp
    Dec 10, 2022
    5
    This is a good album, it has a very chill vibe as SZA has always had us used to. However, I think most of the tracks had basic production and cliché lyrics, so it's hard to impress the audience after the masterpiece of 'Ctrl'. At some points it feels like the album could have had a shorter tracklist in order to not make it too exhausting to listen to. I would like to see SZA exploringThis is a good album, it has a very chill vibe as SZA has always had us used to. However, I think most of the tracks had basic production and cliché lyrics, so it's hard to impress the audience after the masterpiece of 'Ctrl'. At some points it feels like the album could have had a shorter tracklist in order to not make it too exhausting to listen to. I would like to see SZA exploring different themes rather than love and sex, and singing to more rock-vibes beats, which in my opinion suit her very well. The songs I liked the most were Kill Bill, Nobody Gets Me and Blind.… Expand
  20. 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
  21. someonewhocares
    Dec 31, 2022
    9
    It is a grower nonetheless for those whose experimental R&B listens are rare.
  22. wilma5
    Dec 11, 2022
    9
    Great album, a few songs felt like fillers but overall it’s excellent. A good follow up from CTRL
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. jw72201
    Dec 12, 2022
    10
    One of the most cohesive albums this year- while giving multiple genres. Incredible!
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. fjemrbekxuc
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    very valid
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. oibrito
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    SZA is perfect, that's art. The mix of sounds in this album is amazing!!!!!!!
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. Synthl0ver22
    Dec 12, 2022
    10
    Worth the wait, SOS perfectly embraces the emotions and feelings of any 20 an 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.
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. joseluismendoza
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    Álbum of the year, best R&B álbum of the last 6 years since Anti by Rihanna
  42. 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
  43. josum
    Jan 2, 2023
    5
    A good project, however I think it's very forgettable, plus you get to the point where you find it repetitive.
  44. 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.
  45. Flowy
    Jan 23, 2023
    0
    Complete waste of time. No originality at all. Took at those years to deliver that disappointing album
  46. Kabakoros
    Jan 29, 2023
    0
    This is cRap. Any "performer" who has to rely on gender swapping, profanity and the use of **** is as fauxny as the Ye wear sold on Sepulveda.
  47. 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
  48. 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.
  49. 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
  50. 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
  51. 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.
  52. beegcock
    Feb 20, 2023
    0
    another garbage forced upon us by woke illiberal as music
    another garbage forced upon us by woke illiberal as music
  53. 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
  54. 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.
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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
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