It’s been five years since SZA released her debut album ‘CTRL’ and became, in what felt like a click of the fingers, an overnight sensation.
SZA released her long awaited second album ‘SOS’ and it’s already topped the Billboard 200, reached Number Two in the UK Album Charts and seen SZA become the most listened to artist on Spotify. Her 17-date North American arena tour sold out in seconds.
The album unveils how the singer has transformed over the years, packing in a generous 23 songs in the hour-plus run time. SOS includes singles “Shirt,” “I Hate U” and “Good Days,” while Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, and Travis Scott make up the few features scattered across the project.
Well, if you’re curious about SZA, that’s the main reason you should be giving her your attention. SZA’s music is relatable, honest, and emotional — themes that permeate through her catalog.
SZA has admitted that the success of her recently-released second album ‘SOS’ is scary because she was expecting it to flop.
It’s already topped the Billboard 200, reached Number Two in the UK Album Charts and seen SZA become the most listened to artist on Spotify. Her 17-date North American arena tour sold out in seconds.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone though, SZA said she never thought in a million years that people would like it. SZA once told a statement about making the best album of her life and we never expected that this one was this. ‘SOS’ is just that – a phenomenal record that barely puts a foot wrong and raises the bar even higher than she set it before.
SZA is one of the few modern musicians who can stay relevant without releasing music often, but she’s stayed busy regardless. Since Ctrl, she collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the iconic Black Panther soundtrack, graced magazine covers, and won a GRAMMY in 2022 for Best Pop Duo/Group performance alongside Doja Cat for “Kiss Me More.” While her presence is always tangible, the release of a full project hits like a holiday for SZA fans.
Regardless of how long we may have to wait for new music, her current discography has impacted many and stands out as some of the best in our current musical landscape.