SZA’s new album is finally here: SOS

SZA recreated Princess Diana sitting on a diving board on Mohamed Al Fayed’s yacht in 1997.

Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA

SZA recreated Princess Diana sitting on a diving board on Mohamed Al Fayed’s yacht in 1997.

Hodan Ibrahim, Staff Writer

SZA’s new album, “SOS,” with 23 tracks, is a powerful and introspective collection of songs that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment. The album has resonated deeply with high school students, who find themselves relating to the struggles and emotions that SZA sings about. The album’s title, “SOS,” is a call for help, and many high schoolers feel like they need help navigating the complexities of growing up. 

The lyrics are raw and honest, capturing the feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability that many young people experience. The album’s production is also noteworthy, with a mix of R&B and hip-hop influences that make it stand out from other albums in the same genre. SZA’s voice is smooth, and she showcases her vocal range throughout the album. The beats are catchy, and the lyrics are thought-provoking and introspective. One of the standout tracks on the album is “Kill Bill,” a song about wanting to murder her ex-lover. SZA sees that her ex has moved on to a new relationship, and that pains her since she clearly still has feelings for her lover. Another notable track is “Low,” which is one of the most streamed songs on the album. The song is about trying to control the intensity of a relationship when you know it’s not good for you. In the lyrics, SZA describes all the ways this man hurt her and all the reasons why she wants to keep the relationship on the down low.

Overall, “SOS” is a compelling and contemplative collection of songs that resonate deeply with high school students. It is a must-listen for fans of R&B and hip-hop music. On her debut album, “Ctrl,” which was released 5 years ago and was regarded as a fearlessly honest R&B album, there are tracks about self-image issues, love, and an ex-boyfriend who wronged her. SZA’s release of SOS is a change as she found self-discovery, and the sharpness in her lyrics makes this effort sound empowered in a way she hasn’t before, resulting in an album that is powerfully relatable.