Twitter, Reddit, and general internet users alike have passionately been discussing their feelings about SZA’s newest album, S.O.S, since its release on December 9th. After the success of her first studio album, CTRL, an original and masterful spin on R&B, expectations were extremely high for the new music. Having waited 5 years, it is no surprise that

listeners feel so strongly about their reactions towards the new record.

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S.O.S is certainly a deviation from the sound most people associate with the Missouri born singer. Her usual neo-soul, alternative R&B style is highly unpredictable in the best way;

unique melodies and highly transparent lyrics unlike any artist to precede her. From my research and understanding, those disappointed in the 23 part project are frustrated with the fact that the album deviates from her usual style. They argue that it appeals too much to the mainstream, and has thus decreased in quality and originality in comparison to her other music.

 

The album tells a story of heartbreak, taking listeners along different stages of the breakup and healing process. The album opens with the eponymous track S.O.S, a short introduction to the first four songs, all of which communicate some form of anger. The following tracks oscillate in terms of the emotion conveyed, which for the sake of the story works incredibly well. If you have had your heart broken, this album captures every aspect and emotion you could possibly feel. From missing your ex, to going back to your ex, to wanting to kill your ex, back to missing your ex, to having no self esteem, to finally finding yourself again. The emotional journey SZA takes us on is not linear, mirroring the honest truth of what healing looks like.

 

So, let’s dissect S.O.S and answer some questions. Is the album lacking in originality? Is it reminiscent of mainstream, top 40s music? How much of a deviation from SZA’s usual sound is it really? And most importantly, is it worth the listen?

 

"Kill Bill"

It is no wonder that this is the album’s second most listened to song. SZA’s storytelling capabilities shine to recount the anger and frustration that comes with watching a

former beau move on to the next. Its hyperbolic and humorous lyrical take on jealousy (“I might kill my ex”) is accompanied by laid back harmonies and an undeniably memorable melody that help to emphasize her desire. While it does have a more pop leaning sound, SZA’s signature R&B riffs do not cease to make appearances. This song is addicting, creating a character who is both unhinged and relatable while also moving through a

narrative - she moves from a desire to kill her ex to actually committing the crime (“I just killed my ex”).

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"Gone Girl"

My personal favorite track of the album, Gone Girl, opens with an ethereal, echoey sound that slowly blends into the background harmonies. A simple synth instrumental expands into

full choral level harmonies, percussion, and a robust sound that fills your ears with a spiritual listening experience while heartily addressing the difficulty of knowing one’s worth. In multiple instances you will think that she is done, but she does not cease to surprise with extra musical elements such as key changes and instruments that continue to aggrandize the sound. It is certainly an alternative R&B staple for me.

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"F2F"

F2F is one of the more controversial songs on the album. It is the furthest from SZA’s usual style, comparable to the likes of Avril Lavigne and other early 2000s hard core alternative

punk cult classics. The lyrics border perverse and vulgar, which SZA somehow is able to pull off without coming across classless or uncomfortable. The song is incredibly screamable, and explores the ever so relatable experience of self destruction and casual sex post heartbreak. SZA’s voice has an explosive and mournful tone, which contrasts with

the upbeat nature of the musicality, creating a really complex but fun track.

 

Final Thoughts: 

While the album is definitely a deviation from SZA’s usual style, it does not mean there has been a diminishment of quality or originality. The songs are masterfully produced, and the range of the album both in terms of genre and instrumentation are proof of her versatility as an artist. This may be a downfall for some, but given the cohesion of the project in terms of

theme, it can not be argued that the album is inconsistent. It tells a story, one of love and certainly of loss. As someone who discovered it in the midst of a heartbreak, I

 argue passionately in favor of its’ relatability. This project is a testament to SZA’s talent; she transcends genre, pushing against expectations that she belongs in a

tightly secured R&B box. Genre shifts and instrumentation changes move along the progression of the story, highlighting how the healing journey post-heartbreak is

on one hand never linear, but also one that ends in hope and happiness.

 

While some songs are certainly more commercial than others, theyhave been successful for a reason. You can not help but scream every word of her lyrics and feel them in your core. This is the album you wail to, the album you yell with your best friends in the car, the album you turn to for comfort in knowing you are not alone in the face of pain. Sure, it has propelled SZA to new levels of fame and garnered much mainstream attention, but there is no such proof of a lack of originality. If anything, her ability to crossover and merge genres is masterfully done - the commercial success does not come as a surpise.

 

Worth the listen. 100%.