Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With the release of “SOS,” her highly-awaited second album, SZA continues to play the role of an artist who openly shares her ideas, feelings and experiences.

Fans adore the album as it grew in popularity because SZA makes things honest, dealing with everything from troubles with partners, getting outraged when you see an ex with someone new, and fighting with self-esteem issues.

Before her album “SOS” was made public in Dec., the single versions of the tracks “Good Days,” “I Hate U” and “Shirt” were all released. Each song gained popularity online and debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott and Ol’ Dirty Bastard are all featured on the album.
A wide variety of genres are utilized on the record, including jazz, hip-hop, and alternative rock.

“SOS” broke the record for the biggest streaming week for an R&B album in the U.S. when it debuted as number one on BillBoard 200 and remained there for four weeks.

The blue hockey jersey SZA is wearing in the album cover is a reference to a picture of Diana, Princess of Wales, who struck a similar pose in 1997 while touring Portofino, Italy one week before she passed away. The sense of “isolation” of the photo of Diana drew SZA’s attention.

Since the release of her last album “CTRL,” SZA has made significant progress in mastering her songwriting. “SOS” serves as a clear representation of her growth, demonstrating how detailed her lyrics have gotten and how much more of an imaginative musician she has become.

Even though SZA leans towards the R&B side of music, she is able to demonstrate more on her new album. In “SOS,” she displays a wide range of feelings that her audience may relate to. One of my favorite songs, “Special” is about body dysmorphia and her desire to be enough for a particular person.

SZA not only created one relatable song for all the girls out there, but she also created a song about romanticizing ex-boyfriends. “Kill Bill,” which has been trending on social media, conveys an “If I can’t have you, no one can,” message but with a stalker-lullaby vibe.

With a collection of mid-tempo songs that enhance the looping pace with her vocal and emotional characteristics. I think SZA is at her most intimate state while sharing these insights.

She places herself in the tradition of classic R&B, like in the heartfelt breakup song, “Gone Girl.” Her music and persona have inspired such love in people precisely because of her peculiar blend of arrogance and confidence.

SZA’s representation of such chaos may be a reflection of how chaotic our feelings and emotions can be. Personally, I believe “SOS” is the perfect breakup album.