Solána Imani Rowe, more commonly known as SZA, has recently released her second album titled SOS. Because of her hits such as “Good Days” and her features in songs such as “Kiss me More” by Doja Cat and “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar, SZA has developed a large fan base, making the release of this soundtrack very popular. Her first album, titled “Ctrl,” was nominated for 66 different awards and won 25 of them, so people had very high expectations for this album. 

The album was officially released on December 9, 2022 and immediately went viral on all streaming platforms. According to Spotify’s single day statistics, it is shown that the SOS album received 68 million streams in its first day, which is more than any R&B album has ever seen before. 

Because of the incredibly high expectations, there are many mixed feelings about the album. It is generally accepted that the album includes many songs that are beautifully written, however many people believe that compared to her debut album, SOS doesn’t live up to what SZA is capable of. 

Sophomore Peyton Janis explained that he believed, “It’s good, but not as good as ‘Ctrl’… She’s straying from her usual sound which is ok to do, but I prefer her last album.” 

SOS is composed of 23 songs, varying in mood and style. A large part of this album takes the reader through a self discovery process in which SZA takes on more emotionally charged themes with her powerful lyrics. The album wonderfully encapsulates her feelings of being so closely examined by the media and how it has negatively impacted her life since gaining popularity. Through her song writing, her desires to break away from the pressures of society and live how she wants to are made known, allowing listeners to feel a greater sense of connection with the music. When it comes to the stylistic choices of this album, it feels much more raw and acoustic compared to her more electronic music that she has released in the past.

After talking to multiple students of all grades around the district, the general feelings towards the album are positive, yet slightly underwhelming, as SZA’s debut album is often described as one of the best R&B albums of her time. However, senior Keira O’Neal explains that, “it was absolutely magical, my whole body went into shock when I played it for the first time.” It is clear that the feelings towards the album are very subjective based on the music preferences of listeners. 

When it comes to the songs on the album, “Kill Bill” and “Shirt” very quickly became two of the most popular. Both songs have a very catchy beat and meaningful lyrics that are easy to relate to. Not only that, but the songs themselves are very versatile and can be played for any occasion. Because of the range of moods SZA uses in the album, there is a surplus of emotion and feeling in each song. The songs are personal, as if SZA is speaking to the listener directly and trying to reach into their minds to share her story. 

The future of SZAs music career is becoming more and more spoken about. It is highly suggested that SOS may be her last album. During an interview back in 2020, she said that her next album would be the best one she’s ever created, because it would also be her last. There has been no further information shared as to the validity of this statement, however a lot has changed since 2020 so there is definitely a chance that SZA will still continue to provide new music. 

It is hard to deny that this album is well produced and very well written. It has shown the media a different side to an artist with a large fan base and high expectations. Because of the record breaking streams and new styles that SOS has provided listeners, it is no doubt that this album will definitely prove to be an empowering piece of music history.