SZA's CTRL
Itâs a big shame that people know SZA from her guest appearance on Rihannaâs âConsiderationâ, instead of the various contributions sheâs made within the TDE camp or her EP âZâ. Those obsessed with SZAâs debut are those who didnât really know the power of SZAâs artistry. However at the same time previous fans of SZA will be as surprised and obsessed with Ctrl for its incredible sounds and lyricism. I think this album is loved so much by people (beautiful black girls especially) because the lyrics speak to them and represent various situations they have found themselves in. Ctrl plays its part in explaining contemporary relationships and the emotions, that encompass these occurrences. I mean âReal Niggas donât deserve pussyâ I know so many girls were like:
This angle has guaranteed SZA commercial success and a cult following especially amongst the people that resonated with the contents of this album. It is important to remember that this album is a collection of SZAâs experiences and the music is represented in a way in which people can relate. If youâve listened to SZAâs first project âZâ you would know that there was a variety of sounds. CTRL however doesnât have this much variety. Not to say that all the songs sound the same, but there is an ongoing neo-soul, contemporary R&B sound going on. As a result of this the music on this album has much more direction and sense and the ongoing topic of love and relationships makes this one of the best pieces of work of this year so far. The intro âSupermodelâ has a beautiful guitar instrumental and drum kit beat which sets the tone and mood for the music on the album. In comparison to âZâ which ranged from electropop sounds, to even indie rock. The music on this album is practically a live album, the instruments are so raw and evident which gives the album a much purer sound, the lack of studio influence for example auto-tune (or excessive use of) allows us to hear SZAâs vocals in its purest form. âDoves in the Windâ is an exclamation of sound and lyricism. The spacey instrumental and Kendrickâs appearance makes this one of the most interesting songs on this album. âLove Galoreâ (a fan favouriteâ which features Travis Scott (which I think is one of his best guest appearances on a song) has a sombre instrumental with typical R&B styled beat which you will recognise as you hear it.Â
Everything about this album is just right and is perfect for a debut album. SZA has turned contemporary R&B into something that is enjoyable and relatable. The lyrics are so simple but so coherent which is something I donât think a lot of artists have captured. For example the song âGarden (Say it Like Dat)â, takes the emotion of self-doubt and all the sweet nothings that are said within a relationship and turns this into a ballad of things in which Iâm sure many woman feel, the sensitivity aspect of this song and other songs on the album is what has encouraged so many people to quote lyrics and follow it with âI felt that oneâ. Which I suppose when looking at the grand scheme of things is what music is really about. I canât really fault this album, I love how all the songs flow with each other and how easy it is to resonate with SZAâs Lyrics. I look forward to hearing more from her.
Favourite Tracks:Â
Love Galore
Doves In the Wind
Drew Barrymore
Prom
The WeekendÂ
Go Gina
Garden (Say It Like Dat)
I think its fair to give SZA a 9/10










