By: Vanessa Polk
It’s been five years since R&B and hip-hop artist, SZA’s debut studio album, Ctrl. On its initial release, it has been critically acclaimed to be one of the best albums of 2017 by Billboard, NPR, The New York Times, and countless more publications. There’s no doubt that we are still bumping Ctrl in 2023, with classics such as “The Weekend”, “Garden (Say It Like Dat)”, and “Love Galore” still being modern pop-R&B discog staples. Since Ctrl, SZA fans have been anticipating her next album drop. And on December 9th, 2022, SZA finally released her sophomore studio album, SOS. Exemplifying the young mind’s struggle of finding love, SOS follows the journey of the inevitable realization that true love is found through oneself. As we listen to SOS, we experience how SZA’s self-confidence has evolved since we last heard from her in Ctrl.
The Team
The team of SOS is a key component of its success and sonic footprint. SZA worked alongside several notable songwriters and producers, including Babyface (who’s written music for countless A-list musicians, from Bruno Mars to the Backstreet Boys) and DJ Dahi (known for producing for Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Big Sean). These big producers of the music industry have no doubt contributed to the diverse genres SOS features, pulling from hip-hop, R&B, pop, and rock influences. SOS also features several guest appearances like Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Artists such as Lizzo, Jacob Collier, and Benny Blanco also provided background vocals on select tracks.
The Album Art
As an artist myself, I believe the cover of an album is just as significant to its symbolism as the tracks themselves. The album cover of SOS, a photo of SZA in a St. Louis Blues hockey jersey whilst sitting on the edge of a diving board, is an allusion to a 1997 photo of the late Princess Diana of Whales. In interviews, SZA reported, “I just loved how isolated (Princess Diana) felt and that was what I wanted to convey the most.” This is further proof that SOS tells the story of SZA’s struggle with self-love and acceptance, despite her massive fame.
Ctrl versus SOS
SOS kicks off with an opener of the same name. The first thing you hear is a series of 3 short beeps, followed by 3 long beeps, ending with 3 more short beeps. Anyone familiar with the telecommunication method, morse code, will know that these series of beeps say “SOS,” or Save Our Ship, a common phrase used by stranded sailors as a call for help. As an opening track, “SOS” serves its purpose by setting the stage for the themes that will be addressed as we listen down the tracklist, such as hook-up culture and self-love. Despite the title, the tracks on Ctrl illustrate how out of control SZA felt about her worth, as unrequited love, toxic relationships, and hook-up culture seemed to grip her worth as a woman. For example, in Ctrl’s opening track, “Supermodel” she writes:
I could be your supermodel if you believe, if you see it in me. I don’t see myself, why can’t I stay alone just by myself? Wish I was comfortable with just myself, but I need you.
In contrast, showcasing her five-year-long self-reflection, SOS embodies SZA stripping herself of the toxic love that once defined her womanhood. As “SOS” says:
Punk ass tried to replace me, but the stakes is too high, They can't survive off mini-me's, I'm talkin' pedigree.
The Themes of SOS
I want to preface the meatiest section of this article to address: the story of SOS, or the narrative in which SZA is the main character is fictional. Although the themes themselves are core aspects of the album’s meaning, the events which are being described are not based on real events. The purpose of this article is to pick apart its symbolism. With that said, let's dive deep into SOS.
Tracklist
SOS
Kill Bill
Seek & Destroy
Low
Love Language
Blind
Used (feat. Don Toliver)
Snooze
Notice Me
Gone Girl
Smoking on my Ex Pack
Ghost in the Machine (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
F2F
Nobody Gets Me
Conceited
Special
Too Late
Far
Shirt
Open Arms (feat. Travis Scott)
I Hate U
Good Days
Forgiveless (feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard)
Theme 1: Seeking Revenge
One of the catchiest songs on SOS, “Kill Bill”, has taken the internet by storm. From its initial release, it has gained massive notoriety on the Internet, being one of the latest trending audios on TikTok. Being the first of the five singles on this album, “Kill Bill” draws inspiration from Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film of the same name. While the film follows the story of an ex-bride seeking revenge, the fictional narrative of SZA’s “Kill Bill” somewhat parallels this storyline, as she plots to kill her ex-lover and his new broad.
I'm so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there's other men. I don’t want none, I just want you. If I can’t have you, no one should.
As the song progresses, SZA eventually ends up going through with the plan.
I just killed my ex, not the best idea. Killed his girlfriend next, how’d I get here? I just killed my ex. I still love him, though. Rather be in Hell than alone.
In the next track, “Seek & Destroy”, the story picks up after SZA has killed her ex in cold blood. In a rush after committing her crime, SZA spirals out of control, as she finds ways to justify her decision to kill her ex.
I can't stand it, the urge is so demanding. The purge, so necessary. The art of war, goddamnit, I'm drained.
Morbidly, SZA experiences a spiritual awakening after killing her ex; perhaps it was him holding her back.
Now that I ruin everything, I cannot complain. Now that I've ruined everything, I'm so fucking free. Now that I've ruined everything, keep it all for me. Now that I've ruined everything, space is all I need.
Theme 2: Hook-up Culture
Hook-up culture, encouraging casual sexual encounters and one-night stands without the repercussions of emotional attachment or commitment, is a theme that this closely speculated in SOS. For example, in “Low”, SZA describes the two halves of herself. One half enjoys the emotional detachment of hook-up culture, seeing it as a form of empowerment to not feel held down by a man.
I need you to get the fuck out of my space. Replacement's on the way, please don't play. That pussy's feelin' like a great escape. Don't need no trick, old dogs don't change.
However, SZA feels ashamed of her desire to indulge in hook-up culture. She feels her eagerness to participate in temporary sexual relationships gives off the impression that she “plays too easy”, or is a slut or skank. So she instead shuts off this part of herself from the world, keeping her sexual side on the down low.
I need total confidential private shit. Don't want no one thinkin' I'm a groupie.
SOS also covers how hook-up culture has altered the way men pursue her. “Love Language” summarizes how frustrating it is when a partner you’re ready to commit to simply doesn’t want to settle down. “Love Language” is SZA’s cry for help, desperately craving closeness and exclusivity to one person.
Bad as I wanna be yours, I can't get with your program. Sexin' like a slow jam, stick around 'cause I want to. Bad as I wanna keep focus, you remind me I'm imperfect and it sucks to admit.
One special thing about “Love Language” is that it is the last song (the first being "SOS") to close with morse code, which translated reads, “Distress”, further cementing that “Love Language” is SZA pleading with her partner, who cannot see her as one worth settling down for.
Theme 3: Infidelity
Cheating is an unfortunate reality for romantic partners who fail to communicate with their plus one, causing them to seek desires through other avenues. Track eight, “Snooze”, is a song that isn't revealed to be about infidelity until the bridge. Compare and contrast these two excerpts, first from the opening verse:
I'll touch that fire for you. I do that three four times again, I testify for you. I told that lie, I'd kill that bitch.
The narrative flips at the bridge, as SZA feels ashamed for investing her time and emotions into someone so quick to throw her away.
How you frontin' on me and I'm the main one tryin'? How you blame it on me and you the main one lyin'? How you threatenin' to leave and I'm the main one cryin'? Just tryna be your everything.
The pop rock-inspired track thirteen, “F2F”, co-writing and background vocals by Lizzo, outlines the ways SZA copes with the loss of her cheating ex. The title "F2F" is speculated to be an acronym for "fuck to forget", alluding to the matter in which she numbs the result of her partner's infidelity.
Get a rise out of watching you fall, get a kick out of missing your call. I hate me enough for the two of us. Hate that I can't let go of you enough. This why I fuck him ‘cause I miss you. I fuck him ‘cause I really miss you.
Another single on this album, “Shirt”, outlines the flaws, guilt, and imperfections SZA sees in herself after finding out her man has been seeing another woman behind her back.
It’s what you say and how you do me. How I’m ‘posed to trust, baby? ‘Posed to love? It ain’t supposed to hurt this way. All I need is the best of you. Baby, how I got to say it? Give me all of you.
SZA is aware that healthy love isn’t supposed to hurt. All of this results in a plead, saying all she needs is an effort from her man to make them work.
Theme 4: Isolation
Self-reflection usually involves retreating into oneself, being a recluse, alone with one’s thoughts. In “Gone Girl”, SZA speaks on trusting the process of self-reflection.
Trying to find deeper meaning in nonsense. Trying to grow without hating the process. Tired of anticipating the worst, yet. Still anticipating the worst.
Another single from SOS, “Nobody Gets Me” features a chorus that all SZA fans belt from the top of their lungs. Here, SZA sounds as if she’s shouting to the heavens, expressing the loneliness and emptiness she experiences without her plus one.
How am I supposed to tell ya? I don’t wanna see you with anyone but me. Nobody gets me like you. How am I supposed to let you go? I only like myself with I’m with you. Nobody gets me, you do.
“Good Days” is currently the most streamed track on SOS. This makes sense, as it was originally released as a stand-alone single more than 2 years ago, and is an absolute banger. With background vocals provided by the heavily accolated Jacob Collier, its dreamy atmosphere provides the feeling of sunbathing on a breezy grass field, away from the outside world. Despite being in a world full of chaos and disorder, "Good Days" is about holding hope and staying optimistic for the future.
Said “not tryna be a nuisance, it's just urgent.” Tryna make sense of loose change, got me a war in my mind. Gotta let go of weight, can't keep what's holding me. Choose to watch, while the world break up and fall on me. All the while, I await my armored fate with a smile. Still wanna try, still believe in good days.
Theme 5: Self-Confidence
Without tracks that celebrate the confidence SZA found within herself, SOS would be a different album. “Smoking On My Ex Pack” is probably the most unbothered, matter-of-fact-sounding SZA’s been up to this point. From leaving DMs from men on-delivered, embracing beauty, to finding solace in self-made success, “Smoking On My Ex Pack” is a great pick to blast in the car, top off, with your friends.
He screamin', "Get back together”, I'm screamin', "Back of the bus, trick”. Hawaii for weather, booty softer than leather, these hoes is featherweight.
The 16th track, “Special”, may be SZA’s most vulnerable moment of SOS. From a sonic perspective, “Special” is no doubt the most stripped-down track on SOS, featuring only vocals, acoustic guitar, keys, and finger snaps. First, she outlines her insecurities; her desire to be thin, have flawless skin, being “that girl from the Gucci store” she recalls.
I wish I was that girl from the Gucci store. She never wore any makeup and she owns couture. I got pimples where my beauty marks should be. I got dry skin on my elbows and knees. I never liked her, wanted to be like her. Hate how you look at her, 'cause you never saw me. Like I was an art piece, like I was an ordinary girl.
The hook expresses the guilt and shame she feels for “giving all her special” after using all her effort on a love that went sour.
I used to be special, but you made me hate me. Regret that I changed me, I hate that you made me just like you.
The 5th single, “I Hate U”, processes similar sentiments as “Special”, as SZA feels shameful for changing herself for a lover who, at the end of the day, ends up leaving her in the end.
Used to be too solid 'til you scrambled me. Used to be your rider, you mishandle me. Used to be nonviolent 'til you ambushed me. Now I'm out here wildin' with you.
SZA also alludes to the album title by saying it’s “Hard to save your soul,” referring to the ex-lover who seemed like they didn’t want to be saved, not putting effort into the relationship.
An Ode to Granny
All SZA fans know of SZA’s late grandmother. Norma Rowe, who passed from Alzheimer’s in 2019, has been a pillar of light in SZA’s life, being one of her most notable female role models. Rowe’s voice was used on SZA’s first studio album, Ctrl, in tracks such as “Love Galore” and “Garden (Say It Like Dat)”.
In “Open Arms” featuring Travis Scott, SZA reminisces about her grandmother’s advice, as Rowe says:
When you do your best, hell, that's all you can do. You and me and everybody else. So they always start talkin’.
Rowe reminds SZA that trying her hardest is the most anyone should expect of her, despite what she can or cannot achieve. Self-confidence means being secure in oneself, knowing that, at the end of the day, you’re the only one you’ll be with for the rest of your life, and therefore, should learn to love yourself through thick and thin. SZA heeds her grandmother's advice, realizing that even after trying her best to make a relationship work, it just wasn’t meant to be. In the closing line, she sings:
I gotta let you go, I must. ‘Cause I’m the only one who’s holding me down.
Of course, this self-reflection SZA goes through, a journey of highs and lows, eventually pays off. Now, SZA feels more confident than ever before. In the appropriately titled track “Conceited”, SZA strips herself of toxic love, feeling more secure in her skin, being alone, and caring less about what people think about her.
Heard they calling me out. Love it when they calling me out. I got no reason to depend on you. No reason to make friends, I’m cool.
Lastly, SOS’s closer, “Forgiveless”, is the perfect knot to end SOS. In this track, SZA is satisfied with her success and accolades but strives to push for more, wanting to be number one.
I don't mind competition, it is what it is. You don’t mind second fiddle, that’s why you a bitch.
SZA also reflects on the people who wronged her, and the hoops she had to go through to get to this point. Doing so, she taught herself to exercise forgiveness; to not hold grudges and gripes on those in the past (which sharply juxtaposes with the symbolism illustrated in earlier tracks such as “Kill Bill” and “Seek & Destroy”). However, she’s given herself the responsibility to not forget the lessons she learned from her struggles.
I thought I told you before, it's not gon' end how you want. Not in the dark anymore. I might forgive it, I won't forget it.
Conclusion
Although SOS is barely an hour long, it is jam-packed with several themes that embody SZA’s period of self-reflection from her five-year-long hiatus. Featuring a diverse range of themes and musical inspirations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. SZA fans have been waiting for this album for about half a decade, and it is with a full heart that I say it was worth the long wait.
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