Jan. 8, 2023
By Nikki Antonesco
Managing Editor
R&B/Soul American singer and songwriter SZA does not disappoint in “SOS,” her second studio album, which was released on Dec. 9.
With 23 songs, “SOS” has a runtime of an hour, eight minutes and sets itself apart with its diverse features. Only SZA could find a way to include features from indie singer Phoebe Bridgers and rapper Travis Scott on the same album. Features also include Don Toliver and the late ODB.
My favorite tracks on “SOS” are “Kill Bill,” “Seek & Destroy” and “Blind.”
“Kill Bill” is the second track on the album. Mellow and soft with a light acoustic guitar in the chorus, it contrasts the first track “SOS” and allows SZA to show off her vocals.
The song has a light and airy tone with faint drums playing in the background. With so many instruments, listeners might expect the song to be overwhelming, but it is very much the opposite.
The lyrics “I might kill my ex, not the best idea” / “His new girlfriend’s next, how’d I get here?” / “I might kill my ex, I still love him, though” / “Rather be in jail than alone” sound aggressive, but SZA sings them angelically.
“Seek & Destroy” starts off strong with SZA crescendoing on certain words. The beat stays consistent with background vocals from SZA. The beat sounds like it was made with a soundboard that includes different variations of music combos.
With so many instruments, listeners might expect the song to be overwhelming, but it is very much the opposite.
The chorus, which consists of the lyrics “Do it to you” / “Do it to you” / “I had to do it to you” / “Do it to you, oh,” repeats six times. This song has a consistent beat throughout and a couple of different word variations.
Finally, there is “Blind,” which blew up on social media before the release of “SOS.” Many users created videos featuring the lyrics: “It’s so embarrassing” / “All of the love I seek living inside of me” / “I can’t see, I’m blind.”
Like “Kill Bill,” “Blind,” includes an acoustic guitar, but the most prominent instrument is the violin. With this instrument, SZA sounds heavenly and makes listeners feel like they are ascending.
“SOS” follows the release of SZA’s certified platinum debut album “Ctrl,” which came out on June 9, 2017.
As fans listen to this album, they will find themselves asking the question, “Was it worth the five-and-a-half-year wait?”
The answer is an obvious “yes.” When it comes down to it, “SOS” delivers. It showcases SZA’s vocal range, is filled with emotion and is beautifully produced. It is an R&B gem that establishes SZA as a powerhouse who will remain in the music industry for a long time.
