On December 9th, 2022, SZA released her second studio album, “SOS,” which contains twenty-three tracks about depraved exes, toxic individuals, and simply needing some personal space. This album captivated the country on the day of its release, making its way to everyone’s ears. Just a week later, all of its tracks found a spot in Apple Music’s Top 100: US.
Two years prior to the launch of the whole album, SZA released the first single, “Good Days,” followed by “I Hate U” and “Shirt." Despite this album’s catchy songs, its lyrics are not all sunshine and rainbows. For example, “Kill Bill," with its sweet, dreamy-sounding chords, describes SZA killing her ex because, if she can’t have him, no one can. In the song, “Low,” SZA says, “I need you to get the f*** out my space.” She has moved on and is tired of caring so much about a committed relationship.
A personal favorite track of mine, “F2F,” recounts not only SZA’s entertainment in her ex’s downfall, but a hatred for herself that is powerful enough to make up for the both of them. This hatred stems from the fact that she cares too much about the situation. Numerous fans appreciate the nostalgic pop-punk sound of this song.
SZA takes a different approach of describing such hatred for herself in the track, “Open Arms" (feat. Travis Scott), by asking, “Who need self-esteem anyway?” She would give up her self-esteem in order to continue caring too much about her relationship. Aside from the rage and pettiness present in “SOS,” SZA voices things in her life that make her feel depressed. In the song, “Special,” she brings in a serene, innocent-sounding acoustic guitar to explain that she wants her uniqueness back after a failed relationship. But, she “gave all [her] special away to a loser.”
A feature on this album that blew me away is the well-known Phoebe Bridgers on “Ghost in the Machine,” which references how society lacks humanity and is “drowning in vanity.”
“SOS” is such a versatile album that it contains a song for just about anyone. As the themes of the songs flow from rage, to pettiness, to heartbreak, to acceptance, SZA gives an honest explanation of her own emotions, allowing fans to connect with the whole album. And, even if the album has nothing you can relate to, there is no resisting singing along to those catchy lyrics.