Why SZA's "Ctrl" is f***king amazing
SZA was undeniably one of the most brilliant break out artists of 2017. Her debut album, "Crtl," peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts last year and earned herself not one, not two, but FIVE Grammy nominations. Her unapologetic promiscuity and vulnerable emotions is the adhesive that made Ctrl one of the best albums of 2017.
SZA is not new to the R&B scene, in fact she's been active for over six years now. The N.J. raised artist released her first E.P. See S.Z.A Run back in 2012. Later the next year, Top Dawg Entertainment signed the singer and she released the first two parts of her EP trilogy with S and Z in 2014. She’s been featured on fellow TDE performers such as Isaiah Rashad and Schoolboy Q. The third part of the trilogy was originally planned to be named A, but was later renamed what we all know today, "Ctrl."
"Ctrl" is a whirlwind of mixed emotions and bursts of female sexuality. Female performers have made similar moves in the past year; from powerful females at high ranks such as Rihanna and Nicki Minaj to much more underground entertainers like Cupcakke and Ray BLK. These influential black women have created a strong impact on how black woman convey their own sexuality. SZA is another addition to the powerful, black female performers who continue to positively impact music today.
Each track has a clear message. SZA is bold. She openly discusses and expresses female sexuality. In the track The Weeknd, SZA talks about what it's like to be the side chick, to know how 'reckless' it is yet the desperation of wanting love almost overrules. SZA simultaneously brings up what it's like to be the main chick in the relationship and compares both perspectives by comparing them to different times and days of the week. "You're like nine to five, I'm the weekend....Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I just keep him satisfied through the weekend."
Other tracks such as "Drew Barrymore" explores a different perspective with apropos to jealousy, disconnection and disappointment. She introduces the track with her spite towards her old friend and his new friends, yet contradicts it with claiming the person as her 'favorite'. Throughout the indie influenced alternative R&B tune, she repeats the lyrics 'Am I warm enough for you baby?' which beautifully expresses her want to have a connection with an emotionally distant person. Later on, she begins to apologize for the aspects of herself that don't live up set expectations, then ends the verse with a jab at said person with lyrics "I'm sorry ya got karma comin' for you, collect and soak it in right."
"Having her heavenly voice practically narrate my internal emotions made this album, in my opinion, the best album of 2017,"
The song “Normal Girl” delves into how her sexuality comes in the way of wanting a real relationship. "I wanna be the type of girl you can take home to mama... how do I?How do I be a lady?" This desire is not given as much light as other emotions are. To break away from the mindset of wanting someone who truly doesn't deserve your time is incredibly difficult. SZA gives hope to the normal girl with the words 'Wait on yourself 'cause you can figure your way out'.
SZA’s shameless grace has stood out amid her peers in 2017. In an interview with Complex back in 2016, the 27 year-old mentions how there is more support among black women now than there was ever before.
"I feel good being a black woman; I've always felt good. But to be a black woman right now, it definitely feels like I have back up," she told the magazine.
SZA highlighted an aspect of female sexuality that resonated among black women and women all over. Female sexuality is often times stigmatized and oppressed. To want something as natural as sex, and the feelings that come along with it, can be considered promiscuous and disregarded. SZA goes against the ‘imputation’ with her different tales in "Ctrl."
As a young black woman myself, I look up to SZA. Her album addressed many of the issues I was struggling to deal with myself. Dealing with fuck boys, mixed perspectives, the battle between love and lust and insecurities—all that many young woman my age can thoroughly debate.
SZA performs "Broken Clocks" at the 60th Grammy Award Show on Jan. 28 .
Having her heavenly voice practically narrate my internal emotions made this album, in my opinion, the best album of 2017.
2017 was a precursor to what 2018 holds for SZA. The singer was featured on the “Black Panther” soundtrack, along The likes of Khalid, Jorja Smith, The Weeknd, SOB X RBE, and Kendrick Lamar. Th hit single, “All The Stars,” peaked at the number three spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
SZA was nominated for Best New Artist, Best R&B Song, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best R&B Performance. This was SZA’s first year at the Grammys. And although the singer was not given her deserved credit at this year’s award show, this will not be the end of SZA.
SZA is definitely here to stay. With collaborations with MasterCard. Gap and Nike Air Jordan, 2018 has a lot in store for the R&B singer.
Photos taken from Google.