SZA has people in a chokehold with her album “SOS”
By London B.
Music has a way of connecting with people on a deeper level. Particularly through certain artists and their music. Among these artists is SZA. SZA has always had a great influence on people’s lives, especially for teenagers. Her album SOS shows proof of this.
SZA, better known as Solàna Imani Rowe, was born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Audrey Rowe and Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe. On October 29, 2012, SZA released her first EP, however, she had released her first song ‘If I had a Soldier’ sometime in 2011.
The album features artists such as Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and Phoebe Bridges. When being interviewed by Hot 97, SZA was asked what her inspiration was for her album. She stated “Originally I was supposed to be on top of a shipping barge, but in the references that I pulled for that, I pulled the Diana reference,” referring to the late Princess Diana of Wales. When asked why this was her inspiration, she responded by saying. “Because I just loved how isolated she felt, and that was what I wanted to convey the most.”
I personally feel like this album is a great example of “music therapy” because of the different songs that represent different struggles and situations that people go through. SZA does a great job of capturing that feeling of isolation and loneliness. Her sound tells us that it is okay to be sad, but you do not have to go alone.
Like many times before, SZA has shared her pain and past experiences. She has expressed how she felt and how she got through it. This helps SZA’s appearance not only as an artist, but as someone who gets it and understands what it feels like to want to be isolated. That is why her music is relatable.
Milani K., one of the Pretty Eagles newest members on the dance team, says she likes the album because she could “relate to it”. To continue she said, “ Whenever I am stressed out I just shuffle the songs on her album and then I feel better.”
Another student, A’Lyric J., who is one of the existing members on the Pretty Eagles dance team, said, “ I love SZA, she is one of my favorite artists. Her songs just give me good vibes and her songs on the album are amazing. I sing SZA literally everyday.”
Niko Chakhava, a critic, expressed his opinion on the album by saying, “This album is magnificent. SZA is the brightest star. I would recommend this album to anybody! she and the songs from this album get me fully! I just can't put my love towards her and "sos" in words.”
Critic Melanie Ruff says “This album was so good my favorite songs on it is I Hate You Kill Bill and Shirt oh yeah and Open Arms this album is like medicine to the soul”
Another critic by the name of Eric Ncala, explains “SOS Is a must listen to album it's one of the most therapeutic albums ever created 🔥🔥🔥😭👌🏿”
Overall, SZA is one of the most talented artists out there. Her sound is so original and she has a beautiful voice. I would recommend listening to this album and the rest of her music if you do not already. This album is on repeat daily and it is definitely a 10 out of 10.
Even though the album was released two years ago, it still has people in a chokehold and that is why it is still relevant today. ‘SOS’ was released on December 9, 2022.