The time has come. After breakout album Ctrl caused a sensation in 2017, SZA has finally released a follow-up after years of leaks, delays, rumors, and label drama. SOS invites a handful of guests across its 23 tracks, with features from Phoebe Bridgers, “Love Galore” collaborator Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Listen to SZA’s new album SOS below. (Pitchfork earns a commission from purchases made through affiliate links on our site.)
The Ol’ Dirty Bastard sample, on “Forgiveless,” features lyrics that also appeared on “Goin’ Down,” from the Wu-Tang Clan rapper’s 1995 album, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. That same song also has a sample of Björk’s Vespertine track “Hidden Place.” Producers across the record include ThankGod4Cody, Carter Lang, Jeff Bhasker, Benny Blanco, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and Jay Versace.
SZA returned in October with the official release of fan favorite “Shirt” and its video starring Lakeith Stanfield. The following month, she shared a teaser video titled “PSA” with no more information, before revealing the album title in an interview with Billboard, in which she expressed doubts about meeting the December deadline, as well as about her future music career in general. On December 3, as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, she sang “Shirt” and debuted a song called “Blind.” The album also includes “Good Days” and “I Hate U.”
Last year, SZA shared three new songs on an anonymous SoundCloud account: “I Hate U,” “Joni,” and “Nightbird.” She also guested on a host of tracks, including songs with Summer Walker, Kali Uchis, Isaiah Rashad, Doechii, and Saint Jhn. Her Doja Cat collaboration “Kiss Me More” won both artists a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and resulted in her giving a memorable acceptance speech in crutches.
In 2020, SZA described a “hostile relationship” with TDE’s president Terrence “Punch” Henderson in a run of since-deleted tweets, suggesting the label was delaying the release of her music. “Hit Different” and its B-side “Good Days” were her first solo singles since Ctrl.
Read Pitchfork’s review of SOS.
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