Returning just in time for Summer 2017, Sza shows her vulnerability, passion, and soulful storytelling in her new album "Ctrl." Created beautifully with intertwining motifs of revolution, and femininity, with youthful undertones, lay beneath the introspection of her Mother. "Ctrl" is a breath of fresh air.
Sza writes from the heart and with a deep understanding of life's nuances. Having listened to her orchestrated think pieces; I can confidently say that Sza is one of my favorite vocalists with beautiful range and concentration and is stylistically similar to Frank Ocean and Blood Orange. There was not a song that I disliked, all of them contained graphic and holistic messages of love, defeat, venerability and eventually self-discovery and peace.
Some stand-out pieces from this album include:
Drew Barrymore, which is a song that I first heard in Mid-January. Sza is particularly somber in this piece which illustrates the artist in mental despair with the lyrics indicating low self-esteem, unsteady relationships, and heartache. The song speaks on both dealing with insecurity and questions companionship along with self-worth.
One of the more popular tracks on the Album, Love Galore ft Travis Scott, is easily the most recognizable track on the album, and rightfully so. This is one of my favorite pieces because of not only its summer carefree tones, but with its emotional lyricism centered around a loveless affair, and how she began to put her happiness and mental health first. Sza enlists the help of rising rap artist, Travis Scott, for delivering some sexual undertones and suggests that it is difficult for him to see beyond physical features when perusing new relationships.
Another notable piece in the album is The Weekend, a "side chick" empowerment anthem that exemplifies what it means to fall for someone that sees you as an option.On this track, SZA states that while the man she’s with may be in a committed relationship, when it comes to the weekend, she is available to seek sexual refuge in. SZA has this man enamored on the weekend. However, this song covers more than just being the forbidden fruit in a love affair. SZA finds her position empowering as she illustrates her abilities to satisfy this man a better time than his actual girlfriend could ever possibly hope to. In her eyes, although she may only be with him on the weekend, she firmly believes that this man has the most fun with her. She finds it empowering that she does not have to entertain a relationship; that she can share someone sexually without having to carry emotional labor.
Overall, I find this album riveting with neosoul tones backed by Hip Hop/R&B influences. Sza introduces herself heart first and intellect second. I enjoyed this piece and look forward to more work from her.
9/10
