We can all relate to how music can have an effect on ourselves. There are songs that you can connect moments and feelings that are unique to your life. When SZA released her debut album Ctrl on Jun 9th, she infused a multiple of genres that encapsulated the complications of relationships and female empowerment.
SZA or Solana Rowe met her now producer company Top Dawg Entertainment by chance at an event and they showed an interest in her that many of her fans see today. Her style can be described as neo-soul, although it doesn’t have limits as some songs have Hip Hop, R&B, Soul or even some Rock mixed in. With music, I feel that there is more of a connection when limits aren’t placed on an artist on what genre is expected. As music evolves, more artists are changing the status quo of sticking to one sound.
1. "Love Galore"
The instant this song starts playing you can tell why it was essentially her first single from her album. The contrast between her sultry, confident lines and Travis Scotts ad-libs make you want to belt out the lyrics every time. This dialogue is based solely on the lust of a past lover and realization of selfishness after a complicated relationship. She quotes “You’ll do whatever I want, get whatever I want. Get whatever I need it's about.” Referring to how this song is about they both want the same things and that they should just let it happen.
2. "Doves In The Wind"
This was my favorite song off the album because it was so raw and showed that SZA really did not care to push topics that aren't discussed so openly in an honest manner. SZA is reminding people that there is a lot more you can give in a relationship that builds it than just sex. That you shouldn’t feel obligated to use sex as a means of someone reciprocating feelings and standing by you. She refers to Forrest Gump, “Real niggas do not deserve pussy. Meaning it's more, you see right through walls. Ain't talkin' about pussy. Meaning you deserve the whole box of chocolates.” You deserve all the components of a relationship.
3. "The Weekend"
I realized that situations can be so universal. SZA was having an internal dialogue with a woman that is in an unfaithful relationship, while the other woman who knows she is the side chick but hopes that her efforts win over the guy. These two women are putting this man as a center of all their actions. She is saying that you have the power to be in control and tell the man what your boundaries are, that you don’t have ownership of him but only your own actions.
4. "Broken Clocks"
Her third single from the album discusses how she felt an imbalance between work and romantic life. We all can relate that at times it is hard to balance what is important to you and you end of focusing on one aspect, but this only helps you prioritize. A lyric that stands out in the song is “ All I got is these broken clocks. I ain't got no time. Just burning daylight”. In this case, her independence arose from her not putting the effort into your romantic life because her work life was more important to her. Sometimes love isn’t enough when you are wanting self-growth in life.
I enjoyed the album Ctrl because it gave SZA a voice that so many young adults connected with on love, sex, relationships, and self-worth. A sense of female empowerment in figuring out what you want and being clear of it on your decisions of life poured through all her songs. SZA did not get her big break until twenty-seven years old and listening to her songs you know she is still trying to figure out life. Its comforting to know that everyone is feeling the same way.
