Reviews (page 3 of 7)
Didn’t really give SZA a shot until recently, but CTRL changed that. Her vocals are smooth, emotional, and totally unique. For a debut album, this is seriously impressive—especially with standout features like Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar adding extra fire. The production is clean, the vibe is consistent, and she balances vulnerability and confidence effortlessly. Solid listen from start to finish. Favorite song: "Doves In The Wind"
Fantastic R&B album. She has a great voice and the instrumentals are smooth as butter. Love Kendrick's feature as well. I'm not really sure it's notable enough to fit on this list but I do really like it.
I didn't know what to expect but this is a vibe. Love Galore has an addiciive sound, percussive with calm synth pads. There's a retro feel to the production, but not in the way I expected. 80s or early 90s EDM vibes at times, a weird mix of dystopia and nostalgia for me. Doves in the Wind is more measured, a steady breakbeat. Kendrick adds to the track but it's the beat that has me paying attention. Drew Barrymore then shows what SZA can do vocally, the stripped down production letting her shine. Strings lead into Prom with maybe the best beat so far, glitchy with layers of synths. Go Gina is another good one and Garden is even better, featuring a looping synth riff I really dig. I don't know who produced this, but I want to find out. I don't think the second half is overall as strong, but there's some great stuff here.
7.5/10 Favorite Tracks: Doves In The Wind, The Weekend, Pretty Little Birds, 20 Something Least Favorite Tracks: Garden (Say It Like Dat), Broken Clocks
CTRL by SZA is like an artfully crafted memo on modern love—sharp, introspective, and brimming with clever wordplay. While SZA’s sultry vocals and nuanced lyricism earn plenty of street cred, the album felt a bit like a highbrow conversation that I just couldn’t get into, despite knowing all the references. It’s clear she’s a master of mood and melody, but for me, the record’s intellectual swagger didn’t quite sync with my vibe. A commendable effort for the R&B connoisseur, though I’d prefer my heartbeats less annotated.
Not too bad.
A modern rnb classic. The Quality only lacks content wise to me but singing and sonically speaking its a really great album. I love SZA and her music and this is really an album that can be played front to back without any problems imo. (4.5/5.0)
Really good. SZA is today's Lauryn Hill, her next two are even better.
Yeah this is a classic
I really enjoyed this record.
84/100.
How many times can you say pussy in one song
SZA is great
A rare W pick of a newer album by the editors of the book, SZA's debut set the tone for her rapid rise towards stardom to come. Great production, interesting vocals and killer beats.
Good Liked the mix in genres
I knew this SZA record a lot more than the other one that we did, and this one I think deserves the hype a lot more - there's some bangers here.
Ctrl establishes a new and powerful voice.
★★★★⅓
I came into this album not looking forward to it based on its recency and the scathing reviews. My opinion was changed by track 2 and locked me into a fan by the end of the album. The whole point of this project is to discover new music. I've known of SZA for a while but never heard her. Her music is not up my alley, but she earned my respect through this release. 4/5
Damn I haven't listened to this in a long time. Very impactful album
really good and nostalgic - really amazing debut... reminds me of a simpler time :)
Of its time but extremely influential
Better than I expected it to be. Would listen again
pretty funky and vibey, have to like that
Ctrl starts off rough (Travis Scott can make anything boring, i swear), but eventually improves into something a bit more mature and less one-note over time. i still don't feel like i'm "in love" with the record -- any themes of control as relayed to SZA via her mom feel scattershot and almost incidental -- but i can understand why people gave so much love and attention to her career at the time. it's hard picking out the best track cause of how united the album is in its sound, but let's be real, the answer's probably Drew Barrymore. wasn't aware pussy had so many dimensions before "Doves in the Wind". i kind of miss the time before i learned, about an hour ago.
This was actually pretty good. Pop R&B, but never obnoxious. Mellow, easy, good for background music. It’s got a good dose of that 20-teens era of no-music music. But she’s a good singer, and there’s enough actual music to keep it from feeling too empty. On second listen, I like it more. Several saves and only one skip.
this is a really good album except for the part where forrest gump is described as "never without pussy" that just isn't accurate, SZA
Not my genre of music by any means, but some interesting tracks, and if I have to listen to Country it would definitely be Johnny
I have not lived SZA’s life but I had a few situationships back in college so I feel we are connected.
SZA has been a breath of fresh air for the R&B scene. The production paired with her vocals is such beautiful harmony throughout this record. Very well done.
I want to give this album a 5 because it is awesome...but I can't put it in the same category as the all time greats. 4.4
Drifted between a and 4 for me. But, rounding up because I think it's so stupid-funny that other reviewers are put off by her vulgarity while excusing so many male performers here that are worse.
No one does vulnerability like Sza. SOS might be her best album (yet) but Ctrl is an amazing sophomore effort.
Lotte muziek
Very good, nothing particularly great for me. Very 4 star album, and that's kinda how I feel about most of SZA's work, it's never bad but also rarely any transcendent standout tracks. 4/5
I actually enjoyed this album heard of SZA but I don’t think I’d listened to any of her music prior to this.
4-
Pop/rap really fun, original sound design and melodies
Good album, throwback to my high school days.
Good stuff
4.25
Mostly just a decent hip hop album, but there were a couple of really good songs in the first half that made it worth the listen
4.5/5
One of the better modern r&b pop albums, but man it's hard for me to link into the mindset. Like I'm not a passionate woman, so I have to try to get in those shoes. But good voice and style
I was expecting to dislike this album. I really didn’t know what I was getting into. I enjoyed it way more than expected and will have to listen to it again to see if it can be added to my rotation.
I like SZA's music in general. Some of the songs I really like, some are just alright but I enjoy the vibe of her music.
Ctrl is the debut album from SZA, who makes music in contemporary R&B. SZA has a voice the could have excelled in R&B and Soul in an era; in a time of autotune and vocal filters, her voice still shows through as beautiful, expressive and emotive. The album met with widespread critical and commercial success, and made a star out of SZA. These are melodic, engaging stories told by a soulful voice. The production is an electronic, effect laden version of R&B, but that does distract from SZA's incredible voice. Songs like "Anything" demonstrates the not-always congruous elements of her music; it starts with a near-dancehall, distorted bass, and ends with a looped cadence with SZA's angelic voice.
Don't run with her
Shimmery, emotive, yearning soul music, like someone threw Aaliyah and Beach House in a blender. Great atmosphere and vocals. I’m into it. Best song: Normal Girl
R&B is not one of my go-to genres, but I had this album on repeat when it came out. I first fell in love with SZA's voice when I heard her feature on the opening track of Rihanna's ANTI. I had to see what solo work she had, and realized I'd heard her song Julia on my college-town radio station a ton, and while I also really liked that song, her feature on Rihanna's song really showcases her signature vocals that would come to shine through on CTRL. This is probably a 4.5, but I'm giving it a 4. Mainly because - while I love vibing to this album - I can't really remember what any of the songs sound like outside of Love Galore, which is my favorite track. I prefer an album's songs to embed themselves in my brain in the most delightful way. Overall a great album, and I've enjoyed following her deserved success since then.
Superb album.
9/24/24. First time giving SZA's debut a full listen, I was late to the game! Very solid album, top-tier R&B for the modern times. Falls off a little toward the end, but is pretty consistent throughout.
3.5 rounded up to 4. Drew Barrymore was my favorite track, with Doves in the Wind and Anything getting honorable mentions.
I like this
good album, good songs, good vocals
Her ability to inject genuine personality and character into each song is so astounding that the instrumentals don’t have to do that much work. I can think of few others over the past few decades who have that capability - maybe Frank Ocean, earlier Kanye, and Kendrick. Elite storytelling abilities puts her in elite company. Side note, anytime I pull an album from 2000ish or beyond, I’m filled with excitement for something new, but also filled with dread - knowing there’s only more 60’s psychedelia and 80’s british post-punk to slog through
ashamed to say ive never listened to this album b4 now its a banger
Not a huge r&b fan so didn’t love this but think it’s good
I’m not the biggest rnb fan but sza is always fun to listen to
Incredible. Feels like there's a million unopened doors that will take hundreds of listens to open.
Listened Before? N Wow, really surprising. I have only heard of her in passing, but this album is very, very good. Nice mix of hip-hop and R&B with some trap sound. Very intelligent lyrics make this a rare one. Loved it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Broken Clocks
Prom, Drew Barrymore, The Weekend, Go Gina, Supermodel, Broken Clocks, Normal girl, 20 something, Love Galore (alt version),
Beautiful voice, and I’m in love with the production. Very west coast hip-hop, which is to be expected with TDE, but I’ve not heard it on a non-rap album and it is still gorgeous.
Never heard of this lady - almost 70 million monthly listeners. It’s actually a pleasant record. I enjoyed it. And she actually has a nice voice. I think I’ll give this one a 4. Pleasantly surprised.
Yay sza! I knew half these already but cool to listen all the way through. Jodie was a new gem
I am surprised that this is on the generator but always happy to give SZA a listen. Not sure that this quite makes the 5 star cut for me, since a majority of the songs only hit when I am in the mood for this specific genre, however, there are a few tracks that are always good (Drew Barrymore, Broken Clocks, Normal Girl, and of course my absolute favourite track Prom). This list can use all the non British rock it can get so massive W for this entry, great music to chill out to
Un sube y baja de emociones. Muy lindo para escuchar, unos FTS que entran muy bien en todas las canciones. La voz de SZA que la verdad es espectacular. un 3.75 redondeado para arriba. Gran album
Pretty good
Really nice tonals!
4.5/5. The fact that the user rating is below 3 stars on this record is fucking criminal. How could you possibly think some vanilla ass boomer shit is better than this? Slay queen. Dumb asses wishing they were stuck in their 20 somethings still.
The first time I ever heard this album about two years ago, I found it bad, but in a funny way. I found the relatively crass language to be so blunt that even though I cringed at nearly every lyric, I was also having a grand ol' time due to how funny it was, intentional or not. However, I look back on that outlook on this album in a negative light. It is juvenile that I couldn't get past her being insecure about herself and relationships because she said "pussy" one too many times or something, and I feel having some more experience with music under my belt, I'm able to understand the plight a little more. Don't get me wrong, I know the album has its jokes, just listen to the way Kendrick Lamar says "pussy," it is obviously light-hearted, but it isn't lyrics formed without some amount of weight behind them. It is tonally repetitive, as lyrical content orbits around the same three or four issues with slightly different perspectives, and I wouldn't say the language is the most creative, despite being quite colorful, but it is a solid foundation on top of what is a solid singer and great production. I'm a big fan of those lo-fi, melancholic guitars that come in every other track or so, as they're just spacious enough to give SZA time to get her licks in without being ambient. I do think it leans into that bedroom pop aesthetic a little too hard, and could maybe benefit from a shorter runtime to compensate, but I enjoyed this project a lot more on a second run, as I find myself not necessarily relating, but vibing with its tone and message. I think SZA can create a great pop hook, and if this isn't your style because it's too chilled out, or too "inappropriate," check out her more recent hit Kill Bill, it's great and really had me re-examine modern pop as not just a dumpster fire to hate on just to be "unique." There's great music in every corner, you just have to keep your ears and mind open.
Härlig 10-tals R'n'B/hip-hop/pop. Låter också ganska mycket 10-tal, sprunget ur Frank Ocean-eran. De mer hip-hoppiga låtarna, som de med Travis Scott och Kendrick Lamar, är sämre och känns lite daterade. Bäst blir det när SZA får sjunga sitt heart out över ett poppigare beat, som i 'Drew Barrymore' (otrolig), 'Prom', 'Normal Girl' och '20 Something'. Bästa låt: Drew Barrymore
Don't see myself listening again, it's just not my genre of music. But I thought it was a pretty good album
Moody, atmospheric bop
If this is the future of R&B, I'm here for it.
Incredible artist.
Good so far tbh, will take another listen
I'm not too familiar with this genre, but I'd listen to this album again, but it's for a very specific mood. The lyrics are personal and insightful and the production is nuanced and gentle. Dug it.
Rugluð
This album surprised me. It was very well done and produced. The feeling of the album was really good and kind of melancholy. Loved it. It was very sexually charged, however.
Outrageous production value, she's got lots to say and it's pretty funny at times as well
A gorgeous, heartfelt, feminine album I never would have listened to otherwise. Thank you albumfest
Really good R&B album without any real hits.
Awfully good and young neo-soul, blindingly/painfully honest, somewhat disturbing in that sense, but one can feel it – and it's real. Fresh and insightful though sometimes in ways that make one want to avert one's eyes (and ears).
Was curious from the first song on - and quite liked it!
I did not come into this album blind. I came into this album expecting a trudge fest. Not my favorite genre, thinking it iis going for the gansta' thing with the explicit content... I did not get what I expected. Yup, it iis explicit, but somehow it makes it WAY more genuine, more real and honest. I felt this music, like a connection to its deeper meaning and all that mumbo jumbo. Instead of looking at how much time was left or how many more songs I had to trudge through, I felt like I would have been fine to hear more, although it ended well, in a heartfelt way that only further made me really really like this...
Very pretty and chill sounding R&B. I loved SZA's SOS but with a few more listens I think Ctrl may become my new favorite SZA album. Not much else to say, I just generally really enjoyed this one. Favorite song: Normal Girl Least favorite song: Doves in the Wind
perfect
its fine but SOS is so much better than this
SZA altijd goed
Pop-soul suavecín. No está mal. Un 4.
Loved this album from the moment I heard it but I forgot how good some tracks are. Drew Barrymore for example.
I am at a point in my life where I can relate to this so much. I couldn't help but tear up while listening. Oh the complexities of modern love.
fantastic! prefer the solo songs not the collabs
Tää ei ainakaan toimi yhtään huonommin kuin ilmestyessään. Huikean taitavasti ja hyvällä maulla tehty kiinnostava levy. 4+/5
Lovely album, thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll need to listen to more SZA moving forward.
CTRL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SOS
SZA??? I remember when this came out and I was like ok I need to listen to this album to be popular? Where was my head lmao. SZA has a lovely voice, too bad SZA wack! Erm listen with caution if you are ovulating, some of these songs are hot and heavy. Poetry is easy enough to understand that on a single listen through I can comprehend the emotionally appeal which I enjoy. It's cool that the album starts and ends with a recording of her mother over the phone. Overall, it makes sense she's 15th in the world. Thinking about this album through a lens of RnB helped me appreciate it more than a purely pop lens. I liked her very straightforward, honest, emotional lyricism. Wieners: Drew Barrymore - the lyrics age it so specifically to that 2015-2020 era with the narcos and mom jeans reference? Kind of silly. But the tag is it warm enough for ya is such a ear worm. Pretty Little Birds - the bird hitting the window is pretty wonderful poetry. Losers: Anything sounds like a meme song. I still enjoyed it and I thought the poetry was wonderful but the DOO DOO sparked Naudwaur imagery.
Really great R&B. I know there’s better out there, but SZA does exactly what she needs to do, and she does it well
SZA’s best work was yet to come, but her debut provides her with a strong head start. Dreamy and defiant.
Vibe. of tempo, sweet voice, and interesting beats. Feels very modern 2024, this was ahead of its time in 2017. Sexy
messy, honest and raw. pretty explicit. Good grooves
Contender alongside TPAB for hardest album art of the 2010s. Sometimes SZA has similar-melody syndrome on her verses but come on man these are good songs. The run from Drew Barrymore to Anything is dope.
I liked this a lot. SZA is growing on me for sure
"Ctrl" is the debut album by American singer SZA. Alternative R&B and soul are the assigned genres. OK. Straight-forward pop works too. The album had multiple guest appearances including Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, James Fauntleroy and Isaiah Rashad and multiple producers including Craig Balmoris, Frank Dukes, Carter Lang, Scum and ThankGod4Cody. Sza co-wrote and co-produced all fourteen songs. The writing and recording took place over three years. She claims the theme of the album is lack of control which she craves. The album hit #3 in the US and #45 in the UK and had wide-spread critical acclaim. "Supermodel" opens things. Slow guitar strings. An electronic vibe. Sza singing and rapping. A sadly romantic vibe as the women has lost control in a relationship of betrayal and fallout. Travis Scott is featured on the second single "Love Galore." A Carribean-esque electronic beat. Soothing synth. SZA crooning soulfully. About a summer fling which the guy is taking too seriously. A tambourine beat and hazy, wobbly synths begin "Drew Barrymore." SZA showcasing her strong soulful voice. It's interesting as she draws parallels between her life and the parts Dew Barrymore played in her movies. I would be interested in hearing about the "Poltergeist" times. The third single "The Weekend" has phasing synths and fingers snapping. Layered vocals. A sultry R&B melody and beat develops. She sees her partner on the weekend. He's got some other girl for Wednesday and Thursday. I'm starting to see the control issues. More dreamy, wobbly synths highlight "Broken Clocks." A old romance haunts her and she needs to take it day to day. The album closes with "20 Something." It's slow. Guitar strings. She wishes her guy was with her. This is a strong album. SZA has a great, strong voice but is not afraid to throw in a rap. The music is soulful and romantic. Very catchy vocal melodies. She continued the high musical level on her next album. This, her first, is definitely worth a listen.
A good one 👍
This is my first time listening to a SZA record all the way through and I'm honestly a little disappointed. I think she tends to fall into this sort of routine with a few tracks that make the album a bit too repetitve for my liking at points. Aside from that though this is incredible. Her voice fits her style so perfectly and the instrumentals are just so pleasing to the ears. Kendrick's verse is also hilarious here. Definitely some points that left me wanting more, but overall really good. Favorites were Supermoodel, Doves in the Wind, and The Weekend.
Don't mind SZA in this album. I like the soul/ R&B vibe. That being said, I'm not a big fan of some of the featured artists, such as Kendrick Lamar's verses in Doves in the Wind.
BL: Like some SZA tracks but they’re all off of her second record as opposed to this first one. So I’ll see my thoughts on this. AL: I liked this a lot. I find her voice a bit annoying sometimes but generally the songwriting is good, the production is mint, and the features are incredibly solid too. Would listen to again. FT: “Supermodel”, “Doves in the Wind”, “Pretty Little Birds”, “20 Something” 4/5
Great for snowboarding at Eldora. Good lyrics some great beats and bass. Better than expected.
i mean it’s huge for a reason. no bad songs - just not the type of stuff i listen to normally.
Not usually that much into R&B, but this is slappin’! Very nice voice and great beast. Love the song Doves In The Wind. I liked it from the beginning, and that just escalated when I heard Kendrick on the second verse. Having him on your album is a great stamp of quality!
Recuerdo que cuando este álbum se estrenó en 2017, muchos lo nominaron como el mejor disco del año. Estoy de acuerdo, SZA se luce con una colección de colaboraciones y composiciones atrapantes, y con letras que proponen una forma diferente de empoderamiento y aceptación del cuerpo femenino.
Nice album.
There something really sweet and loveable at the core of this. Liked it a lot.
Great singer, variety in the songs, big featured artists pop up throughout the album. The album felt pretty languid and focused on themes of sex and relationships, so kind of stock standard in that way. I think I would like these songs more mixed into a playlist rather than 50 minutes of this style in a row.
This was great! Cool vibes all around
Oh, god,dimery, another critically acclaimed almost forgotten trendy garbage record. Except, it’s good. Neo soul is a favourite of mine, and this captures it fairly nicely. Kendrick appears, and James Fauntleroy. Drew Barrymore was my favourite. Is it an all time classic? No… not really. Is it a must hear? Not in a general list, there are more important albums. Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson, TLC (conditionally) all are more important. Is it worth listening to? Actually yes. 3.5 rounded up
Why? Why is there deluxe version of an album that came out five years ago? We've barely had time to process this album in the first place, what gaps need to be filled? Is it a good album or not? If it is, then it doesn't need extra shit on it. Anyway, I like this album a lot and I have more to dig into it, but Supermodel, Doves in the Wind, and Prom all work for me. Is it overlong? Sure. But there are very few moments here where I just wish it would be over already. Serves as good foreground and background.
Digging this. I didn't know what to expect given the only other song I've heard from Miss SZA is "Kill Bill," which I like and is fun, but I suspected is probably a bit of an anamoly from the rest of her work. If this album is any indication, that suspicion is about half right. Good news I didn't dislike the other half nearly as much as I feared. Might as well state the obvious, too: it takes a special kind of talent to rap/sing about Forest Gump and pussy in the same song. That's just not something a lot of people in the world can do. At the very least, it's worth a star. I had a mostly good time with this albzm. (Did I do that right?)
Fireeeee
Not my usual, but it was a pleasant surprise.
I’m so out of touch with current popular music - I had no clue that she was one of the top 10 most listened to artists on Spotify. This album is lovely and jarringly-intimate - like I’m reading someone’s diary. I love the raw poignancy. It needs a second listen.
Better than I thought it would be, but raunchy!
Glorious. I love this kind of unfiltered awesomely produced hip hop. That Drew Barrymore song is incredible.
While I'm not always enamored with songs (or stories) of sexual exploits, I was taken by SZA's through-line of the power, allure, social construct, and different gender relation to sex — and her subversion of that in many ways. I found the album consistently interesting and provocative, and SZA came through as an independent, fierce, and vulnerable woman. No small feat.
4/5
Listened on repeat when this was released and could still do the same now
Soooo vibey….. I might like SOS better though
yaaa
Actually a really solid album.
I see why a lot of people call this SZA’s magnum opus. Though she doesn’t pronounce words traditionally, I like the album anyway because she can SING! Following the lyrics reveals how deep her pen can be. I would’ve listened to this as an angst teen in some capacity (though she is speaking women’s thought and there’s only so much I understand when it comes to that). Also Drew Barrymore is a classic ngl
Super enjoyable all around. Highlights are definitely SZA’s voice and the production is INCREDIBLE on this thing. I’m expecting the songs to grow on me so may need to bump this up to 5 stars at some point but for now… 8/10
Love SZA’s voice. It expresses vulnerability, sensitivity, resilience… feelings that make me care for her and engage with part of her work. However, there are some songs here that did not connect with me at all. Kendrick’s feature is hilarious! Maybe there’s a deep meaning to that song but, God, I cannot take it seriously! Well that is my unprofessional, biased opinion, you know?
This album sounds like a drunken haze of personal introspection, empowerment, raw sexual desire, and the places where those areas clash. There's some great production on here. Standout tracks for me are 'Drew Barrymore' and 'Prom'.
J'aurais pu adorer en 2017 mais j'étais aveuglé par le sexisme
elle chante comme brandy
Either this list is more up to date than I thought and we are just unlucky getting mostly 60's and 70's songs or whoever makes the list really likes modern female R&B/Hiphop artists like H.E.R and SZA. Not complaining though. She has a really distinct style of singing and voice. She had a huge influence on the style of modern female R&B singers with so many people copying or iterating on her style. This is a pretty good album even though it's not something I would really reach for when choosing something to listen to. I've only ever heard her as a featured artist on songs, so hearing her on her own is pretty different. This is a low 4/5
I'm surprised too.
Listening to this only makes me realize how narrow my music tastes are. Happy to have found this one.
I would never have guessed before listening that the song featuring Kendrick Lamar would be my least favorite on this album. In fact, its lewd strangeness nearly put me off the album as a whole. But luckily it got much better after that. I now understand why SZA has made such a big impact quickly in R&B and hip-hop.
Lots of songs about sex, sex parts, and splitting physical relationships. The subject matter feels like it could be from just another gangsta rap album. But it’s from a female perspective, smooth, and R&B. I enjoyed the album quite a lot. It feels like a very chill hang. No song particularly stands out as being extra good nor bad, which is unusual. It’s a consistently good time.
Très franchement sympa, même si on se demande pourquoi cet album et pas n'importe quel autre.
all the white dudes who seem so upset that this album talks about sex should probably re-evaluate their feelings for AC/DC and aerosmith and RHCP and all the other middling bands that primarily sing about fucking
Never really listened to this. I’m excited to try it out. So far, really like the production! Those opening guitar chords on Supermodel sound so good. And when the drums come in! Normal Girl is a surprisingly good too. Love the lyrics, and that guitar solo at the end... cool how it just drops off. Sax on Pretty Little Birds also nice! Solid 4/5. Maybe even 4.4. Just gotta leave some room for 5s.
Despite its ironic name, this album was great. Ctrl is really about control, rather it’s more about the deep expression of emotion, which this album conveys perfectly. SZA’s lyric writing is truly phenomenal, truly being able to convey the emotion that’s intended with these lyrics. While these lyrics may not, at first glance, seem the deepest (especially that one track with Kendrick Lamar), when combined with SZA’s excellent singing, conveys the negative emotions she feels. It truly hits you when she sings about her self doubt about love. It’s truly fantastic. The tracks Garden (Say It Like Dat) and Drew Barrymore stand out to me lyrically, with the former discussing her self doubt about if her partner would love her for who she is and the latter being about loneliness and her inability to truly connect with others. Not only do these songs hit on an emotional level, these songs sound good. SZA is a great vocalist who really makes this album for me. The lyrics and her vocals are what makes this album such a great one. However, the neo soul sound that is being gone for with this album is great. Neo soul in general is a fantastic genre and I think this album really proves that. The hip hop and pop inspired production really gives this album an enjoyable sound. However, there are a few hints of indie pop sprinkled throughout the album that really adds to the sound. It’s so relaxing and nice to listen to. I could, honest to God, listen to this album forever and I don’t think I’d get tired of it. This album is really good. I can’t sing it’s praises enough. The sound and emotions of this album are really something special. I’m really thinking a solid 9/10 would be a good rating for this.
My last* album, very nice. I see why SZA is now in so many peoples top artists. *there are like 100 more after 1001.
SZA is an exciting case by having songs in the exact line between hip-hop and R&B. Combing this mix with her fantastic voice creates a great album. Quite repetitive but still great. Also a great cover by the way.
Ganske kult, kvinnelige Frank ocean-vibber
Smooth jams. I liked it
Liked this one - need to listen again.
This is super rad and I can't wait to listen to it a bunch more. Think I'd been conflating her with HER but I like SZA's style much more.
I really like the vibe on the first track Supermodel. Doves In The Wind is a little...simplistic? Not my thing. Music video is tight. Normal Girl is good. in fact the last 3 songs are killer.
Will listen again.
Solid album. A chill mix of r&b, hip-hop, and synthpop. Just get Travis Scott out of there.
It's good. The music is solid, though never blindingly brilliant, and the songs are lyrically brilliant. Taking a cue from D'Angelo or that other guy, they're all sex jams, but with the unflinching emotional honesty of Mary J Blige. The contrast is brilliant, and gets you right in the guts.
Good stuff - already re-listened.
Sexy. Ended up listening to this a few times.
Lækker rnb, hiphop, fede features, tematisk
That's me, Ms. 20-something
There was a brief time in 2018 where I had "Garden" on repeat but didn't explore the rest of SZA's debut. Now that I've heard the whole thing, I have "Garden" on repeat once again :) But wait, there's more to enjoy. Even the Travis Scott collab, which I was a little cold towards, but that detuned synth warranted a relisten, and now I actually kinda like it...? Early on in the listen, I had the thought that SZA was about my age when she recorded this, and then "20 Something" comes on and it's just all about the anxiety of being over 25, with "not a phone in my name" HL: "Garden (Say It like Dat)", "20 Something", "Doves in the Wind", "Drew Barrymore", "Prom"
That was.... Good. Surprisingly good. If you gave me a 1 sentence description of the album before hand I would have immediately written it off. But wow. Great backing tracks. Peaceful but complex in parts. Vocals just on the right side of the line between annoying and modern. I'm learning from this 1001 albums that there are some great rnb/hiphop albums few and far between all the terrible ones.
Great voice, personal lyrics, and interesting production. This was quite good.
This is going to age like a fine wine. Even the songs about fucking are subversive. Near perfect record.
Best Song: Pretty Little Birds. SZA is at her best here, and Isaiah Rashad provides the best feature on the album. Worst Song: Drew Barrymore. Just felt like way too basic of a song, especially after all the spice that came from the previous track with Kendrick saying "pussy" forty times. Overall: When it's good, it's good. Sexy, spirited. The non-musical asides are great too. There are a few weaker tracks near the middle, but otherwise a great album.
One of the most lush, tight albums in modern r&b. There is no doubting how SZA broke through and connected with so many people. I cannot think of any filler on this, just excellent song after excellent song. SZA is dialed in and delivering on every song, every verse, every note.
I enjoy the vibe of this record, it's relaxed, and somewhere between stoned and melancholy. The production is nice. It does somewhat just float on by, grabbing your attention every once in a while, but it's a nice way to float, I guess. Favorite tracks: "Doves In The Wind", "Broken Clocks"
El mejor álbum de sza perdón
I was pretty uneasy at the beginning of this album, but it was wonderful at the end. Favorite tracks: Broken Clocks, 20 Something
such a nice pretty voice and i really appreciate the tight runtime
Nice easy listening. This wasn’t a revelation for me or anything but very good.
Pretty groovy, nice Kendrick guest spot
Decent, but perhaps too long.
SZA’s CTRL has an ethereal nature to it, almost like as if the listener is hearing it through a haze. The music itself exists somewhere between triphop, R&B and neo-soul. Overall, the album is a chronicle of the love life of a twenty something woman of color and seems to wrestle with themes of identity as she is approaching 30. Overall, this album feels like listening to a dream or a memory. None of the individual elements feel groundbreaking, but taken together, this album is unique and engaging.
Way better than I thought
Very nice, soul, r&b album
The features were the weakest part by far. More SZA, less other people. Best track: Drew Barrymore
This album is bold and sexy but has a vulnerability to it that is surprising. While not something I would listen to regularly and definitely not music aimed at me, SZA creates music that is difficult to ignore. The features are pretty reliable as well. Standout songs are 20 Something and Pretty Little Birds.
Mad decent
Slaps
Enjoyed the Kendrick feature
Awesome album, really enjoyable
Great combo of hip hop beats, and good pop/rock playing. The language is authentic but may turn some people off from this album. She is an amazing talent and more people should know about her.
Not my usual vibe at all, but that doesn't mean it didn't get me vibin. Great vocals, a few solid standout tracks, and overall a good time.
I hadn't heard (or don't recall hearing) anything by this artist before, and I am so glad this project introduced me to her and her work. Such an interesting personal style that combines a variety of sounds and influences. There are enough layers and textures in most of the tracks, along with some nicely composed harmonies and melodies, that my ear stayed engaged for quite a lot of this album. Really good stuff here and I'll definitely listen to it again.
This is a great album. You get a sense of who she is from the lyrics, there are some great grooves and production and I remember being wowed by this when it first came out. A true album sonically and conceptually. I didn't give it a higher score because I actually think it's too long. No song is bad, but by the end the songs start to sound similar to me as most of the songs have similar tempos/melody lines etc. So while it's not a super long album, I think it could cut a track or two.
one of the few modern r&b records very good early tracks heavily inspired by frank ocean
Really good!
4.5/5. Better than I remember. The first half of the album is amazing. Great songs and great features. I felt that the second half of that album, while it was by no means bad, it lacked in song quality, compared to the first half. Overall, a really good album.
Smooth, interesting, and curious. Certainly worth digging into further. Fave: Garden (Say It Like Dat)
Sizzles
Synth drums: check R&B elements: check Multilayered productions: check Sexually explicit lyrics: check Big names as guests: check A TikTok single: check A stereotypical "modern music" album. But whether or not you agree that "modern music bad", this particular work is surprisingly well done.
This was very slick - listened twice while working and it's melodic enough in most places that it slips pleasantly into the background - I'd probably get more out of it with a focused listen paying more attention to the lyrics... Fave track - "20 Something", maybe? Or "The Weekend"... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
You know what, its all very impressive.
J’ai aime le style. R&b hiphop ca sonne biene t c’estplaisant 4
Pop-soul suavecín. No está mal.
Bra grejer, musiken lät bra och jag tyckte SZAs meddelande var positivt och välakrivet.
Pussy juice exploding right in my eyes. It stings a little, but feels wonderful. I mix it with acid and throw it at innocent bystanders in the street. Fuck them.
Love Sza’s lyrics, vocals are great, music is good
Big fan of this album
Didn't expect to like it....loved it!
Raw, harsh, by turns aggressive and melancholic.
F$*&. This is what I hate about modern rap and R&B (thanks Dre). The opening track's lyrics are super deep to start and the music accompaniment is great. Her voice is also very good. Raw energy. And then it devolves into f$*&ing your man and how big his dick is. Track 3 doesn't even bother with the pretense - let's just sing about pussy. Again, thanks Dre and other trailblazers. One day I'll really delve into this because I love rock, which is often about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Perhaps its the bluntness of R&B that gets me, and perhaps rock has more poetic innuendo. Or maybe I'm being unfair to R&B and biased toward rock. BS lyrics and typical tropes aside, there's a lot to like about the album. Drew Barrymore is awesome; real powerful. Prom is a little poppy, but I quite liked it. I kinda knew where The Weekend was going from the opening sleazy/porn beat. Kind of stayed that way for a few tracks - a little more poetry and innuendo than earlier tracks though. All in all, she is a good lyricist, just wish she'd write about deeper stuff more often (like 20 Something). Music, beats, tracks well polished.
SZA on taidokas laulaja ja levy ihan mukavaa kuunneltavaa.
It's fine, if a little uninspiring. The auto-tune is in full effect, which I could do without. Travis Scott is present, which I could do without. But the chill neo-soul beats are great. Somewhere between a 2 and a 3, for me.
songwriting seems like it might be pretty good but it's hard to tell because it frequently tips over from well-polished and clean into overly smooth and indistinct.
534/1089 - Beats are cool, I like the mix of electronica, neo-soul and hip-hop. Not a fan of her voice or the lyrical content.
That was A LOT more sexual than I thought it was gonna be. A whole song about pussy, and about cheating. One of my Exes and her friends love SZA, and I can kinda see it? but not really my vibe. But I can see where some moods I would be into it.
SOS is such a better album… but was fun to listen to her earlier album. 3.3
Ok
A bit psycho but fairly representative of pop music at the time.
Yea it was fine some of the songs were vibey. I’m noticing a recurring theme with the post 2010 albums im seeing in this list though
Not my style, but pleasant enough to listen to in the background. ★★★
I first listened to this album in full in 2022. I enjoyed it but after repeat playthroughs it lost some of the initial charm it had, and I ended up believing it was a fairly front-loaded album. I have not revisited it nor SZA's work at all since then, though I do enjoy her features. The opening track is excellent and I love when the drums come in. I wish she had let that beat ride out a bit longer. The highlights here are great and songs I revisit every once in a while. On the other hand, a lot of the record I find plain and forgettable. My largest disappointment is Pretty Little Birds, with a lackluster Isaiah Rashad feature coming from his biggest fan and a lack of excitement everywhere else on the song. Overall, the record is breezy and smooth, and never a difficult listen. Most of the instrumentals are lush and give SZA room to work, although sometimes I think both could be a little more exciting (Drew Barrymore). If someone told me this was their favorite record, I’d give them a high five. For my money, I’m taking Anderson .Paak when it comes to R&B.
Not really my thing, but decent.
Alright but didn’t stick with me
Pretty good, great beats and solid vocals, does drag a bit at points tho. Highlights-Doves in the Wind, Drew Berrymore, Prom, and The Weekend.
Buen álbum de r&b, neo soul y todo eso. Me agrada pero la verdad no me mató. Bastante esperable lo que escuché. 5/10
Mucho mas chill de lo que esperaba. Un poco me disocié. Nota: 3.6
Spacey woozy genre bending pop with cool chamber pop sounds, pretty keyboard parts, some rap verses, some RnB/neo-soul singing, some hip hop beats. Great vocal performance, very accomplished but intimate. It’s cool to see pop with this level of authorial flair to it, full of playful sounds and an overall eclectic lo-fi bedroom feel. It’s just fine, well done but not really engaging. Lots of it sounds like it’s the intro/transitional bit of a song that never really gets going. Hard to imagine how this gets anyone excited - maybe you have to get into the lyrics.
Agradable. Bien. Sin más.
Surprisingly better than I thought it'd be. Still not a fan or r&b
Great
nice enough
There were some really cool songs occasionally sprinkled with absolute drivel. Like wtf was that dove song? It took away from the experience of the parts of the album that really shined, which is unfortunate.
Nice enough. Not really my thing.
Not my cup of tea but was fine for a car journey
A middle of the road RnB album. Started stronger than it turned out, which is okay. These things happen. I particularly liked the track with Kendrick Lamar though. Nothing else really sticks out to me thinking back on it. I'll probably delete it from my server in the future.
R&b soul rap
Okay ish rap
I feel like this album was more than met the ear. Sure, it was a bit typical lyrically, just with a feminine perspective instead of the masculine take. But the musical compositions and genre blending is where it stood out for me. Simplifying it down to just neo-soul works, but kind of ignores the complexities. There was a lot of school sound in there and pulls from other areas of music. Even though a lot was happening, the production still sounded rather simple. It almost felt more like an indie record than a hip hop album at times. For me, though, I didn't really love it. I thought SZA was a talented singer and had some interesting stuff happening, but I didn't engage with it very much. While it seemed good, there were only a few tracks that grabbed me more than just being a fine listen. Also, it seems a little plant-y. She has some huge names featured on here as her debut album. The songs are all written by a team of people (not uncommon in modern hip hop), even if she is credited for all the lyrics. It strikes me as a bit disingenuous for whatever reason. Regardless, I can appreciate that a lot of work went into this and made something worth a listen. I don't think it was particularly great, but it is still enjoyable enough. Overall: 3/5
Impressive debut from a young artist. A nice R&B/soul mix with hip hop. Not what I normally listen to, and the lyrics from some of the songs were just not for me, but overall I kind of liked it. A few good songs in there. Likely won’t listen to the whole thing again though.
Couple of tracks on here are absolutely sublime. And one has the most awkward Kendrick Lamar verse you can be listening to when your kids walk into the room.
3.3 Neo-soul/hip hop. I liked the listen, although it doesnt really stick out as, let's say, the Janelle Monae and Lauryn Hill albums we've had on the list
Mais um álbum de jovens. Letras ousadas, um ritmo tranquilo que quase me parece um Lo-Fi. Voz boa. Eu não curto muito o estilo, mas imagino uma galera gostando de ouvir bem de boa.
Good production and vibe, I was just...bored. I've never been particularly turned on by bedroom R&B and that's literally all this is. If I'm not listening, it's a good ambiance...if I am listening, I'm waiting for something more catchy or interesting to come on.
I guess slow, electronic R&B just isn't my thing. There's a few songs on here that I like, and SZA has a great voice, but as an album it feels repetitive and sleep inducing. Faves: Supermodel, Doves In The Wind (feat. Kendrick Lamar), Normal Girl
I found it a bit difficult to care or remain interested in this. It's okay, I guess.
Great...just not my thing
She’s not bad but not someone I want to listen to on the regular.
I love SZA´s vocals but her lyrics are terrible.
Never listened before. Was good to expand horizons a bit
Great vibes and top-notch production, and paired with emotional, extremely honest songwriting. But by the end of the record, it just sounded a little “One-Note.”
yeah sounded like a standard us hip hop rnb album to me
Decent album.
ha nonie viel vo ihre glost. aber erste song het meeega öpis. sehr explizit und verletzlich glichzitig. drums chömed erdt am schluss ine au cool. und d gitarre wo kreist au nice. love galore hani weniger gfühlt. doves in the wind redt immer vo pussy, s isch chli funny aber au ernst. ah hoi kendrick. broken clocks kenni glaub? oder chunt mer bekannt vor. d production isch sehr glitzerig und glitchy zum teil. het huere en stil. irgendwie berührt mich moderne rnb seehr selte. vlt ischsmer z langsam. sie singt huere nice und mega expressiv aber naaja s chunt mer nöd aah irgendwie. cha glaub nöd öpis anders als es 3 geh.
han nanie würkli aktiv sza glost! de erst song isch na cool als ahfang, aber d energie vom uufbau chan sich nöd ganz entlade falls das sinn macht? TRAVIS jaa bö coole beat aber nüt umwerfends iwie he wnl kendrick chli vill pussy-erwähnige für min persönliche gschmack finds bis jz chli langwilig? so es isch idem sinn guet aber packtmi nödso garden (say it like dat) findi na cute allgemein ich finds "ahgnehmi musig" mit smoothi beats aber meistens lauft eifach chli leider 20 something isch en cute schluss vom album aber jo. es isch schön und smooth aber het leider würkli wenig in mier uusglöst ah und sie het mega e schöni stimm! I guess 3? brings nöd ganz übers herz, öppis schlechters z geh
Enjoyed this!! Not my usual style but well composed and creative
Great music even if not for me
Not really my thing. But she has a great voice and some songs are straight up solid. But not enough for 4 stars
Nice album
R&B, but with a rap mentality. Nice closing number.
It is well produced and interesting but I just can't stand R&B slop. Good for her though.
Fair
2.5/5
Okay
01) Supermodel - 7,0 02) Love Galore - 7,0 03) Doves in the Wind - 6,5 04) Drew Barrymore - 7,0 05) Prom - 7,0 06) The Weekend - 6,0 07) Go Gina - 7,0 08) Garden (Say It like Dat) - 6,5 09) Broken Clocks - 7,0 10) Anything - 6,5 11) Wavy (Interlude) - 6,0 12) Normal Girl - 7,0 13) Pretty Little Birds - 6,5 14) 20 Something - 6,5 TOTAL: 6,68 (67/100) Current ranking: 575/883
This probably isn't for me, but it's good
63# This must be the most recent album to be in this list and i don't understand why this. Not saying that this is bad, it isn't and I already liked it before, but i don't think it jas much relevance compared to other more powerful and inventive albums of that year for example
Fab modern R&B with a few standout songs, including Drew Barrymore and Prom. Also love the kendrick feature. Previously only seen Sza from her disastrous Glasto set and her songs ok Kendrick albums, so it's good to listen to her properly - great voice and solid production 7/10
Quite enjoyed some songs.
Frank Ocean
What a voice. I think SOS is a better album, but SZA is fantastic vibe music regardless. 3.5 stars
Hade hoppats på en "Frank Ocean"-upplevelse. Det var kanske naivt. Det är inte värdelöst dock. Men rätt mellanmjölk.
Gillar verkligen en del av SZA:s nyare grejer men hade inte hört denna. Habil och välproducerad R&B som har några höjdpunkter men inte höjden når mer än en stark trea totalt sett.
Again, I am not remotely the target audience for SZA. I appreciate the sound, the production is Vey slick, particularly the subs - bass and kick. SZA has a good voice, in that mildly auto tuned way in which a lot of RNB vocals are treated these days. Kendrick Lamarr appears. Apparently the lyrics are by mature and relevant to her fans, but I don't really get it.
Getting a few more "modern" albums lately, which I won't complain about at all. This is a pretty palatable album for those who enjoy hip-hop, R&B, or soul. The production is arguably fluent and slick as SZA airs out her confessions all throughout her debut. Not all of them are quite as convincing as some of the others, though (with some of the tracks being a little too...on the nose in their themes I guess?) There are some genuinely well-crafted and creative moments here though, as tracks such as "Drew Barrymore" and "Broken Clocks" are worth highlighting at the very least.
Love you sweetie just not my fave
3.5
Aside from the terrible Kendrick Lamar song, this album is just ok.
It's one of those albums that either hits or it doesn't, depending on the track. Some phenomenal highlights, but also a bunch of tracks that I personally find to be very forgettable. SZA's great vocals are always a treat to listen, though, even when the album is at its worst. Favourite track: Broken Clocks
Moderately enjoyed but won’t return on my own. Wouldn’t be sad if someone played it though 3.5
I'm not really a r&b fan, but didn't hate listening to this. I thought I would like this more honestly because I'm a big fan of Kill Bill by SZA, but nothing on this album struck me like that song did. Pretty middle of the road overall, nothing stood out as either really good or really bad. I originally had this on my vinyl want list, but after giving it a full listen I took it off as I don't see myself resisting this album regularly. Favorite Track - Go Gina Least Favorite Track - Love Galore ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was not familiar with her game and now i am. I thought this was good. I liked the production, the collaborators and the attitude. I enjoyed the female power and she has a good voice and an ear for a good hook.
Very chill listen, beautiful voice. I dunno what these people rating it 1 are fucking talking about.
3/5 Chill album. With a lot of R&B it feels like it can become very samesy very quickly, and while I enjoyed SZA, it became background music relatively quick. She has a beautiful voice though, and most of these reviews that are giving it one star are riddled with misogynoir.
ok, but not great. Quickly forgotten. I don't get the fuzz.
3/5
Great sounds. Didn't care for the lyrics
Good non great, good features
Have never listened to this album, only her more recent hits so this was a nice education and gave me a deeper appreciation for her work.
Solid. Refreshing.
Nice chill vibes
Surprised how much I enjoyed this, especially on the second listen. Some really nice chilled, catchy songs. Questionable lyrics at times, and I didn't particularly enjoy the songs with features on, but the majority of this album is an easy listen with nice vocals. Standout tracks Supermodel, Drew Barrymore and Prom.
Not bad. Too much autotuning on some of the voices. Why do they do that?
The album is mid, there are some good songs, bet some were a bit too much for me
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. The songs with features were solid, but the rest of the album was just alright for me. I like her voice tho.
Somewhat interesting, but still forgettable. Not usually my type of music
First time hearing this. It's pretty damn good. Should probably give it 4 stars, not going with 3 because I'm not likely to put it on again.
I rather liked this. So many people here clutching their pearls here over language, lol. A strong three.
Muy buena grabación, digna de 2017. Las canciones flojas. Sirven de fondo sin más
Great vibes and a great sound. Certainly need more of this in my ears. Loses a star for the Kendrick track. How many 2 Live Crew fans never grew up?
++: Love Galore, Doves in the Wind, Drew Barrymore, The Weekend, Broken Clocks, Anything, Wavy (Interlude), Pretty Little Birds +: Garden (Say It like Dat), 20 Something +-: Supermodel, Prom, Go Gina, Normal Girl 7,6/10
That's not my taste in music - But ok
While her cursive vocal delivery and sometimes crass descriptions normalizing infidelity, CTRL by SZA also gives a voice to a lot of women who lack confidence in themselves. SZA bravely wears her heart on her sleeve and there's a lot to be said about that. Add in an accomplished musical score and you've got an understandable entry into the 1001, even if it's not my favorite.
Not quite my cup of tea but I did find myself enjoying it at times. I think lyrically it is interesting when reflecting on the interpersonal stuff, but if you kind of have it on while you're doing things it'll largely sound like most other modern music
I mean, it’s simple R&B she’s got a great voice and it’s not a bad album, just not really sure what’s so special about it to be on this list.
A good introduction. I think she really blew up on the next project but some really cool production and her voice is amazing.
Next I like this pretty well enough for specially for in a kind of modern R&B I'm not really that big on. Kim. (I'm more into neo-soul like Keys) But she has a great voice for sure! Highlight "Drew Barrymore", "Garden" & 20 Something" (7.6) ★★★½
Not my fsvouritr style, but well done. 3.5 stsrs