Reviews (page 6 of 8)
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
One of the few albums on this list I’ve listened to before so it gets points for that. Lot of good songs but definitely liked the first half more. Production is good. I didn’t realize how mid the Kendrick song is.
Not a huge r&b fan so didn’t love this but think it’s good
5/10 - They kind of all blended together. Some of the songs were bad and some were slightly better. 20 something was weird.
I’m not the biggest rnb fan but sza is always fun to listen to
Conflicted. Lyrically a mess and the first half to middle of the album is trash. Even with the instrumentals on some of the early songs be pretty great it is ultimately destroyed by the awful lyrics. The latter portion of the album is much better and man if it would have just been those songs this would probably have been a much more enjoyable experience. 4/10
Incredible. Feels like there's a million unopened doors that will take hundreds of listens to open.
I enjoyed a lot of the songs on this album individually. She has a great voice, and the music is good overall. The problem comes when I try to listen to it as an album, and every song starts to blend together because they all sound really similar 3/5
Meh album. This just sounds like everything else. It's not really difficult to listen to, but it doesn't have anything that moves me. Lyrically, it's not great. **
Musically, there's a lot of stuff that is starting to come out now that sounds exactly like this. It's really really good stuff. I'm not entirely on board with some of the content of the songs, but I also understand what's she's trying to communicate, and why she chose to communicate it in that way. If that makes sense. (looking at you Doves in the Wing). As a 29-year old, I really resonated with 20 Something. Honestly, though, an incredible album. The vulgarity and explicit-ness was a little much on a couple songs, but otherwise no notes from me. Favorite Song(s): Prom, Anything, 20 Something
I can appreciate that this is good. It’s just not my jam.
Good
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
Boring and -1 for autotune
It’s about 14 songs too long
Nice sound
I didn’t think I’d like this but I found it quite easy on the ears and relaxing. Not bad.
Prom, Drew Barrymore, The Weekend, Go Gina, Supermodel, Broken Clocks, Normal girl, 20 something, Love Galore (alt version),
Favorite track: Doves in the wind other picks: supermodel, love galore, broken chords, 20 something
я не буду слушать альбом какой то негритянской жабы
Never quite got there for me but not a bad listen
Her voice is pretty phenomenal, but almost all of the features on the album detract from the overall quality. The message on her final track resonated pretty strongly though, so I'm happy to give the round up score here
Good music, but so far from "my thing" I feel it's impossible to give it a proper rating on its merits.
What’s this about Forrest Gump and pussy? Not my genre but that just became my new favorite thing, lol.
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.
Eh
Coming into this album completely cold and with no expectations. I'm impressed with Supermodel; the music is interesting, the delivery emotional, I was drawn in by the confessional lyrics. But boy, I'm sure not digging all of these songs. There's explicit and then there's needlessly explicit. Sorry. I'm an old.
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.
Pretty good actually
Didn't hate it.
god, please, take me with you
Well, I don't like rap too much, and I definitely don't like rnb, so it's quite hard to find any redeeming quality in this album. I tried, but it's not for me, at all.
Not the kind of R&B I enjoy.
It’s an ok album
Nice. Hadn't heard.
This isn't really made for me, but it's not awful. It is surprisingly boring though. Just down the middle for me.
Rap, R&B, 2017 -> 1
Throw away
Meh
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
Very well mastered and produced. The beats hit hard and the rap is well constructed. She has a great voice, albeit a bit auto tuned. This is honestly just one good song away from being a 4, but overall something I would enjoy listening to again.
Didn't realise how long SZA has been really in the zeitgeist of music. Whilst the alt hip-hop/soul isn't usually my jam, I don't mind what she puts out into the world, particularly on CTRL, there are some great tracks and sounds. Perfect to chill out to in a club or at home on a lazy evening. Best: Broken Clocks Worst: Wavy (Interlude) 3.5 Stars
It’s listenable and she got a good voice, but it’s nothing special for me and sounds a bit too tuned; she doesn’t step out of her comfort zones vocally. The beats are nice and melodic, but the lyrics are copy-paste from song to song with the same themes. If I were pettier, the Pussy Song would drop this to a 2.5 just for the sake of rolling my eyes through the whole thing. Wouldn’t revisit it, but I can see why some would enjoy. I just need more out of this.
I'm totally ok with this album being on the list but the truth is I'm a little lost when it comes to this sort of music & it makes me feel really old lol. I don't like most of the songs here although the odd tune does catch my ear but then the lyrics just put me off those ones too. I'm happy to just let this pass me by. 2- Stars (4/15)
Really nice tonals!
I know she's getting a ton of buzz and SOS is quite good but this was just fine. Somewhat generic sounding but can hear that she has something. Definitely the wrong choice to include her on this list though given how early into her career she is.
p951. p207. 3 stars. Well done but average millennium "R&B". Decent voice and explicit lyrics do not make for essential listening.
I’ve listened to this album before, when I went through Rolling Stone’s best albums of the 2010’s. I honestly don’t remember much about it, but I was excited to see this one pop up for me today. Overall, this was a pretty good album. The soul-inspired instrumentals were really unique and enjoyable (especially the horns), and the production work was really solid as well. I loved the vulnerability of the lyrics. SZA did a great job conveying feelings of insecurity and youthful inexperience, and I liked how everything still tied back into the theme of control. “Drew Barrymore” and “Prom” were easily my favorite tracks on the album. The vocals on “Drew Barry” more were some of the best on the album, and I really enjoyed the wavering string instruments. “Prom” had a really awesome dream pop sound, and I could honestly picture a slow dance at a prom in the nineties, complete with blue-hued lighting as I listened to this song. I wasn’t a big fan of the Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar appearances. Their presence was really rough on an otherwise smooth album, and they didn’t really add anything with their appearance. I’d be inclined to go back to this album, not because I was in love with it, but because it was enjoyable to listen to, and because there’s so much to unpack lyrically.
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
Didn’t listen
Outstanding!!
Not my thing.
Pretty ok
I feel like I should have enjoyed this album but it just felt like it dragged.
Moody, atmospheric bop
If this is the future of R&B, I'm here for it.
yeah fine
Incredible artist.
Good so far tbh, will take another listen
atmosphätische klangbilder, gute beats und jazzige elemente - sicher nicht das schlechteste R&B-album, aber ausser der stimme nichts ausserordentliches.
Nicht so meines
R&B inhibido y maduro por parte de una artista, de nombre real Solana Rowe, que en 2017 cuando se editó éste, su primer álbum, contaba con tan solo 26 años. Sus letras son sinceras y poderosas y nos hablan de la soledad y la inseguridad ante un mundo cambiante. En "Doves in the Wind", colaboración de Kendrick Lamar mediante, coquetea con el hip-hop y el soul para hablarnos y burlarse ácidamente de la ineptitud y algunos comportamientos rechazables de los hombres. Destacaría el sosegado sencillo "Love Galore", en colaboración con Travis Scott, sobre reanimar la llama de una relación que no va a ninguna parte, y el tema "Prom", sobre la angustia y la preocupación juvenil por crecer y hacerse adulto.
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
3.5
I was surprised by this artist. It feels like rap over indie. Still not my favorite genre but I can appreciate the style and effort to do something new.
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.
Nothing really felt special about it. I guess I can see how the Gen Z crowd is a fan, but it just felt generic. 2.5/5
if i had any suspicions that many of this site's users were dull, pretentious men, then the reviews for this album certainly would have done nothing to confirm them! 👍🏻
Ljúft og fínt. Sum lögin talsvert betri en önnur samt. Broken Clocks og The Weekend langbest IMO.
Ágætis tónlist. Pínu leiðigjarnt til lengdar. Fannst fyrri hlutinn mun betri en seinni.
If I hadn't been so busy catching up on things after a long weekend, I would have pulled out my vinyl copy. Still a great revisit to such a fantastic album! Love that this made the list.
ahhhh yes. thats my friend
listened to again it's alright
I absolutely get why this is on the list but it’s not for me.
Outrageous production value, she's got lots to say and it's pretty funny at times as well
Not really that memorable for me. I did like her later album though.
A gorgeous, heartfelt, feminine album I never would have listened to otherwise. Thank you albumfest
I have thought for a while and will still maintain that Travis Scott is an idiot. That isn’t really relevant here, but this is my soapbox and he’s on this album, so here we are. On to the album. This wasn’t written or recorded for me. I made little if any connection to the themes or lyrics of this album. I instead tried to focus on the production, which was very good. SZA has an excellent voice, and it sounds great on this album, I just wish she’d use it for music that showed it off better. Overall this album just comes off as immature to me. An entire song (“Doves in the Wind”) uses the word “pussy” 23 times by my count. That same song also talks about how Forrest Gump could’ve gotten laid but was a good guy so he didn’t. I haven’t seen that movie in a long time so maybe I’m forgetting parts of it but I don’t remember him turning down Jenny for sex. Like seriously, what? Parts of this are just really ham fisted. I really liked the voice clips of SZA’s mom at the end of some songs, and how we don’t know it’s her mom until the end of the album. That rewards listeners who sit and listen to the whole thing, which is cool and unexpected these days where the art of the album is generally lost in popular music. I didn’t need to hear this before I died. This felt like a pick made to just make the book more relevant, like the editors were grasping for more modern content and grabbed this to make them seem edgy. I’d be surprised if it’s in the next edition. This wasn’t for me. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but it wasn’t for me. Two stars. Sorry, SZA. Standout tracks: Drew Barrymore, 20 Something
I still have three more songs to hear, but I doubt my opinion will change. I suppose we have to have something to represent the shitty state of modern music, and this is a good one to do that. Awful auto-tuned vocals, crass lyrics, and...I don't want to waste any more time on this. I will listen to the final three tracks tomorrow and edit the review if anything changes my mind. Edit: Nothing changed my mind. Got a second song where she mentions shaving her legs though. Give me Janet Jackson's "Control" album any day over this.
Once again: I’m not sure there are 1001 albums you need to hear before you die. There was absolutely nothing special about this aside from the possibility that music in 2017 was SO terrible it made this seem interesting, which is entirely possible. (No offense to SZA, who seems to be well-liked and is lovely, I’m sure.)
Favourite song - The Weekend
Cool
Meh
SZA seems fun
Wasn't feeling it today don't know why. I didn't know she was so extremely popular though that's cool
Considering how relatively infrequently new music gets added, I'm surprised this one made the list. There are really no stand-out songs, and a lot of the lyrics are pretty cringeworthy. I was hoping to like this more -- I don't know anything about SZA, except her second-most recent tweet is a Beatles quote, so she has my respect for that at least.
Really good R&B album without any real hits.
R&B sounds really nice. I personally was taken back a bit from the explicit lyrics of a couple of the songs, but I could transpose a few less explicit lyrics and enjoy it nonetheless
R&B Plätschert so vor sich hin, stört nicht, animiert aber auch nicht zum genaueren hinhören. 2/5
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).
Not enough songs about dicks and pussies and asses and cumming and pissing and shitting. I don't know what's the "Ship of Theseus" threshold for music, but having 14 different producers and 35 different songwriters makes me feel like this should be filed under the processed ham section rather than the artistic statement one, if you get what I'm sayin'.
Was curious from the first song on - and quite liked it!
det här är lite intressant. det är något som får mig att fortsätta lyssna trots att det inte är min musiksmak.
I love SZA so I’ll overrate this.
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
Some nice production at times but descended into the annoying trap hihat beat with triplet autotuned rhymes that we’ve heard a billion times. The lyrics were uninspiring, just the same shit we’ve heard for decades in R&B.
Too early to add this to the list, and it sucks.
Ctrl-Alt-Del. What a sad album. Never heard of SZA. Won't listen again.
I know I am not going to like this album so two tracks are enough
Some immediate thoughts while listening: Female Frank Ocean Perfectly sums up mid-2010 millennial dating/hook-up/Tinder vibes For any hot mess "in their feelings" As a mid-30 year old man, this is just old enough for me to have some nostalgia for the era, where I too was in my feelings.
Meh. It was alright.
Pretty accessible hip-hop, I liked SZA's flow. Want to revisit more!
perfect
Never previously heard of this album or even the artist. Eh it's ok; typical over sexualisation and auto tune voice distorts bring it down. 2.8
Entertaining for sure.
its fine but SOS is so much better than this
nie rozumiem dlaczego to niby jest w 1001 albumow do przesluchania, nic w nim kultowego, po prostu jest z czasow gdzie marketing robi wszystko
SZA altijd goed
Pop-soul suavecín. No está mal. Un 4.
Alternative R&B,neo soul. No sé porqué está en esta lista. En fin, no suena mal.
No thnx
Loved this album from the moment I heard it but I forgot how good some tracks are. Drew Barrymore for example.
Overall boring and unoriginal. Favorite songs- broken clocks
Album Nr. 70 Es gibt besseren RMB. Ich finde das Album schlicht langweilig.
I don't think I have listened to all of these songs before- good ass album.
Good R&B/Rap album
How the fuck is this on this list. Like it was fine but it was it was nothing. I’m like border line mad that this is on this list
This is the album equivalent of a meeting that could have been an email….this could have been a single and saved us all a ton of time. Not a ton of variety here. She’s got a really nice voice and I liked the production on it, but I got tired of it pretty quickly.
A couple of hits
Yawn.
Not a lot here.
This was the first modern selection. I don’t really know a lot about SZA. Maybe she pioneered this style of singing, or maybe she just sounds like all the rest of the music I hear when I accidentally tune into radio 1.
This was well-produced, but it didn't do anything for me.
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.
SZA is the best!
SZA - Ctrl Debut album for SZA. Listening to this, I understand the hype and praise. I don't know why I never listened to this album. R & B, trap, and indie rolled into one to make this amazing album. I'm going to have to find time to listen to her new album soon! 5/5
Such an amazing vocal performance by SZA. She conveys so much emotion in her voice. She also has a lot of range. I remember when this album came out listening to it on repeat. She also pulls some huge hip hop features like Travis Scott, Isaiah Rashad, and Kendrick Lamar. Just a great blend of hip hop, RnB, and pop. I think my favorite track is Broken Clocks although the whole thing is good front to back.
Ansi svalt albúm. Hef ekki mikið hlusta á SZA en þetta er kúl.
fantastic! prefer the solo songs not the collabs
very talented singer, most beats are good. thematically gets repetitive and predictable, demonstrates a lot of stereotypes about the genre where too many songs are oversexualized
Mg pero me gritaba "p*ssy".
pussy it was ok
Ei ärsyttänyt aktiivisesti mutta ei noussut ostarien taustamusaa paremmaksi 2/5
Tää ei ainakaan toimi yhtään huonommin kuin ilmestyessään. Huikean taitavasti ja hyvällä maulla tehty kiinnostava levy. 4+/5
Ihan kiinnostavaa nyky-R'n'B:tä. ei ehkä ihan oma genre, 3.5/5
it's fine
One of my top ten. A song for every mood. SZA is an unparalleled RnB artist and I love pretty much any project she puts out.
Never had listened to it. Very good and consistent. Defining for the genre
Lovely album, thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll need to listen to more SZA moving forward.
Whiny voice, none of the tracks really caught my attention
Good album. Fun and unique and provocative.
???
CTRL >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SOS
Nice Album! I still not the biggest sza fan but I appreciate her Ctrl album
This ain’t it.
This is the first album from the 2010s I have been served up on this 1,001 album-listening journey. SZA's musical choices and beats are pleasant to my ear and I didn't actively dislike the album, but I would never revisit this one. Too much auto-tune and monotone sing-rapping. Bright spots for me were "Doves in the Wind" (which may contain the most consistent use of the "p-word" I've ever heard and I actually chuckled quite a bit throughout), and the single "Drew Barrymore." As an album, though, this is a pass for me. Interesting factoids from Wikipedia: *SZA contributed heavily to the album's lyrics, co-writing all fourteen tracks. SZA would freestyle the songs in a hope to "let the moments happen in the studio. Standouts: Love Galore, Doves in the Wind, Drew Barrymore
Sounded made for the radio, bland.
"ass and titties, titties, only thing that stuck with me" amazing voice but personally not a huge fan of this style, there's a bunch of lines that were really satisfying tho. also not a huge fan of minimalist production but ya know its R&B whateva "prolly hella positive cuz she got a big booty" "i wanna be your golden goose, i wanna shave my legs for you" standouts: [the album cover] doves in the wind... pretty little birds
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.
Hated it. Sorry!
Hard for me to distinguish between the songs. Not unenjoyable, just felt like I was walking through a supermarket.
Not for me
Ok
Some of the songs were okay. Felt like the entire album was produced with just a synthesizer so no real depth to the tracks.
A little shocked to have this new of an artist on the list, especially when we are in an era of what have you done lately and it feels like it has been a little quiet on SZA's front. This album is really a stellar MLD. Her vocals/lyrics are great and it is backed with some excellent production and guest features from equally talented players. I don't think I have given too much serious listen to SZA before but will listen out for new stuff from this listen
I liked very little about this album. Not the lyrics, or best, and I especially disliked her voice.
I was hoping to like this more than I actually did. Nothing really stood out or grabbed me.
could i write poetry to this? y
eh
wow, this was bad.
ok
Autotune *würg*
A good solid album but I wouldn’t put in the all time classic category.
Not for me, I guess? Talented artist I couldn't connect with in one listen.
Unfortunately, not for me. Not an unpleasant listen but incredibly unremarkable. SZA has a lovely voice and the music is smooth and inoffensive, but the novel-sized list of songwriters and producers really is rarely a good sign. It was fine, but could’ve been made by any number of similar artists.
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
Wow it's not often an album I thought I'd dislike really surprises me. This isnt one of those albums. What complete crap,
It started off pretty okay with the opener. As it went on I disliked it for the most part. There were a couple of decent tracks but a lot was just unappealing. The lyrics were pretty dumb at times too. What a waste of Kendrick.
It's fine. Not my go-to style of music but I can respect the sound and for those that like this style I am sure this is among the best. 3/5
SZA’s best work was yet to come, but her debut provides her with a strong head start. Dreamy and defiant.
Alternative R&B,neo soul. No sé porqué está en esta lista. En fin, no suena mal.
Great vocals and I recognize some of her more recent songs but hadn’t heard most of this one. Not my general genre of music but overall very good.
Vibe. of tempo, sweet voice, and interesting beats. Feels very modern 2024, this was ahead of its time in 2017. Sexy
Generic and just a bit boring
I was expecting wonderful things but alas that tree did not come to bear fruit.
Some interesting sounds and a couple of really good songs, like Drew Barrymore, but overall just not my cuppa.
Alternative R&B,neo soul. No sé porqué está en esta lista. En fin, no suena mal.
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
A little too horny for my liking but some decent songs. I’ve always liked “the weekend” bc frank O posted a snippet of him covering it on his instagram years ago. other than that i will not revisit this album.
Not my favorite genre, but did enjoy several tracks.
"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 one of the few modern albums on this list and it’s definitely one of the better R&B albums to have come out in the past 10 years. SZA had great features on this along with some really well done lyricism and production. Overall this is a good album that has replay value and provides insight into the life of SZA and the world around her. 7.3/10
Lovely mix of lo fi, soem kind of hip hop rhytm and great voice. Excellent for chilling but at the same time worth to pay attention.
Need to listen more to give more love
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.
I like this album, but I don’t think it belongs on this list. Favorite songs are Supermodel, Love Galore, and The Weekend.
It's not bad, but I wasn't hooked.
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.
That's was a struggle
Couldn't wait to DEL this out my memory
Over produced, under written
Sleek lofi feel to the album, can't say I remember to much about it several hours later though...
Not for me. Better luck next time.
Finally a recent album. First of all I really resonated with the themes and lyrics of this album. Lots of talks of relationships, insecurities and such. It felt very emotional. What I didn’t like were any of the features and honestly SZA’s voice. Idk why but the way she sings doesn’t do it for me. Similarly, I didn’t really care for the instrumentals on this album. Basically, I liked the lyrics and themes, didn’t care for basically anything else. As far as songs go, I liked Supermodel, Drew Berrymore, and Pretty Little Birds. Both lyrically and overall. Prom was good lyrically, but I didn’t care for its sound.
Just a sweary Rebecca Black
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.
This is not what I expected at all. Lots of good instrumentation. Great dose of rap, r&b and pop.
I know I sound like a prude, but I'd like to Garfield Minus Garfield this and remove some lyrics. 3
meh
Glad the list listened to my review from yesterday and gave me more 2010s music I’m a sucker for except it’s low fi r&b instead of indie rock. This particular itch hasn’t been scratched since way back when I got heaux tales like 2 years ago and while nothing on this album beats price tags, I think it’s a stronger album from end to end and also has standouts like drew barrymore and go Gina.
Good album with some great songs and some songs that are forgettable. Standout tracks: Supermodel, Love Galore, The Weekend, Prom, 20 Something
Not for me but probably musically wonderful and important.
i mean it’s huge for a reason. no bad songs - just not the type of stuff i listen to normally.
Used to listen to weekend and havent really paid much attention to the album. Overall pretty good but doubt ill ever come back to it. All is talk about pussay and bootay so quite the scandal aint it
Personally, I believe R&B was on the decline and SZA went so fucking hard on bring it back. This album is as iconic on the first listen as it will be on my last. Vocals are beautiful. Instrumentation is the perfect amount of experimental. Lyrics are exactly what’s needed. Nothing to not like here. 5/5
Nothing here really interested me.
Don’t love all kinda sex music
Not for me. I'll come back to it in a couple of years and try again.
I was not familiar with SZA. I knew she existed but I did not know any of her songs. The album was alright. Nothing really stands out on it. I didn't skip any songs.
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.
Awful
Some of my students went to see SZA last year and one came to class having lost her voice completely from shouting, and that was very funny. The album cover is cool. I won't listen to this again but I can see the appeal for Gen Z, and I'm quite happy to see the Kids These Days excited about pop that isn't a complete rehash of the late 90s/early 2000s. On the flipside I think this is going to sound extremely dated in 5-10 years the way the 2000s stuff does. music: I'm old. (⌐■_■)
Hard to nail down my own perspective on this, think I’m just aging out of the world. Just not a lot of a foothold for me. Pretty musically interesting, and feels distinctly Cool from start to finish.
I couldn't finish this album. It's just exactly the type of music and style I don't like.
Did not care for it.
Nice music. Good work. But nothing special, extraordinary. You could listen this album, but also u couldn't. Your live wouldn't change either.
Nice album.
one of those albums best enjoyed on mute
That’s not my type of music … I’m really trying but … nah not for me …
A lot of people like this but I'm not into it. Too slow for me
Lowkey vibe
Not my think but I listened all the way through
Muy plano, no me gusta
There something really sweet and loveable at the core of this. Liked it a lot.
Gefällt mir gut. Sehr abwechslungsreiches Album
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
Lazy, slow, viby and smooth, kinda liked it. Drew Barrymore is outstanding track. Did I forget about something? Ah, yes. A pussy.
not for me
Hard to give this an honest rating. Production-wise it's good, and from a lyrical standpoint she digs deep on some emotional topics but I just don't care for this kind of music.
A really solid R&B album that I loved when I first heard it back in 2017 or whenever but hasn’t stuck with me too much. The slower songs like The Weekend and The Garden are the strongest imo, while Doves in the Wind has fun moments (Kendrick’s feature is mainly great as expected and the outro is gorgeous) but the Forrest Gump lines are incredibly cringe
Quite fun, nothing that stood out that much
This is what I listen to every time I'm on an airplane. For the longest time I had no idea what the second half of the album sounded like because I would always fall asleep. Every time I revisit I find a new thing to like.
Great work from the producers, and some nice used of rhythm from the rappers. However, I am not a huge fan of the overly «in your face» sexual lyrics. I know its part of the style, but the lack of subtlety makes it far less interesting than what it could have been.
A smart and competent album that’s just not for me. I feel like this record wants to be smarter than it is. There are solid beats, and great production all around. But SZA talks about heavy topics in a way a 17 year old would.
The production is top notch but I can’t totally get behind the vocal style.
Not my Type of music.
Kind of enjoyed it. Liked the mix of lofi beats and she does have a great voice. 3/5 Might listen again
Modern R&B... Pitäisi aina puhu töstä genressä menneessä aikamuodossa ei mitään hajua miten voi olla näin popular nykypäivänä...Objektia hellii tätä en tiedä miksi...mitään syytä ole..
Very modern and expensive sounding, with really interesting guest appearances.
I enjoyed this album way more than I expected to, given the amount of auto-tune in it (which is my pet hate). The songs are well constructed over good bass and drum loops and when she sings SZA’s vocals are great
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
Ok more. Rap
Never heard of this person before. I think she has a voice but I’m not sure that I totally enjoy the way she uses it. The wiki references to her sounding sometimes like Billie Holiday confuse me - nothing on this album sounds like Billie. I do like the fact that she favours brevity with her songwriting. I think the opening track is a standout. I also enjoy Prom, Go Gina, and Broken Clocks (love this lyric - so much more intelligent than the “pussy” song, Doves In The Wind, on which she duets with Kendrick Lamar). And 20 Something is a good closer. Still not sure about her pipes.
I enjoyed this. Really smooth and well crafted r'n'b. More interesting than the mainstream, with real (gasp!) personal viewpoints. Enjoyable. Sounds like this was a crushing, angst-filled experience to produce, and who knows if she will ever manage to follow it up, but here's hoping she does. Standout track for me: The Weekend.
I dig rnb at work! hope shes good listening. Nah i didnt like it. Gimmie some india or similar any day 2stars
Not impressed and couldn't relate to most topics of the album. Sonically speaking, some songs were nice though
mid-to-good R&B vibes, but honestly it was background music that i didn't really pay much attention to, other than her wishes to have a fat ol' booty... Why did that stick with me?
SZA good.
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?)
nice bit of neo soul
I wanted to like this more than I did
Incredibly unremarkable. Hate all the effects put on voices. Pretty much done because people can't hold their notes in tune. Very untalented.
Rubbish
Fireeeee
Nice flow, good album.
Those darn youngsters have no taste
Not my usual, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Not my cup of tea. Nice voice but overall it didn't rate for me.
I had to start skimming midway through. Pretty awful. Dad lyrics, autotune shit singing and mediocre beats. Dumb music for dumb people.
I like SZA unashamedly. But this is a stay in the lane record with nothing standing out or making a statement. Good to listen to but nothing out of the ordinary.
There's a lot of autotune on this record. I guess I just don't get modern R&B.
I really didn’t like this. It’s the same beats over the same themes every song. It’s not interesting, and at times it’s just downright bad. Nothing here is for me
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.
I didn’t listen closely to the words but pretty easy listening. Would be a 4 if this was more my style of music.
3/5. I enjoyed this one, specifically a lot of the personal and serious songs that SZA was comfortable singing about. The instrumentation was beautiful, filling the space with R&B but leaving room for electronic and ambience. Even the explicit songs contain some subtle fears and desires. The album loses me with some of the songs just not as good as I would have liked. I do dig Prom, Gina, and Wavy for example but not really Doves, Drew, and Weekend. Like it's not a bad album just not over the top amazing.
Better than I thought it would be, but raunchy!
It's not a bad sound, but it's not for me.
My first skip on this list. Listened to a few tracks, it's never gonna be for me. Will I listen to again: 0%
SZA made a new fan. She has such a great voice and her lyrics are funny, personal and sometimes dark/sarcastic. Loved the vibey beats in the background. Listened to it the whole day!
What a debut album! Not only does SZA bring it in the solo tracks, but also makes her presence felt alongside other great collaborators. Ctrl really \"is craft in action, a uniquely excellent album from a uniquely excellent artist.\"
Not my cup of tea.
What? I've never heard Forrest Gump and pussy in the same sentence. The lyrics are very explicit, but the beats are interesting.
Strong album and easily approachable. Smooth, well polished, soft hip-hop, rap vibe with soul. Really liked Drew Barrymore and Normal Girl. Nothing is really catch enough to want to listen to over and over, but all pretty decent.
A modern classic tbh
I shit my pamt. i am PEEN
not a bad album, but it didn't do very much for me. sza's ctrl was chill and smooth. the r&b electronic mix, with sza's soft style, made for an enjoyable, relaxing listen. but i'm afraid ctrl didn't stand out very much, and the songs didn't distinguish themselves enough.
This album is definitely reflective of the recent, modern trend with R&B and soul music. There was nothing wrong with this, and the album was listenable, but overall I didn't find it remarkable.
I didn’t really connect with this album. Don’t think it’s that universal. I guess she doesn’t make music for me, and that’s okay.
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.
I really wanted to like this. And I did. Until about halfway through the first song. I find these songs lacking in hooks or even melodies. They feel improvised, and not in a good way. Also, her voice isn't compelling. Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm not in the right headspace for this. Totally possible. But based on today's listen, I can't recommend it. To quote my daughter, "It's vibey." I'll give it that. But I want it to be vibey and memorable.
Nothing makes me feel so old and white as listening to modern pussy rap. A couple spots where I think to myself that I like the groove but it never lasts an entire song. I think there is something worthwhile here with SZA...Sylvia loves her and Obama had one of her songs on his annual list. I do keep finding her come up on my psychic shuffle so I'll keep trying her on here and there.
Ikke lige min smag, men meget afslappet musik, hvilket jeg godt kunne lide. Omend det bliver lidt ensformigt.
Voz sensual, mas acompanhada de batidas irritantes.