DISCOGRAPHY AUTOPSY: ENTERING THE REALM OF SZA

DISCOGRAPHY AUTOPSY: ENTERING THE REALM OF SZA

by Marcus Mitropoulos
5 min
SZA ©

One of the driving forces behind self-empowerment music released her latest project titled SOS just a few days ago! SZA (Pronounced Siz-uh), otherwise known as Solána Imani Rowe, kicked off her musical career with a banging album, which ended up going platinum. After “Ctrl”, SZA took a multi-year hiatus, before giving fans Ctrl deluxe and her latest project. 

SZA’s meteoric rise can be attributed to a few factors. One of which is her relatably which shines through in her lyrics. She often draws upon her insecurities and concerns when writing music. This is reflected in her bars that feature cheating exes or feeling used in particular.

Take a seat and unwind as you enter the world of SZA.

SLOW VIBES

One of SZA’s necessary categories within her discography is those slow vibes that get you feeling a way. Shirt is a great example of this which talks about her feeling of loneliness, but understanding that’s she good on her own. The beat is a bit fast for a traditionally RnB track, although SZA’s angelic voice helps calm the mood.

Good Days take a bit of a different approach, focusing heavily on its use of guitars and chimes. It has a bit of a pop feel, like something that would get played on daytime radio. By no means is that a dig! The track has a very pleasant overtone along with its positive lyrics backing it. 

I Hate U is a bit more of a retro vibe, with emphasis placed on kicks, snares, and a heart bass. The track has grown in popularity over TikTok, with fans screaming the namesake bar over a few sad lines on screen. 

ALONE IN YOUR ROOM VIBES

These are the type of tracks that you stick on as you clean your room, relax by yourself, or indulge in whatever calms you down. No Love should be the opening track on that playlist without a doubt. Linking up with Summer Walker, we got an empowering, sexual track that features two queens of RnB. 

Hit Different has a few sick collaborations, including Pharrell and Ty Dolla $ign. This one has a super classic SZA feel, with slow snares and a quick combo of bass and cymbals. Her bars hit deep, talking about seeing an ex in person after a breakup. 

Finally, we have Broken Clocks. Another classic SZA track that has gained traction over TikTok. The “I was down for whatever,” bar has been used in a few trends across the app. Her sound on this track is a perfect blend of RnB, singing, and rapping. Her delivery is just as cold as your heart feels right now. 

JUST STRAIGHT BANGERS

SZA’s discography isn’t just limited to slow beats. This is evident in Kiss Me More, an uber-sexual collaboration with Doja Cat which has also blown up on Tiktok. Seeing a pattern? Her powerful and empowering bars shine through the cotton candy beat. 

All The Stars is a banger off of the Kendrick Lamar album for Black Panther. The back and forth between Kendrick and SZA is to die for and will make you wish you heard this pairing more often. SZA plays a softer tone on this track, which allows her beautiful singing voice to shine through. 

Kill Bill is a scary track for sure. If you’ve just broken up with someone: Beware. There’s a good chance your ex is listening to this track, plotting your downfall. It’s the classic just got out of a bad relationship song that you’re going to want to learn bar for bar. 

More on CULTED

See: ELLIE PARRIS HITS LIKE SZA ON A SUNDAY MORNING

See: DOJA CAT & SZA RELEASE ‘KISS ME MORE’ MUSIC VIDEO

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