2022 has been a strange year for music. Albums are getting less and less important for an artist. If you get a Tik Tok hit, your whole career could turn around. Even if the song never blew up when it was first released.
I enjoyed all six album of the year nominations, but one album did instantly hit different.
So it may have just landed, however SOS ruled my final weeks of 2022. SZA's debut was overlooked by many including me. Released in 2017, CTRL was a stunning debut from a super artist. I was lucky enough to catch her live pre COVID and live, she slays.
SOS spans a massive 23 tracks. Some shorter than others, however they are all fire. From the singled y'all know and love to the new cuts.
So SOS is the second studio album by American singer SZA, released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records on December 9, 2022.
The album features guest appearances from Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard.
SZA worked with a variety of record producers and songwriters such as Babyface, Jeff Bhasker, Benny Blanco, Rodney Jerkins, DJ Dahi, Gabriel Hardeman, Ant Clemons, Lizzo and Björk.
The album was preceded by three singles Good Days, I Hate U along with Shirt. The former two singles, as well as the track Kill Bill & the fourth single Nobody Gets Me, peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
Upon its release, SOS received widespread critical acclaim for its eclectic sound and SZA's vocal delivery, with several media publications ranking it as one of the best albums of 2022. So I am not alone in crowning this 2022's better than never, best release!
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 318,000 units, breaking the record for the largest streaming week for an R&B album. It marked SZA's first number-one album in the United States and spent two weeks atop the chart.
SZA you rule, I love your vibe, your style, the way you releases such a stunning album so late in the 2022 game. Well done this is a masterpiece.
