Via: SZA/Twitter
Think the term "Black Girl Magic", and everything surrounding it. Now imagine if everything you just thought of was made into an album. Congratulations, you just imagined SZA's 'Ctrl'. SZA uses 'Ctrl' to express her shared feelings with an entire female demographic. It's worth the listen, but if you never do here's a quick rundown of one of the year's best R&B albums.
Notable Tracks
Supermodel - Sza starts the album by explaining just how great she could be, but only if the person she's with sees that greatness in her. This introduces SZA's cry for reassurance that remains present throughout the album. She also tells a very memorable revenge sex story.
Love Galore - Chances are you've heard this song by now. SZA's lead single is telling men to stop bothering her, leading her on, and altogether stop wasting her time. This song will also have you wanting more SZA x Travis Scott collabs.
Doves In The Wind - The "pussy" song. This song has gained that well-deserved nickname thanks to the word "pussy" being used 26 times, based on my rough calculations. SZA uses this song to express her beliefs that true men don't worry about sex, and those true men deserve it the most.
Drew Barrymore - This song touches a common theme that is conveyed throughout 'Ctrl', the desire to be as good as other girls. SZA describes her distaste for this other girl's perfection, and even apologizes for her own shortcomings.
The Weekend - From Tee Grizzley to Bryson Tiller and now SZA, the usually secret world of side relationships is becoming a constant topic in today's music. SZA is letting other women know that they share a man and she's satisfied with just satisfying him on weekends.
Go Gina - SZA is advising Gina, from 'Martin', and all other Gina-like women to loosen up sometimes.
Garden ( Say It Like Dat) - SZA's need for reassurance comes up again on this song. She states her need for support even if that support comes from lies. SZA also brings up her shortcomings again, while showing her fear of the real her becoming known.
Broken Clocks - Just a good song. No further explanation available.
Pretty Little Birds - Easily one of the top-tier tracks on 'Ctrl'. SZA uses birds flying into windows as a comparison to how females can make mistakes chasing something that they can't see isn't right for them. SZA also compares those same females to Phoenixes, because they get hurt but heal and try again.
20 Something - The last song. '20 Something' is SZA knowing she's at a pivotal but also fun part of her life.
'Ctrl' separates SZA from the marginalized label of " The TDE girl", and gives her a new label as the voice of young women everywhere.
This is the part of the review where I give the album a numerical rating, but SZA would probably argue that females get rated too much as it is. With that being said, 8.4/10.