SZA’s follow-up to her debut album Ctrl released five years ago, won’t be too long in coming.
The singer has revealed that she eagerly anticipated sophomore album S.O.S will finally be released next month, following a number of delays. In an interview with Billboard, she disclosed the album’s title and release date, saying she is “currently concerned” about completing the deadline.
“As I’m trying to wrap things up, I’m trying to like pick out the things that I feel like—and I know this sounds like I care too much about this—I don’t care what other people think or want me to make, and I’m like, ‘F**k that.'” Then then, am I able to sing this? Does this stand out? Is there a framework to this song?’ she said.
With songs that include surf rock, grunge, and an acoustic guitar-driven ballad, S.O.S is instrumentally hailed by Billboard as “the most fascinating music she has ever made.” According to the magazine, “S.O.S is an album that definitely justifies a five-year wait.”
But the 33-year-old singer’s career hasn’t been without its challenges. At any moment, I could literally start crying and try to jump through this wall. I feel like I’m crumbling,” she says. “But it’s not like the strain of the album… Simply said, life is f-king difficult. It’s insane to expect someone to perform at a high level while life is still going on. This is intended for a machine, not for a person.
The much-anticipated sequel to 2017’s Ctrl has already produced a number of top singles. SZA put out “Good Days” in December 2020, which was followed a year later by “I Hate U.” Both songs peaked in the top 10, at Nos. 9 and 7, respectively, on the Hot 100 list. She released “Shirt,” her most recent song, last month.
SZA acknowledges that she would rather release music according to her own schedule. She complains, “I detest the red tape analytics of dropping anything – it’s so stressful. The phrase “digital service provider” has probably been used more this week and last week than ever before. It sounds hectic and like it would take a lot of maneuvering, which is why I don’t like the way it sounds. I detest the phrase “single.” What the f**k makes a single different from other songs on my album that I like? Why does it need to be unique?
She’s not sure what the future will bring either. She claims that she “doesn’t feel like music, in this capacity, I see longevity.” “I enjoy making things, writing, singing, and sharing them. However, I’m not sure if pursuing superstardom or whatever else I should be doing at the moment is sustainable for either me or anyone else. I’m going to give it my all and take a big swing at it.
For the time being, SZA keeps her winning streak going strong. This week saw another Grammy nomination for DJ Khaled’s “Beautiful,” which is up for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
She continues, “I want to enjoy myself. My current top priority is to “like learn to like enjoy myself and be happy.”
