S.O.S.
by SZA
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 9, 2022
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 389 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 332 out of 389
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 389
  3. Negative: 32 out of 389
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  1. Fruitflavors
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    This is the album of the year. This is a no-skip album. SZA really hit it out of the park with this one…
  2. fedefreaks
    Aug 27, 2023
    8
    strong contender for Album of the year for me and i don't even like all of the songs!
  3. Synthl0ver22
    Aug 16, 2023
    9
    Worth the wait, SOS perfectly embraces the emotions and feelings of any 20 and 30-somethings. Despite the long tracklist and some filller tracks, SZA once again delivers beautiful songs with amazing production. Is it better than ctrl and an escape from the sophomore album slump? Time will tell, but still an album worthy of your listen and recognition.
  4. rubens07
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    The best album of the year, Sza proved to be versatile and served trap and hip-hop.
  5. manicomeback
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    Sza lança mais um álbum supremo do R&B e se consagra como a maior R&B desse século
  6. hugles
    Jul 9, 2023
    10
    De fato uma das maiores OBRAS de SZA! A queen nunca decepciona e lançou esse álbum para provar, cada canção, cada instrumental. Está tudo perfeito principalmente pela quantidade de musicas e com um anuncio de pausa na carreira musical esse álbum foi certeiro.
  7. nicsks
    Jun 16, 2023
    10
    Did somebody say “Album Of The Year”…?

    It’s just the best of the best, favorite track: “Shirt” (guilty pleasure)
  8. Aliena
    Jun 16, 2023
    10
    Truly loved this album front to back, and I appreciated her delving into new genres and sounds. One can only be excited for her next work!
  9. All_ButTrU4
    May 24, 2023
    8
    Sza's long awaited sophomore record is demanding. It's an ambitious 67min+ excerise in indulgence. S.O.S sounds like Solana hiatus has made her wiser,braver but still just as messy as she was when she confessed on "supermodel ". In fact sza takes all the ideas and experiments she only flirted with on CTRL and sees just how far she can push them whilst still retaining the essence of herSza's long awaited sophomore record is demanding. It's an ambitious 67min+ excerise in indulgence. S.O.S sounds like Solana hiatus has made her wiser,braver but still just as messy as she was when she confessed on "supermodel ". In fact sza takes all the ideas and experiments she only flirted with on CTRL and sees just how far she can push them whilst still retaining the essence of her idiosyncratic sound. 23 songs seemed like a daunting task that would eventually become overblown and repetitive but having heard it it avoids that.

    Looking at the credits alone is enough evidence of the experience curated throughout:from björk samples on "forgiveless" that compliment the songs meditative musings or the phoebe bridgers feature which I'm sure no one expected but were still blown away by. This album feels like two distinct halves melded together with the 1st half being a more familiar rnb sound that sometimes plays around with hip hop elements such as the short but effective "Smoking on my ex pack" which shows her giving the fewest **** she'll ever admit to giving on S.O.S and would sound amazing with a potential deluxe megantheestallion feature . The first half is still vulnerable but has her brand of guarded honesty where it feels like everything being revealed though genuine is intentionally edited to expose her the least. That's not the case though on the 2nd half which is divided by the Phoebe heralding "ghost in the machine ". Like the aforementioned collaboration which sees the musicians try reconcile the loss of a relationship with the loss of an identity heavily informed by it over a sample of the latter's "Halloween ". It's a rare rnb and indie rock/folk moment that surprisingly lands well. The following "F2F" is an emotional higlight that would feel complete with a paramore assist. The teased "nobody gets me" is also a welcomed indie rnb rock ballad about the angst of not being unstood and best encapsulates the records theme of emotional isolation . S.o.S isn't a smoke signal it's a self answered cry for help that throughout 23 tracks reaches a blunt conclusion on the Dirty Ol' Bastard sampling closer that drips with confidence and anger. It closes the record with promises to save herself whether it's not falling into past habits or forgiving ,that she won't forget how they've become who they are and won't forgive those who hurt her on the way there and I can't help but wish to take her advice.    … Expand
  10. coolmattsinegar
    May 3, 2023
    10
    Matthew Alexander "Matt" Sinegar [SIN-NA-GAR] (An EXTREMELY Mature & EXTREMELY Heterosexual (Straight) African-American/Black Man):
    S.O.S. (2023) Is Literally Always One Of My All-Time Favorite R&B Albums.
    The Song "Kill Bill" Is Literally Always Lit.
  11. kevstone
    Apr 30, 2023
    10
    I only got into SZA’s music a couple months before SOS dropped, but after I listened to album a few times, it became my favorite album of all time. Everything about this album- the world-building production, the flawless lyrics, and the uniquely-SZA vocals- really showcase her true talent. Even though this album may not be everyone’s favorite, this is my favorite album of all time, and II only got into SZA’s music a couple months before SOS dropped, but after I listened to album a few times, it became my favorite album of all time. Everything about this album- the world-building production, the flawless lyrics, and the uniquely-SZA vocals- really showcase her true talent. Even though this album may not be everyone’s favorite, this is my favorite album of all time, and I could listen to it on repeat for hours. Even though the album is relatively long (at just over an hour), there’s never a dull moment. Another thing to mention is SZA’s insane versatility throughout the album. She seamlessly flows through different genres and is album to rap and sing so well. I think this album deserves all the success it’s gotten and more, and thank you SZA for this masterpiece. I can’t wait for the deluxe.… Expand
  12. oolivverr
    Apr 29, 2023
    9
    With such a long tracklist I got nervous before my first listen, but I know now never to doubt SZA. She brings it to you every ball!
  13. davifontenelle
    Mar 17, 2023
    8
    Despise not being in to SZA’s career, i was really surprised hearing one of her albums in full for the first time. A great collection of great songs, incredible productions and really sad depressed lyrics (with i enjoy btw).
  14. FreeRunner29
    Mar 17, 2023
    9
    God, I'm so bipolar with this album. Metacritic should have a lock. I'm sorry SZA this album is solid, I'm just going through it and you're making me feel things I don't want to confront. Solid 9, because I'm stressing perfection.
  15. spontaani
    Mar 5, 2023
    9
    Does not top her previous album Ctrl, in my opinion. Still a beautifully written and produced album with Solana's gorgeous vocals. Personal favorites are Used, Gone Girl, Smoking on my Ex Pack & Forgiveless.
  16. Awner
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    Amazing album what a way to end 2022 and enter 2023. She is a genius and hit maker you can see that she proved that she deserved that grammy and hopefully she’ll be nominated again this year and win more
  17. Gurv707
    Feb 19, 2023
    8
    All i have to say is that if you do not like this album you have no taste. i said what i said.
  18. Carlosws
    Feb 11, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. E um álbum incrível tem sons bons melodias ótimas composição incrível feats com artistas bem requisitados e ótimos no que fazem S.O.S e sem dúvida um dos melhores álbums de 2022/2023… Expand
  19. szjoaao
    Feb 8, 2023
    7
    amo mas sabe né nao é uau tanta coisa assim acho o album antigo dela muito meljor que essa mas ela é mt diva e esse ta bom tb
  20. ChrisStogden
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Without this song we wouldn't have any theme song for killing our ex's... I haven't and never will but this song would be good for it
  21. Sross1239
    Feb 3, 2023
    10
    After a long wait, SOS is finally here. Wow was it worth the wait. SZA gifts us a 23 track masterpiece, showcasing her vocal versatility. Starting from the beginning and listening all the way through will never leave you bored. Repeat listens, especially from “Kill Bill”, “Shirt”, and “Low” can be expected. This album is the hype, and thrives in it.
  22. thevenditti
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
    O álbum tem um conceito muito bem definido, o título "SOS" não funciona apenas como um pedido de socorro diante de todos os traumas e situações emocionais na vida da artista, mas também indica seu isolamento e reflexão em cima desses momentos. A foto de capa referencia-se a princesa Diana de férias em Portofino, Itália, em 97 e transmite muito bem essa energia de introspecção, isolamento eO álbum tem um conceito muito bem definido, o título "SOS" não funciona apenas como um pedido de socorro diante de todos os traumas e situações emocionais na vida da artista, mas também indica seu isolamento e reflexão em cima desses momentos. A foto de capa referencia-se a princesa Diana de férias em Portofino, Itália, em 97 e transmite muito bem essa energia de introspecção, isolamento e reflexão que viaja por todas as 23 faixas do álbum. O "SOS", apresenta uma sonoridade mais eclética do que o seu antecessor, "CTRL", mas sem perder a autenticidade. Acredito que a única coisa que possa pesar para alguns ouvintes seja a extensão do álbum, o que para mim não é um problema, mas para muitos ouvintes dessa geração que estão mais acostumados com projetos mais objetivos e curtos isso seja um problema.

    Destaques: SOS, Kill Bill, Blind, Nobody Gets Me, Shirt.    … Expand
  23. xoGabexo
    Jan 21, 2023
    10
    It’s so good. Really refreshing. Give it a listen! Kill Bill is one of the best songs in there.
  24. jens76
    Jan 13, 2023
    7
    Jetzt springe ich aber ab, meine Süße. Lass uns doch wieder auftauchen in Liebe und Verständnis, so retten wir uns.
  25. MetacriticOnur
    Jan 12, 2023
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  26. taytumthegoat
    Jan 10, 2023
    10
    Phenomenal. Amazing. Great. An album worth its long await. Very proud of this woman and her current success. Love love love
  27. braids
    Jan 4, 2023
    10
    toda vez que eu ouço esse álbum ele fica melhor. já tem semanas desde que lançou e eu ainda me surpreendo. é uma obra de arte.
  28. oNewYorker
    Jan 1, 2023
    9
    Too much tracks for me to remember… beautifully produced and we all can agree the SZA is a lyrical genius but, some songs start to sound similar, especially with all these tracks! Nobody Gets Me and Open Arms start to sound oddly similar, along with some other tracks. Other than that, I love this album with all my heart, the album covers story is so meaningful too.
  29. sabliess
    Dec 31, 2022
    10
    After 5 years, the expected album has arrived. It should be appreciated that SZA tried new things on this album. 'Kill Bill' has a distinctly neo-psychodelic tone and mix of R&B, and it's incredible, 'F2F' is an incredible rock song mixed with SZA and Lizzo's excellent songwriting. On the other hand, 'Special' is kind of the key point of the album, you feel all the emotions very sincerely.After 5 years, the expected album has arrived. It should be appreciated that SZA tried new things on this album. 'Kill Bill' has a distinctly neo-psychodelic tone and mix of R&B, and it's incredible, 'F2F' is an incredible rock song mixed with SZA and Lizzo's excellent songwriting. On the other hand, 'Special' is kind of the key point of the album, you feel all the emotions very sincerely. In addition, SZA's 23-song album instead of making an album of 11-12 songs after a 5-year hiatus, like other singers, is a move to be applauded, and announced that the deluxe version of the album will be released, with great collaborations. I can easily say that even people who are not SZA fans will listen to this album with great pleasure, I hope it gets the awards it deserves at the 2024 Grammys and does not live like it was on Ctrl :)

    FAVS:

    Kill Bill
    Low
    Blind
    F2F
    Nobody Gets Me
    Special
    Too Late
    Far
    Good Days
    and more and more...    … Expand
  30. someonewhocares
    Dec 31, 2022
    9
    It is a grower nonetheless for those whose experimental R&B listens are rare.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2022
11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. HipHopDX
    Dec 19, 2022
    80
    The peaks on SOS, (“Used,” “Smoking on my Ex Pack,” and “Forgiveless”) find SZA sounding refreshingly comfortable rapping over gritty, hazy, and grimy productions.
    Read full review
  2. Beats Per Minute
    Dec 16, 2022
    88
    It may take a few years for SOS to ascend to the heights, but if 808s & Heartbreak was the breakup record of the 2000s and Blonde was the 2010s examination of loss and trauma, then SZA might have produced that emotional breaking point for the 2020s.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Dec 15, 2022
    90
    Hour-plus length and stylistic variety likewise signal that SOS could be the overreaching kind of highly anticipated follow-up. Still, it's an advancement from Ctrl in every respect apart from cohesion
    Read full review
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