SZA - Ctrl - 2017

Another artist in my orbit but never carved out time to listen or investigate.

The first things that stuck out to me were the lines that I’ve seen scattered across social media as tweets and captions. It’s pretty incredible how modern music is so heavily intertwined into social networking. What would that equivalent be in the Rolling Stage age? Like how did people showcase their favorite lyrics from music? Maybe through tattoos and/or art? But nothing is as fleeting as an instagram caption…

The second thing that stuck out much SZA spoke about a “you”.

Without digging into her as an artist or the ‘why’ behind the album, I’m super curious to learn more about the subject of these songs. Was it on individual? What’s the story behind him/her/them? I guess I should also preface I was baking cookies while listening to this tonight, so I can’t admit I was fully focused.

The Weekend stuck out to me as an individual song - maybe because I’d heard it before. Or maybe because the chorus and hook were real catchy. The notes and way she sings “my man is your man is her man too” the note bouncing along. So good.

Overall, I’m in love with the R&B and soul to all the sounds and music. AND Obsessed with her tone!!! UGH. No wonder people are obsessed with her. She brings that R&B heart back into songs. Like Mary J Blige sounds.

I want to go back and read about who was recorded in the opening and closing song. I believe she says its her Ma but I need to fact check!