Frank Ocean. Summer Walker. Tyler, the Creator. Jhené Aiko. Daniel Caesar. These are some of the greatest R&B artists of all time, but none can compare to SZA.
The four time grammy winner is known for her genuine and heartfelt lyrics, while including relatable struggles for any audience. Her wide vocal range and powerful voice articulate complex feelings of all sorts, whether it be anger, confusion, love, heartbreak, etc.
As of Dec. 20, 2024, SZA’s new deluxe album “SOS Deluxe: Lana”, incorporated all new tracks like BMF, My Turn, Drive, and 30 for 30 (Featuring Kendrick Lamar). Although SZA has created countless masterpieces, here are the top five to listen to:
#5 “Saturn”
“Saturn” is one of SZA’s newest songs, released as her earliest single track for “LANA” on Feb. 22, 2024. “Saturn” is a song that explores escapism and hopelessness of anyone who aspires for a journey of self discovery. The lyrics “Got to break this pattern” portrays those that are trying to free themselves of interior conflicts while accepting their flaws. Naturally this enables listeners to move forward and make space for their values and what is important to them.
SZA’s impressive harmony and wide range of emotions – including dreaminess, frustration, and hopefulness – give the song a whimsical vibe, while accentuating the idea of embracing one’s self for who they are is essential to fulfillment.
#4 “Good Days”
“Good Days” is one of SZA’s most tranquil songs because of its unique instrumentals including guitar, flute, piano and violins, all of which relax and clear the mind of the listener. “Good Days” was also nominated for Best R&B song 2022, and was SZA’s first song on the Top 10 of the Billboard Global 200.
This song is filled with an intricate rhythm and encouraging lyrics like, “All the while, I’ll await my armored fate with a smile. / Still wanna try, still believe in (good days).” The meaning behind this lyric is to look on the bright side, even when facing challenges and adversity in one’s life. SZA originally wrote this song for herself during times of hardship as a reminder to make the best of things, and take advantage of whatever opportunities come.
#3 “Broken Clocks”
“Broken Clocks” on SZA’s album “Ctrl” talks about a young girl who is prioritizing herself instead of a toxic relationship, showing the importance of self-love and atonement of the past. The lyrics, “Why you still talkin’ ’bout me like we together? / I moved on for the better, you moved on to whoever” reveals that their relationship is “stuck” in the past, and she is starting to rediscover who she is by moving on.
What differentiates “Broken Clocks” from all the others is the ticking of a clock throughout the song. The sudden decline in the ticking at the end of the song symbolizes the painful process of a relationship falling apart, and the wave of emotions that can come with it. Although these experiences are hurtful, they allow her to self-examine and truly embrace what lies ahead of her.
#2 “Open Arms”
Coming in at number two, “Open Arms (Featuring Travis Scott)” talks about the feeling of attachment to your partner, and the realization of leaving the person you love to put yourself first.
At the start of the song, SZA sings “When no one’s around me, you lost and found me, / I was surrounded with open arms,’’ compared to the end where she sings, “I guess it’s time to go,” and, “I gotta let you go, I must, / you’re the only one that’s holdin’ me down.” The change in tone of lyrics resembles how relationships also change and sometimes grow apart; highlighting the balance of self-preservation and love, while also learning how to process or cope with the loss of someone one cares about.
Although it has a sad ending, the song encourages people to remember the good times and shows different layers of attachment, sadness, and acceptance.
#1 “Nobody Gets Me”
Last but not least, “Nobody Gets Me” is, no doubt, SZA’s best song because of her authentic lyrics and beautifully crafted bridge. This song is about trying to find one’s self and one’s identity without the person that they are still attached to. The lyrics, “It’s too late, I don’t want to lose what’s left of you” and, “Only like myself when I’m with you, / nobody gets me, you do” convey SZA’s most vulnerable side and it allows her to connect with her fans in a more personal way.
This song explores so many real emotions that are often unspoken of, and SZA expresses it perfectly, finding a balance between wanting to hold and learning to let go. Although hard to move on, she emphasizes that our past experiences and relationships can only make us stronger and more resilient to hardships.
