Sprinkled into the album are voicemail messages from SZAРІР‚в„ўs mother, who offers words of advice to SZA as she navigates the different subjects of the album.

In РІР‚СљLove GaloreРІР‚Сњ and РІР‚СљDoves in the WindРІР‚Сњ she sings about embracing sexuality and learning to put yourself first, showing some of the different facets of adulthood that still fall under the overarching theme of the album. SZA isnРІР‚в„ўt afraid to depart from such grave and serious emotions. The songwriting is fresh and creative as the song is written in the form of a letter to an ex-lover with painfully relatable lyrics like РІР‚СљIt made me feel good for temporary love,РІР‚Сњ and РІР‚СљWhy am I so easy to forget like that?РІР‚Сњ These ideas demonstrate a more vulnerable side to SZA in which she feels completely lost in her own feelings and out of control. This oxymoronic combination creates a unique, bittersweet sensation that captivates the listener.Р”Р„ highlight of this album is the opening track, РІР‚СљSupermodel,РІР‚Сњ where SZA exhibits how insecurity creeps into her mind after ending a relationship. This is especially evident on track nine, РІР‚СљBroken Clocks.РІР‚Сњ She explores a failing relationship that throws off the tempo of her life while singing gracefully over a chorus of humming and a subtle trap beat. SZA uses moody R&B/trap beats throughout the album, setting a relaxed and enjoyable tone despite the seriousness of some of the songРІР‚в„ўs subject matters. She says in the form of a voicemail РІР‚СљThat is my greatest fear that if, if I lost control or did not have control, things would just, you know I would beРІР‚В¦ fatal.РІР‚Сњ The idea of self-control is maintained very well throughout the album by exploring different emotions and reactions that come with being independent while keeping the sound and message cohesive. The opening lines of the album, recited by SZAРІР‚в„ўs mother, capture the tone and theme of the album very well. She does all this while revamping the modern-day R&B album with her own unique cohesive style and themes that have inspired many. In SZAРІР‚в„ўs R&B record РІР‚Сљ Ctrl РІР‚Сњ she crafts an extremely enjoyable and relatable listening experience, with an overarching theme of the perception of control and subthemes of growth, insecurity and self-love. Before all this though, SZA emerged into the scene with her critically-acclaimed debut album РІР‚СљCtrlРІР‚Сњ in June 2017 which through the past few years remains fresh and provides a glimpse into the future of R&B and the concept album. TMany may know the artist known as SZA today because of her feature in the song РІР‚Сљ All the StarsРІР‚Сњ in the film РІР‚Сљ Blank Panther РІР‚Сњ or her viral presence on the social networking app, TikTok.

Sza album