chaney’s blog

Right now I can confidently say SZA is one of my favorite artists, and I will tell you why. For starters hopefully you have heard of her from her award winning album “Ctrl” (control). I would describe her as an alternative R&B singer, which is not common. Many do not know she has been around for about 8 years now but “Ctrl” was her first actual album. She has helped write lyrics in numerous popular songs including “Feeling Myself” by Beyonce and “Consideration” by Rihanna. “I’ve been in my head for a minute” she said when she realized how long it had been until she put on her own music. After four years she decided to release an album. Sza considers the name “Ctrl” a life concept, “I have a thing about I need to be in control, I’ve never had control, I love to pretend I’m in control”, you can why she says that considering what she has been through. The album includes stories about her previous relationships that are seen as toxic. A popular song of hers is “Love Galore” featuring Travis Scott that explains a girl getting frustrated about getting too caught up with a guy that was supposed to be nothing more than a summer fling. Or you might know her from “The weekend” that is actually about three women sharing one man. Listening to her songs it is clear that her past relationships were not the healthiest. Many people mistake SZA with being okay, maybe even content with being the “side chick” in those relationships. In reality she finds herself putting too much trust in the wrong men, which is more common than people think. It amazes me how she incorporates clear storytelling into her songs. One song that stuck out to me was “Go Gina”, after realizing it is referring to the character Gina from the show Martin. In the show Gina is seen as uptight, serious and hardworking. This song speaks to girls similar to Gina telling them that it is okay to be selfish and to not worry about responsibilities so much. Every song has a personal meaning behind it, that differentiates her being a singer to an artist and is why she is one of my favorites.