SZA is the master of her narrative on “CTRL” album

Album - CTRLArtiste - SZARecord Label - Top Dawg Entertainment (2017)Duration - 54 minutes

It has been a long time coming for SZA. The singer’s debut album “Control” is all her fans want and more.

Everyone have always wanted an SZA album, although her record label, Top Dawg Entertainment held it for a while. SZA isn’t a newbie. She already had started carving her space as a great songwriter and a special vocalist.

Her self-released tapes ‘See.SZA.Run’ (2012) and ’S’ (2013), and then again on album-length EP ‘Z’, propelled her as TDE’s first female signing. She also starred with Rihanna on last year’s ‘Consideration’.

Soulful and slow, SZA takes us into her world from the first listen. Poignant and immersive, she weaves music on the subject of control, with her mother throwing in wise words and reflections. There’s a bit of Frank Ocean in there too, but it’s all about a window into the heart of self-esteem, femininity and bubbling youth. Most of it is immersive, drawing you into a smooth world of happiness and wisdom.

Tracks to look out for include the pop- special on ‘Prom’, but ‘Drew Barrymore’ and its fleeting R&B fashion is a winner too. Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott show up on different tracks, but they only complement the music. SZA holds this one down.

This is a strong debut. “Ctrl” touches all the right places, kicks all the good spots, and tickles as much as it astounds. It is SZA gifting fans with more than they have asked for. And she has done it by sticking to her meandering and distinctive narrative.

Rating: 3.5/5

Ratings

1-Dull2-Boring2.5-Average3-Worth Checking Out3.5-Hot4-Smoking Hot4.5-Amazing5-Perfection