Ctrl
"SZA’s Soulful Dive into Love and Self"
"SZA’s Soulful Dive into Love and Self"
Released June 9 2017 via Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records, SZA’s Ctrl is a 14-track 49-minute debut that reshaped R&B. Debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 with 60000 units, it earned 3x Platinum status by August 2022. With 5.2 billion streams by May 2025, its raw neo-soul confessions still resonate, cementing SZA’s coral-hued legacy in modern music.
Ctrl is a diary of love’s messiness, blending confidence and vulnerability. “Supermodel” stings with betrayal, “I been secretly banging your homeboy,” while “The Weekend” shrugs at shared lovers, “My man is your man.” “Normal Girl” aches for acceptance, craving a partner who’ll “take me home to mom.” SZA’s coral-hued lens—raw, witty, insecure—captures modern romance’s chaos, making Ctrl a timeless confessional for 2025’s soul-searchers.
Producers like Carter Lang, Frank Dukes, and ThankGod4Cody weave Ctrl’s lush soundscape. “Broken Clocks” floats on dreamy trap-soul, “Doves in the Wind” sways with jazzy chords, and “Prom” channels indie-rock angst. SZA’s raspy vocals dance over analog synths and sparse guitars, creating a coral-hued blend of neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop. In 2025, its warm, unpolished texture remains a genre-defying benchmark.
Ctrl shines with curated guests. Travis Scott adds sultry swagger to “Love Galore”, cooing “Why you bother me?” Kendrick Lamar brings sharp wit to “Doves in the Wind”, though his verse splits fans. Isaiah Rashad and James Fauntleroy sprinkle soulful touches. SZA’s coral-hued charisma dominates, her voice carrying the album’s emotional weight, proving she’s the star of her own story.
“Love Galore” “The Weekend” Catchy hooks and smooth flows pull listeners into SZA’s coral-hued world, blending raw emotion with radio-ready polish for instant R&B vibes.
“Supermodel” “Broken Clocks” Sparse guitars and dreamy beats unpack SZA’s coral-hued confessions, offering deep cuts that reward fans craving her rawest truths.
“Normal Girl” “Garden (Say It Like Dat)” Quiet yearning and lush melodies glow in these coral-hued tracks, revealing SZA’s tender side for attentive listeners.
“2AM” From the 2022 deluxe, this coral-hued confessional went viral in 2025 on TikTok, its moody vibe reigniting Ctrl’s emotional pull.
SZA debuted with See.SZA.Run 2012, a hazy EP, followed by S 2013 and Z 2014, peaking at number 39 on the Billboard 200. Tracks like “Ice Moon” hinted at her neo-soul roots. Ctrl refined this into a cohesive coral-hued masterpiece, outshining Z’s looser vibe. It set the stage for SOS 2022, cementing SZA’s rise as an R&B titan.
Pitchfork praised Ctrl as “opulent raw R&B,” scoring 8.4/10. Fans in 2017 called it a “therapeutic classic.” By May 2025, with 400 weeks on the Billboard 200 and 5.2 billion streams, it’s a coral-hued cornerstone. Its confessional style influenced modern R&B, though some note its length. In 2025, “2AM” from the deluxe edition keeps it alive on TikTok.
Ctrl earned four Grammy nominations in 2018, including Best Urban Contemporary Album. SZA was nominated for Best New Artist. Its 3x Platinum glow and 5.2 billion streams by 2025 solidify its coral-hued mark on R&B’s legacy.
| Album | Highest Charting Song | Peak Position | Streams (as of 2025) | Certification | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | “Ice Moon” | N/A | 800M | Gold | 500K+ |
| Ctrl | “Love Galore” | 30 | 5.2B | 3x Platinum | 3M+ |
| Album | Certification | Units (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl | 3x Platinum | 3 |
Billboard RIAA Pitchfork ChartMasters