SOS
"SZA’s Oceanic Odyssey of Heartbreak and Triumph"
"SZA’s Oceanic Odyssey of Heartbreak and Triumph"
Released December 9 2022 via Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records, SZA’s SOS is a 23 track 67 minute sophomore album that redefined R&B. With 318000 first week equivalent units and 404.58 million streams, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Certified 6x Platinum by May 2025, its 11.2 billion streams reflect its cultural grip. Produced by Babyface, Rob Bisel, and others, it blends R&B, hip hop, and alt pop, cementing SZA’s oceanic emotional depth.
The SOS cover, inspired by Princess Diana’s isolation, shows SZA on a diving board over a vast ocean, mirroring themes of vulnerability and resilience. “Kill Bill” snarls “I just killed my ex” with vengeful fantasy, while “Snooze” pleads “I can’t lose when I’m with you” in tender devotion. “Gone Girl” reflects on loss, “Tryna find deeper meaning in nonsense.” SZA’s raw diary of heartbreak, empowerment, and self doubt navigates love’s chaos, a universal cry for salvation that resonates in 2025.
Babyface, Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, and others shape SOS into a genre defying wave. “Snooze” glides with smooth neo soul, “Smoking on My Ex Pack” hits with gritty boom bap, and “F2F” dives into pop punk grit. SZA’s acrobatic vocals, from rap cadences to soaring melodies, ride lush synths and distorted guitars. “Ghost in the Machine” blends alt pop with ethereal vibes. Though 23 tracks risk sprawl, its eclectic palette keeps it vibrant in 2025.
SOS boasts selective guests: Phoebe Bridgers on “Ghost in the Machine” adds haunting indie rock, “Can you break me?” Travis Scott brings sultry ad-libs to “Open Arms”, while Don Toliver flows smoothly on “Used”. Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s sampled freestyle closes “Forgiveless” with raw energy. SZA’s commanding presence ensures features enhance, not overshadow, her emotional odyssey, a testament to her curatorial strength.
“Kill Bill” “Snooze” Catchy hooks and vengeful vibes make these oceanic anthems instant hits, pulling listeners into SZA’s raw emotional world with infectious energy.
“Gone Girl” “Blind” Soulful introspection and lush production reveal SZA’s oceanic depth, perfect for fans seeking her most vulnerable confessions.
“Smoking on My Ex Pack” “Nobody Gets Me” Gritty rap and alt rock heartbreak shine, showcasing SZA’s oceanic versatility for those digging beyond the hits.
“Snooze (Live 2025)” From SOS Tour 2025, its oceanic serenity captivates crowds, a viral moment keeping the album’s legacy alive.
SZA debuted with See.SZA.Run 2012 EP, followed by S 2013 and Z 2014. Her 2017 album Ctrl, with hits like “Love Galore”, earned 3x Platinum. SOS builds on Ctrl’s rawness, expanding into bolder genres. Its SOS Tour 2023 2024 grossed $95.5 million, solidifying her as an R&B titan. In 2025, SOS remains her defining work.
With a 94/100 Metacritic score, SOS was hailed as “a phenomenal record” for its genre bending brilliance. By May 2025, its 6x Platinum status and 11.2 billion streams mark it as a cultural juggernaut. “Kill Bill” topped the Hot 100, while SOS Tour 2025 kept its oceanic energy alive. Despite its length, its emotional rawness and versatility make it a modern R&B classic.
SOS won Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2024 Grammys, with “Snooze” earning Best R&B Song and “Ghost in the Machine” taking Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Its 6x Platinum status by 2025 underscores its oceanic impact on R&B’s evolution.
| Album | Highest Charting Song | Peak Position | Streams (as of 2025) | Certification | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ctrl | “Love Galore” | 32 | 5.8B | 3x Platinum | 3M+ |
| SOS | “Kill Bill” | 1 | 11.2B | 6x Platinum | 6.2M+ |
| Album | Certification | Units (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| SOS | 6x Platinum | 6.2 |
Billboard RIAA Spotify Metacritic