SZA’s parents were Christians and Muslims, and she grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. Her given name is Solána Imani Rowe. Her inspiration for her stage name came from the Supreme Alphabet, a concept popularized by Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA. Zig-Zag and Allah are the meanings of her last two letters, and the first letter S might signify savior or ruler. In the 2010s, SZA signed with hip-hop company Top Dawg Entertainment after bumbling her way through college and odd jobs. She eventually took up singing. She became famous after contributing to the song “Feeling Myself” by Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj and appearing on Rihanna’s “Consideration.” Her 2017 debut studio album, Ctrl, however, catapulted her to superstardom.
One of the musicians that has characterized “hip” music is SZA, who typically releases moving songs about self-love, relationship problems, and mental health. A tidal wave of feelings can wash over her songs, yet they never explode. In compiling this list, we will examine the critical and commercial achievements of SZA. For the sake of objectivity, we shall refrain from playing cover versions of her songs and instead focus on her original compositions from her own albums. So, let’s get right down to brass tacks! These are the top ten songs by SZA.
10. Blind
On SZA’s most recent album, SOS, there is a song called “Blind” that is quite charming. SZA made her debut with the song during a performance on Saturday Night Live. It was first featured at the conclusion of the music video for the third single, which was titled “Shirt.” The song “Blind” is about being oblivious to the positive aspects of life, and SZA also makes a passing reference to the idea of actively seeking out the things that are there in front of you.
Not only is this one of the most introspective tracks that SZA has ever released, but we also really like the train-of-thought vibe that this tune has. This lovely work is notably highlighted by the chorus, which is sung softly and features higher-pitched vocals.
9. Love Galore
Considering SZA’s more mature tunes, we find “Love Galore” to be lacking in her discography, but we can’t deny that it’s a fan favorite. In the sensual “Love Galore” from Ctrl, SZA discusses her desires for a former partner, starting over after a failed relationship, and prioritizing herself after a heartless affair. In addition, she recruits Travis Scott for this adventure. “Love Galore” was their second joint effort following “Ok Alright” by Rodeo.
An intriguing aspect of the song is the words, which openly contradict themselves in the first stanza. When SZA first starts seeing her lover, she wonders, “Why do you bother me when you don’t want me? / Why do you bother me when you know you got a woman?” “Got me lookin’ forward to weekends / With you, baby, with you, baby.” However, she sings this later in the verse. We think it exemplifies the wildness that can ensue following a devastating breakup and re-entering the dating scene. Genius has SZA’s comment, “I love this beat,” on the song’s musical production. I really enjoy music with a tropical vibe. Muppets Vacation is always in my mind. We are interested in going to Kokomo. Listening to tropical beats usually gets me pumped up.
8. Nobody Gets Me
We mean this with the utmost respect, but “Nobody Gets Me” sounds a little like a Mazzy Star song or a heartbroken jam from the early 2000s. A one-of-a-kind single from SOS, it captures SZA’s emotions during the final moments of her engagement to her ex-fiancé, the one person she believed understood her completely.
Despite the fact that “Love Galore” deals with complex relationships, “Nobody Gets Me” delves far deeper. The melancholy in SZA’s voice and the tender guitar chords that back her up let you feel the anguish. The narrative in the song is also excellent, as SZA takes us on a journey through her relationship history, starting with a disastrous vacation, ending with a proposal on a ballet excursion, and continuing with touring, which caused her ex-lover to lose loyalty.
“This particular song in its entirety is a story about my ex-fiancé and how we went through all these conflicts, and we broke up,” SZA told HOT 97. At the time of our initial breakup, it was so painful that I thought my life was destined for misery. No one had ever understood me or inspired me as he had. Plus, he was like a rock that no longer existed; I miss him a lot. The whole thing was really insane. The central premise of that song is the anecdotes I provide about our disputes. I know a lot of people struggle to comprehend me, but that’s alright.
7. Drew Barrymore
A little yet profound, warm and nervous “Drew Barrymore” manages to be both calm and intense. The upbeat lyrics suggest low self-esteem, particularly in an imbalanced relationship, while the song’s sombre production gives the impression of a more reserved side of SZA. The songs address issues like self-esteem, friendship, and overcoming insecurity.
According to SZA, “I wrote [“Drew Barrymore”] about a party that I went to for a boy…” (quote from source).I was overjoyed, but it seems he brought a girlfriend to the celebration…I went, in essence. Throughout the entire party, I never laid eyes on him, and I consumed all of my pot on my own.I, too, had an absolutely wonderful experience.
Naturally, Drew Barrymore herself made an appearance in the music video, which was published on June 20, 2017. (By the way, the Bronx stairs where Joaquin Phoenix dances in Joker actually feature both SZA and Drew.) “Drew Barrymore” is the name of the song because it pays homage to two of the actress’s most iconic roles from the 1990s: Never Been Kissed and Poison Ivy. The music might easily fit the score of one of those films,” SZA remarked during her performance in New York City. Now we have Freddie Prinze, Jr.
6. Shirt
“Shirt” is a popular SOS tune that went viral on TikTok and features SZA in a more sinister role. A long-lost lover, religious contemplation, and finding solace in ambiguity are all touched on in the risky and hazy hit. This song didn’t have a title at first, but SZA’s admirers quickly began calling it “Shirt.” Because she was fond of the moniker, she decided to keep it.
We really enjoy how the tune subtly uses trap sounds like powerful snare and booming bass without going crazy. We also consider SZA’s “Shirt” music video to be among her finest. It stars Lakeith Stanfield as our R&B heroine who vanquishes sleazy goons and even her own reflection. (I also really like that “NO CTRL” license plate!) If you’re in need of a kickass boost, “Shirt” is the perfect mood song for you.
5. Good Days
Dreamy, therapeutic, and slightly biblical, “Good Days” finds SZA reaching out to the happier aspects of her life. Rest is essential for life, but it’s not easy to embrace, a notion that the song alludes to. The theme of “Good Days” is the difficulty of maintaining a positive frame of mind.
“Good Days” by Punch & Top Dawg will make you reflect on your mental health and how it may be better with its soothing production and easygoing lyrics. The vocals by SZA on this track are enchanting. “Good Days” has extra vocals by London singer Jacob Collier, who is also listed as a writer on the song.
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According to SZA’s Genius interview, the song “Good Days” is more than just a belief system; it’s a mantra. “Good Days” is a song about uncertainty, about whether or not things will get better, about whether or not anything matters, and whether or not hope is still a thing. We’re all part of the same beautiful, chaotic, ugly reality, and that much is certain. Power pooling. We’re all broken and overwhelmed in every way. A simple “good day” can go a long way toward alleviating the loneliness that affects so many of us. What matters most is believing that each day has the slightest chance of being better than the last.
4. Broken Clocks
Released as the album’s third single, “Broken Clocks” is a great composition and a classic by Ctrl. Immerse yourself in the eternal rabbit hole of this synthy, blossoming, snare-heavy song. Daniel Caesar, an independent musician, was also involved in the songwriting process.
Throughout the song, SZA laments the discord between her personal and professional lives, and she comes to the realization that the disruptions caused by her romantic relationships were actually a precursor to her eventual independence. One of the songs that came out of SZA’s time at bassist Carter Lang’s grandmother’s Michigan lake house—where she also wrote “Broken Clocks”—was revealed in an interview with Vulture as one of her fondest memories of producing Ctrl.
For its distinctive instrumental and beat, “Broken Clocks” samples “West” by River Tiber and combines it with ThankGod4Cody’s 808 production. With its 4x platinum certification from the RIAA on August 17, 2022, “Broken Clocks” is also regarded as one of SZA’s most commercially successful albums.
3. Kill Bill
Out of all the songs on SOS, “Kill Bill” has received the highest amount of critical praise and may even be the most commercially successful. SZA’s vocals are bouncy but tough, the lyrics are catchy, and the music production is intricate; all of it is what we may call “so mature.” This song is undeniable proof that SZA has grown as a musician. Regardless of how immature her character is emotionally in this song.
The brief but lovely “Kill Bill” features one of the most memorable choruses we’ve ever heard. “I might kill my ex, not the best idea / His new girlfriend’s next, how’d I get here?” A riff from SZA. The title alludes to the renowned Kill Bill film trilogy, which were directed by Quentin Tarantino. It is about the protagonist, Beatrix Kiddo, who plots to kill her ex-boyfriend.
When we’re furious, especially about relationships, it’s easy to fall into violent fantasies. SZA Kill Bill lyrics ultimately hits on this common experience. Obviously, SZA has no intention of murdering her ex. In spite of her sadness, she confesses her love for him in the chorus.
SZA has shared a remix of her SOS track “Kill Bill” featuring Doja Cat. The pair reunite for the first time following their 2021 single “Kiss Me,” which was awarded a Grammy the following year and led to a memorably chaotic acceptance speech.
Doja Cat’s rapped verse on the new “Kill Bill” remix could be an indicator as to the direction of her new album. She recently spoke about pursuing a “rap only” sound for the follow-up to 2021’s Planet Her.
2. 20 Something
Many people, especially those in their twenties, have been moved by this song. “20 Something” is a rousing homage to the anarchy of that exciting yet chaotic time in life, and it’s performed by SZA.
This song is a vocal and emotional nakedness from SZA. She acknowledges her lack of organization, expresses her desire to maintain friendships, and discloses that she is also struggling with her romantic life. She asks God to bless those in their twenties. Listening to this song as a twenty-something can make you feel like she’s praying specifically for you.
A mesmerizing, gloomy, and dramatic production is given by Carter Lang & The Antydote, replete with guitars. We wouldn’t be surprised if “20 Something” appeared in a movie’s closing credits. “20 Something” is likewise well-suited for Ctrl—reserved for the album’s final moments. Its instrumentals are consistent with those of the lead single, “Supermodel.” We are overjoyed that SZA has so elegantly emerged from her twenties, because this song exemplifies the pinnacle of current R&B.
1. The Weekend
This song is equally chilling and intense as “20 Something” yet communicates its story brilliantly. The same man plays three women in this song. However, one has decided she doesn’t care about his mess. She’s in charge instead of sending the guy a huge “eff you”. She doesn’t need to become furious to say his immaturity; she knows his game and is pleased to see him on weekends.
The song empowers women beyond the concept that males make all their decisions. This guy is toying with heartstrings, but all three women join involved, making him a toy rather than a man. Positioning all the ladies in this man’s life as knowing what they want from him diffuses his lies and makes him look foolish. Solange directed “The Weekend”‘s modest, beautiful music video. SZA moves to the song in various circumstances.
“The Weekend” tops our list because of its nuanced message regarding current hookup culture, relaxed groove, and SZA’s passionate performance. This and SZA’s other hits will always satisfy us! Get more music artist merch with us!