Admits by SZA Her Old Albums ‘Piss’ Her Off for a Specific Reason
Despite the massive success of her past projects, SZA recently revealed she harbors frustrations with her earlier work, particularly when it comes to the audio mixes. The critically acclaimed TDE artist, whose albums have achieved both commercial triumph and cultural impact, expressed her grievances on Twitter, sharing an unexpected perspective on her earlier hits.
Why Her Albums Frustrate Her
SZA admitted that listening back to her albums Ctrl and Z often leaves her dissatisfied due to technical aspects. “I still listen to my albums and get pissed off at the mixes,” she candidly tweeted. Despite being celebrated as masterpieces by fans and critics, the singer feels the final sound quality of the albums fell short of her personal standards.
The Legacy of ‘Ctrl’
SZA’s 2017 album Ctrl is widely regarded as a defining moment in R&B, propelling her into the mainstream spotlight. The project peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earned five Grammy nominations, cementing her as one of the brightest stars in contemporary music. The album was later certified double platinum, a testament to its enduring popularity.
However, for SZA, its success doesn’t erase the frustration she feels about its production. This reveals her perfectionist tendencies, as she continues to strive for excellence in every aspect of her music.
The Success of ‘SOS’
In contrast to her feelings about Ctrl, SZA has shown more affection for her sophomore album SOS, released in 2022. The album shattered records and earned widespread acclaim. In April, SOS went double platinum, breaking a nearly 20-year chart record previously held by Mary J. Blige.
SOS spent 16 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, while her hit single “Kill Bill” became the longest-running No. 1 single for a female solo artist. The record was previously set by Mary J. Blige’s 2006 classic “Be Without You”, which spent 15 weeks atop the chart.
On Twitter, SZA shared her favorite tracks from SOS, naming songs like “Snooze,” “Kill Bill,” “Blind,” and “Good Days” as personal highlights.
A Perfectionist Artist with Immense Success
SZA’s candid admission about her past albums underscores her relentless pursuit of perfection. While many artists are content to move on after the success of a project, SZA continues to reflect critically on her work, demonstrating her commitment to growth as an artist.
Despite her personal critiques, her fans remain enamored with her discography, often praising both Ctrl and SOS for their emotional depth and innovative production. The fact that SZA’s “flawed” work resonates so strongly with audiences speaks to her authenticity and raw talent.
In addition to her musical accolades, SZA has been expanding her influence beyond the studio. She recently wrapped up her cross-country SOS tour, which received rave reviews, and announced partnerships with major brands.
While SZA’s dissatisfaction with her old albums reveals her critical self-awareness, it’s clear that her artistry continues to evolve. With the record-breaking success of SOS and her ventures into fashion and branding, SZA’s star power shows no signs of fading. Her fans, meanwhile, eagerly await her next project, confident that her drive for perfection will only elevate her future releases.
