She sent out an SOS and I answered.
From Ctrl to SOS, SZA takes us on a journey of self reflection, anguish, and acceptance.
photo by Charlotte Mooney.
“I woke up sad this morning, randomly, for no actual reason. That shit just be happening, and y’all lifted my spirits so much. I am so grateful. I really needed it, thank you.”
Solána Imani Rowe, better known as singer-songwriter SZA, blended multiple genres on her sophomore album SOS as she masterfully expressed what it means to be a young woman through her open and candid lyricism. The record was released in December of 2022, and its late arrival shook up many “album of the year” lists. SOS demonstrates acceptance and growth from past relationships, while also acknowledging all the emotions that arise during the process of moving on. Through her music, SZA destigmatizes being yourself, making mistakes, questioning decisions, and understanding who you are. Her overall success is definitely owed to the relatability of her lyrics and her honesty when speaking on relationships, womanhood, and personal expression.
SZA’s SOS tour offered an escape from the loneliness and isolation of reality, and transported the audience into a world of familiarity. Drowning in my new college environment, stepping away from family and friends, and dealing with the loss of relationships, I found myself seeking something to tether myself to. SZA’s SOS tour sounded like it would provide just the sense of comfort I was craving. I impulsively bought my tickets with a girl I just met; there was no way that SZA was going to be in Chicago and I was not going to see her. October 10th finally arrived and I could not contain my excitement. When I finally reached my seat at the United Center, I was overcome with anticipation. One of the things I love most about SZA, is that the people who are her fans, are her FANS. The venue was booming with liveliness. Before the concert began, there was a set playlist, and people were dancing with strangers all around the stadium. What better way to precede the SZA concert than a mosh pit?
photo by Charlotte Mooney.
The lights dimmed and SZA appeared on the set screen. Throughout her whole performance, she incorporated the theme of water and movement. By using a screen with blue spirals and other circular shapes, continuously taking off articles of clothing to depict movement within the set, and flying over the audience in a raft, SZA was clearly committed to the art of performance and audience immersion. This theme of ebbing and flowing water within the concert was also reflected in her transitions between songs from SOS and Ctrl.
The SOS tour included many songs from SZA’s debut album Ctrl, bouncing back and forth between the two records and connecting the listener to her journey as an artist. Although there is a shift in attitude between both albums, the concert was able to cohesively combine them both in order to offer an expansive ambiance. I thought that the setlist was well organized, and it resembled major growth. Some of my favorite songs that SZA performed in order were: “Seek and Destroy,” “Ghost in the Machine,” “Prom,” “F2F,” “Nobody Gets Me,” “Special,” and, of course, “Good Days.” Not only do I simply enjoy listening to these, I also think that they demonstrate this theme of growth throughout different stages in relationships.
We first see her in a sparkly denim jacket and shorts set. As the concert progresses, SZA takes off the jacket, sings a few more songs, and then takes off her shorts. This first costume change—a costume deconstruction, really—sees her in a vulnerable state, but rather than cowering, SZA exudes self-confidence the whole way through. During the second costume change, we see an outfit re-construction, and we watch as the set helpers dress her. This costume marked the transition into a new era of her songs: upbeat, but still questioning in her view of self and her relationships. The audience does not get to see the final costume change, but SZA reenters the stage in a long red dress, almost demonstrating a rebirth into a new version of herself. In this outfit, SZA steps onto a raft and floats across the stage, truly demonstrating the movement of time and change throughout her life and at that exact moment.
I found her music both soothing and calming, not only because of her voice and the instrumentation, but also because of how her lyrics made me feel, as if she was speaking for me. Hearing her, I realized I was not wrong to feel the way that I do about certain situations. While I have always looked to SZA’s music for her knack for relatability, I felt like, on that night in the United Center, she looked to us to feel the same thing. I needed her as much as she needed me. I left with a sense of rebirth and reconciliation and, of course, my merchandise. I’m just hoping and praying that we don’t have to wait five and a half years for the next record!
edited by Eva Smolen.
photos by Charlotte Mooney.