28 year old Sza graced R&B lovers everywhere with her debut album, Ctrl. This was over five months ago. Today, that very album is nominated for five Grammys.

With hit songs like “Love Galore” and “Drew Barrymore”, Sza spent 20 weeks on the BillBoard Charts and her collaboration with rapper Travis Scott was in the Billboard Chart Top 100. But nominations and awards don’t do justice to Ctrl, and don’t attribute to the success of the album amongst her audience.

On the album, from the first track “Supermodel” to the last track “20 Something,” Sza exhibits raw emotion.

Ctrl and its success can be attributed to her clever lyrics that her audience relates to so much. I think that what makes this album so appealing is that is makes the listeners feel something.

In “Normal Girl,” Sza sings “this time next year, we’ll be living so good, won’t remember no pain I swear.”

The songs are relatable with themes of heartbreak, sadness, and self love, and many listeners, like myself, love that about the album.

In “Love Galore” Sza sings “I said farewell, you took it well. Promise I won’t cry over spilled milk.”

This particular lyric stands out to me and others because it is applicable to so many real life situations.

I personally enjoy that the lyrics have actual meaning and are thought provoking. The album is critically acclaimed for its theme of sexual freedom and the appreciation of one’s body and love.

Ctrl makes me feel a variety of emotions, from sadness to confidence to love. Ctrl has become an outlet for emotions for a lot of people and that is why it is so critically acclaimed.

The taboo of sexual freedom in society is finally being addressed through Sza’s music and I think it is a step in changing our views on body image.

On top of Ctrl’s iconic lyrics and meaning, Sza’s soothing vocals and interesting techniques make the album so enjoyable. At the end of “Garden (Say it like dat),” Sza includes a voicemail of her grandmother in which she gives a few words of encouragement to Sza.

Her songs include many phone tones and peaceful effects that make the album an easy listen. Ctrl has a song for everyone and for every situation, and Sza really uses her platform to connect with her audience.

Overall, I rate Sza’s Ctrl 4 out of 5, based on quality and meaning of the songs. I think that this album is a modern masterpiece that appeals to a wide audience and conveys an important message. Honest lyrics, catchy tunes, and amazing vocals make the album a must listen.