SZA's CTRL Snatched My Wig
For a a couple years now, me and every other SZA fan has been waiting (im)patiently for her project to drop. Waiting anxiously to the point that when she tweeted about "quitting" music, my heart was broken. And in the same turn, when Love Galore dropped, it was singing from my speakers until I got the next drop. By the time I got "Doves In The Wind" (sis was IN HER BAG) and an official release date, I. Was. READY.
At least I thought I was.
Between the opening track "Supermodel" and closing track "20 Something", I had gone through an array of emotions. I could go track by track of how each song made me feel (Drew Barrymore has ripped me to tears streaming shreds) but the importance lies here: SZA made you FEEL.
The prime importance of CTRL is how open it is. Black women are considered to be always in all ways, strong. Bend but don't break. Be bulletproof. The vulnerability of this album to the point that it can rip the listener open just the same is nothing to be regarded lightly. Every woman has gone through experiences of trying to have their magic stripped of them via venomous people but many are considerably quiet about it. SZA posing the question of "am I warm enough for you?" was triggering to say the least but also comforting to know that you're not the only one to have experienced such a bleeding love.
In the same turn, "Love Galore" "Doves In The Wind" "Go Gina" and most notably, "The Weekend" are taking power back ANTHEMS. The latter mentioned track debunks the idea that women can't also have a roster to be rotated; little is it known, we're usually better at doing so. Sometimes Tuesday and Wednesday is a little much -- all ya need is a 3 day weekend.
SZA gave us Black girl magic. She gave us straight-out-the-diary lyrical stories. Heartbreak. Rejoice. Vulnerability. Empathy. A reminder that you are as much of the shit that you think you are and that p***y does indeed and will forever run the world. Most importantly, she shared her magic to an undeniable degree to forever have on wax.
SZA handed us control on a gold plated platter with CTRL and my rotation is eternally grateful.
Go Gina.