10 Best SZA Songs To Add To Your Playlist
SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, has taken the music world by storm with her unique blend of R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop influences. Her soulful voice and emotionally charged lyrics have resonated with listeners worldwide, earning her a place among the most influential artists of her generation. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a musical journey through the sensational discography of SZA, spotlighting her top 10 best songs that have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
From the sultry vibes of “Love Galore” featuring Travis Scott to the introspective beauty of “Drew Barrymore,” SZA’s music touches on themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment. We’ll explore the stories behind these songs, their impact on both fans and the industry, and what makes each track a standout masterpiece.
Whether you’re a die-hard SZA fan or just discovering her incredible talent, this list is your guide to the essential tracks that define her artistry. Join us as we dive into the enchanting world of SZA’s music and celebrate the top 10 songs that have made her a musical icon.
1. “Kill Bill”
“Kill Bill” emerges as a captivating entry in American singer-songwriter SZA’s repertoire, hailing from her second studio album, SOS, released in 2022. This composition draws its inspiration from the iconic martial arts film duo, “Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Volume 2” (2003–2004), where the narrative revolves around an assassin known as the Bride and her relentless pursuit of vengeance against a former lover, ultimately involving murder.
In a parallel fashion to the films’ gripping plot, “Kill Bill” delves into SZA’s vivid imagination, as she explores the fantasy of seeking retribution against an ex-boyfriend and his new flame, fueled by the potent emotion of jealousy. Musically, “Kill Bill” resides within the realm of R&B, underpinned by a midtempo groove and a distinctive detuned melody. Drawing influence from the boom bap subgenre of hip hop, the track boasts a rich instrumental palette, featuring guitars, a resonant bassline, and a flute, sampled from the Prophet-6 synthesizer.
What sets “Kill Bill” apart is its unapologetic candor in addressing SZA’s raw and at times violent emotions. Critics have praised the song’s willingness to venture into the realm of extreme fantasies, while also acknowledging the relatable undercurrents of love’s passionate desperation. It’s a sonic journey that offers a glimpse into the lengths one might go to for the sake of love, making “Kill Bill” a compelling and thought-provoking addition to SZA’s artistic narrative.
2. “Snooze”
It has been a gradual ascent, but “Snooze,” the entrancing mid-album standout from SZA’s immensely popular SOS, has evolved into the album’s second major hit, following the chart-topping sensation “Kill Bill” on the Billboard Hot 100. Impressively, the song has maintained its position at the summit of Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for a remarkable 13 consecutive weeks. Furthermore, it recently reached a new peak, climbing to an impressive No. 7 on the Hot 100 in the weeks leading up to September 9th, coinciding with the release of its captivating and star-studded music video.
3. “Good Days”
“Good Days” is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA on December 25, 2020, as the lead single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). The single reached No. 1 on the US Spotify Streaming Chart by January 5th. On January 15th, “Good Days” was included as 1 of 46 songs in the Issa Rae and DJ D-Nice curated playlist for the inauguration of the 46th President & Vice president of the United States. A few weeks later, it would reach a No. 2 peak on Billboard‘s Streaming Songs listing. All the fervent replaying elevated “Good Days” commercially, making it SZA’s first solo record to reach the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 — currently No. 9 — and her third top 10 on the chart overall.
4. “Love Galore” featuring Travis Scott
“Love Galore” is a captivating R&B track by SZA featuring Travis Scott. Released as a single from her debut studio album “Ctrl,” the song explores the complexities of modern relationships. The lyrics touch upon themes of love, desire, and the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies romantic entanglements. SZA expresses a longing for a deeper connection, but the relationship’s volatility keeps her guessing. The chorus repeats the phrase “Why you bother me when you know you don’t want me?” emphasizing the push and pull of the relationship. Chart-wise, “Love Galore” achieved considerable success, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum certification.
5. “The Weekend”
“The Weekend” is another standout track from SZA’s “Ctrl” album. The song presents a unique perspective on a love triangle, with SZA singing from the perspective of a woman involved with a man who has another lover. The lyrics paint a picture of a casual relationship where she’s only able to see him on the weekends when he’s not with his primary partner. This narrative offers a fresh and somewhat controversial take on modern dating dynamics. Chart-wise, “The Weekend” reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of SZA’s signature songs.
6. “Drew Barrymore”
“Drew Barrymore” is a heartfelt and introspective track that delves into themes of self-doubt and vulnerability. The song’s title references actress Drew Barrymore but serves as a metaphor for SZA’s insecurities. In the lyrics, she opens up about feeling inadequate and imperfect, despite striving for love and acceptance. It’s a relatable exploration of self-worth and the desire for validation. “Drew Barrymore” received acclaim from both critics and listeners, although it didn’t chart as high as some of her other songs, peaking at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. “Broken Clocks”
“Broken Clocks” is a soulful and reflective song that touches on themes of nostalgia and lost time. SZA reminisces about her past, yearning for moments that have slipped away. The broken clocks in the lyrics symbolize a sense of time standing still while life moves forward. The song also hints at relationship struggles and the desire for stability. Chart-wise, “Broken Clocks” reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying SZA’s presence on the charts.
8. “Garden (Say It Like Dat)”
“Garden (Say It Like Dat)” is a delicate and intimate song that explores themes of self-acceptance and the complexities of love. SZA sings about her insecurities and fears, seeking reassurance and genuine affection from her partner. The garden in the lyrics represents a safe and nurturing space where she can be herself. This track showcases SZA’s vulnerability and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music. While not as chart-topping as some of her other hits, “Garden (Say It Like Dat)” is praised for its emotional depth and lyrical honesty.
9. “Supermodel”
“Supermodel” is the opening track on SZA’s album “Ctrl” and sets the tone for the entire record. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and self-assuredness. In “Supermodel,” SZA confronts an ex-lover who cheated on her. She questions his new relationship and asserts her own worth, suggesting that her departure left a void in his life. The song’s title, “Supermodel,” is used ironically to highlight the superficiality of the new relationship compared to what they had. While it may not have achieved high chart positions, “Supermodel” serves as a strong introduction to the themes of self-confidence and emotional growth explored throughout the album.
10. “Go Gina”
“Go Gina” is a track that combines elements of R&B and funk, showcasing SZA’s versatility as an artist. The song’s lyrics reference the character Gina from the popular 1990s sitcom “Martin” and the idea of wanting to escape from the mundane and predictable aspects of life. SZA sings about a friend named Gina who is seeking excitement and adventure. It’s a playful and catchy song that celebrates the desire for spontaneity and change. While not as well-known as some of her other hits, “Go Gina” adds to the diverse range of themes and styles in SZA’s repertoire.
