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SZA’s “Shirt” (Released on Oct. 28).
Singer SZA’s 2017 debut album “Ctrl” was an anomaly in the R&B music world. Her poetic ramblings, masterful commingling of a variety of genres and her soulful voice were surprising in an industry that favored a more clear-cut sound.
SZA however, threw away the usual generic beats and apathetic lyrics used by many R&B artists to express her messy vulnerability.
Her latest single “Shirt,” released on Friday, continues the verbose mood of her debut album.
Under a gritty trap beat, SZA sings in a higher, breathier register and reflects on her relationship insecurities.
Her lyrics have always felt as though SZA just walks into the recording studio and sings whatever comes to her mind.
Lyrics stumble out of her in a disjointed stream of consciousness. Despite that feeling, SZA has said that she is a perfectionist which she addresses in “Shirt.”
She sings “Still don't know my worth / Still stressin' perfection.” Any perfectionist knows how difficult it is to come to terms with imperfect creations. There is always something you can do better or change.
Her perfectionism proves a dedication to her craft not many artists have anymore, especially in the age of Soundcloud rappers.
She is effortless, but focused. She is grounded, but ethereal. And that is why fans wait with bated breath for her next move.
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Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” (released on Oct. 28).
“Lift Me Up,” Rihanna’s highly anticipated single six years in the making, is a fitting ode to “Black Panther” lead actor Chadwick Boseman, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2020. She pays homage to his impeccable legacy.
It’s hard to sum up Rihanna’s impressive legacy. The Barbadian singer has been part of the music industry for over a decade. Her 2005 single “Pon De Replay” was a small introduction to her influential sound.
Rihanna’s latest single “Lift Me Up,” which was also released on Friday, is a testament to her versatility.
The single was released as part of the soundtrack for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the sequel to 2018’s “Black Panther.”
Taking a more tranquil approach, Rihanna’s deep vocals resound over elegant pianos and harps.
While she has dabbled in ballad-oriented sounds on previous albums, she is more inclined to create hip-hop beats.
The song matches the somber mood of the film. Following the death of Boseman in 2020, it feels as though Rihanna is singing directly to him whose death devastated many.
Her classic voice crackles as she sings “When you depart, keep me safe / Safe and sound.”
Rihanna encapsulates the feelings many fans have when their favorite artist unexpectedly dies.
Though they are gone, their art continues to give fans solace and reminds them of the light that existed before their passing.
