Are you someone who wants revenge, hopes for new love, or is focused on choosing yourself as a form of self-love? Or maybe you need an S.O.S in some area of your life to know you’re not alone? Well, Sza’s new album “S.O.S” is for you.

A top hit and my personal favorite from the album is the song “Kill Bill,” which grasps the concept of revenge and volatile anger. The song also is about the love you feel for your ex, or maybe even someone you never dated. If they don’t want you and you can’t have them, then no one can, as the song goes. The song makes you ask yourself: Would you rather go to jail or avenge your broken heart by murdering your ex and their new lover?

This viral TikTok sensation hit sparked an argument around the fan base. It questioned if you were mature and couldn’t relate or if it was just right up your alley as a confession of a crime you have yet to commit. I personally think it establishes a love- hate relationship you have with people and the consequences to follow. It’s catchy and beautifully written to get your heartfelt anger pumping through your veins.

If you’re looking for a refreshing new love like I am, I’d say listening to the songs “Open Arms” (featuring Travis Scott), “Love language,” or “Ghost in the Machine” (featuring Phoebe Bridgers) are experimental affirmations for all the types of lovers you want and deserve to have. In “Open Arms” Sza sings:

“Lovin’ you almost feels like somethin’,

when no one’s around me,

you lost and found me,

I was surrounded with open arms,”

This shows love can come from all directions and be received unconditionally. This inspired me to find someone who makes me feel wanted even on bad days.

In “Love Language,” Sza expresses what she wishes her partner would show her:

“How to connect to you,

help me understand,

how you speak your love language.”

This is relatable because everyone has their own love language, and it’s hard to read people’s minds when you don’t know how they give and receive love.

While listening to “Ghost in the Machine,” Sza hits you with impactful lyrics that make you question your existence in life as well as your relationships:

“Can you make me happy,

keep me happy.

It reflect all the godlike,

you forget how to love somebody.”

This song is great for being direct in what you want from a partner and addressing society’s problem of shallowness. Either you will let your ego block you from your higher self, or you will allow your vulnerability to shine through, allowing others to love the real you as you are.

Lost and don’t know how to pick yourself first? “Blind” is the song for you. In “Blind,” Sza reminds you that:

“It’s so embarrassing.

All of the things I need,

living inside me,

I can’t see it.”

The harsh reality is that many of us face low self-esteem, but the true power of inner strength and love resides in us. Though some of us are blind to our true potential, it’s good to be reminded of our inner strength and the love we should have for ourselves, because, at the end of the day, you should put yourself first. You are the one going into your grave by yourself. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but you have to first accept and start somewhere. This was a hard realization for me as well.

Moving toward something uplifting and need a shout-out for positive vibes and a reminder that you’re free to be you. Take a look at “Far” or “Good Days.” At the beginning of “Far” is a conversation between Sza and Sadghuru, an Indian spiritualist. I personally love his work and meditations which really soothe me. The conversation discusses rejection, as Sza states that she’s been going through a lot of rejection and that it makes her feel small. Sadghuru explains that is actually a good thing because:

“If nobody wants you,

you’re free.”

That unlocked something in my brain to rewire every challenge I’ve faced to become a gift of reason. I personally felt this due to being a black woman in Oklahoma. Hearing this made me feel seen in a way, which is common for most Sza songs like “Normal Girl” from her first album “Ctrl.” That is about wanting to be a normal girl whom everyone loves. I feel like every woman of color woman struggled growing up knowing that they will always be different and unique.

My ultimate favorite song from Sza is “Good Days.” A storm is following you and you’re having a terrible day, this song will bring the sun and rainbows to your mood. You’ll put the pain behind you because good days are all you want ahead for yourself. Sza starts off singing:

“Gotta let go of weight,

can’t keep what’s holdin’ me.

Still wanna try,

still believe in good days.”

As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I found this song reaffirms that all you can do is try and hope that the best is to come next. An affirmation that helps me is that everything always works out for me even if I don’t see it. The song just brings warmth and love to you which is something everybody needs.

Overall, this album is filled with ups and down. You will feel healed and saved by hearing this music. Sza expresses herself in a raw vulnerable way that many feel guilty and avoidant of showing to others. Sza reminds us that we all are people with valid emotions who need to be seen and heard to be connected as a community. I hope you take from this that you are not alone and that you matter.

Janet Ogungbuyi is a second-year Communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.