CTRL
by SZA
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 9, 2017
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 570 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 535 out of 570
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 570
  3. Negative: 19 out of 570
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  1. CiphirSol
    Jun 13, 2017
    10
    Looks as though Vladimir Putin's on here trying to sway public opinion again and manipulate more votes and scores. Why don't you go review a nice cold bowl of borscht?
  2. amandaaraujo_
    Jun 15, 2017
    10
    She fully commands the foreground of her songs. Her voice is upfront, recorded to sound natural and unaffected, with all its grain and conversational quirks.
  3. mathesu
    Jun 15, 2017
    10
    This album is a masterpiece based on the fact that it captures a lot of mixed and complex feelings we all have or will experience in our lives. The way SZA says the things she says in such blunt yet with an almost reassuring tone is truly amazing and beautiful to watch/listen.
  4. SoundOfAMan
    Jun 15, 2017
    10
    SZA is the full package in terms of artistry: killer singing and songwriting abilities with a distinct perspective on life, love and destiny. CTRL is craft in action, a uniquely excellent album from a uniquely excellent artist. Amazing album.
  5. Evic21
    Jun 17, 2017
    10
    CTRL has the feel of a backyard party in the summer sun, but with the introspective lyrics, it feels that even though she's in such a bright and warm place, there's ice in her heart, but not enough to take over her life. By finding control, she creates an album that touches on so many aspects of human nature and emotion that it's hard not to say that this album is one of 2017's bestCTRL has the feel of a backyard party in the summer sun, but with the introspective lyrics, it feels that even though she's in such a bright and warm place, there's ice in her heart, but not enough to take over her life. By finding control, she creates an album that touches on so many aspects of human nature and emotion that it's hard not to say that this album is one of 2017's best debuts. On "Supermodel", she says "why am I so easy to forget like that?" but after hearing the depth of such an intriguing artist, there is no way we can possibly forget her.… Expand
  6. xxsuckercandy
    Jun 13, 2017
    10
    Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.
  7. LispectorLTX
    Feb 14, 2018
    10
    One of the albums of my life. From track 01 to 14, this LP is a complete masterpiece. I WANT MORE OF THIS, SZA!! The best of 2017.
  8. Almiir
    Mar 18, 2018
    10
    QUE ALBUM É ESSE??!! SZA trouxe como seu primeiro álbum,uma relíquia musical.maravilhoso álbum,com ótimos vocais e perfeitas músicas.SZA é uma pérola da indústria musical.Parabéns e obrigado por esse álbum maravilhoso,SZA.
  9. samwich21
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    This girl has got talent. On her first album, SZA takes a page out of powerhouses, such as Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott, books to create a soulfully cohesive album.
  10. Ultraviolenxe
    Jun 16, 2017
    10
    This album is such an honest, raw, and sometimes heartbreaking record about self-love. The production is sleek and makes the album cohesive, and SZA's vocals are hauntingly beautiful. An amazing debut.
  11. HausOfSatan
    Jun 13, 2017
    10
    CTRL is one of the most cohesive and relatable debut albums in recent memory. Through soulful, and sometimes crass, lyrics, SZA explains the struggles of past relationships, growing up, and gaining control over her life. The album spans an array of moods and sub-genres. Beginning with the unapologetic, melancholy "Supermodel", and ending with the soul-bearing "20 Something", SZA has noCTRL is one of the most cohesive and relatable debut albums in recent memory. Through soulful, and sometimes crass, lyrics, SZA explains the struggles of past relationships, growing up, and gaining control over her life. The album spans an array of moods and sub-genres. Beginning with the unapologetic, melancholy "Supermodel", and ending with the soul-bearing "20 Something", SZA has no problem airing all of her dirty laundry. Throughout the album, we hear snippets of a recorded conversation with her mother, who describes her experiences with maintaining control throughout her life. With high profile collaborators such as Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Pharrell, SZA does a fantastic job of handling the track like a seasoned professional, never allowing their verses to overshadow hers. The highs of the album are tremendous - Supermodel, Doves In The Wind, and Normal Girl are all standouts. The album, overall, is an ethereal, poignant ride.… Expand
  12. guilhermehagler
    Dec 5, 2017
    10
    I really love everything about CTRL. It's an emotional album but also makes you feel like everything will be fine, no matter what. It's chill and it makes me happy. It helped me go through a rough moment of my life and I'm really grateful for that.
    Solana is an amazing songwriter with a beautiful soul... Hungry for the deluxe edition
  13. omarruiz
    Apr 5, 2018
    10
    I keep listening to this album over and over. The production is so great its very vibey and chill. The structure of the album is very detailed the songs go with eachother and transition beautifully between themselves.
  14. honoratosilva
    Aug 20, 2017
    10
    Minina esse álbum é muito top topssimo topperson topper muito top, top top top eu poderia falar muita coisa sobre ele, mas acho que falar que ele é top é o suficiente top mesmo top
  15. spongecat
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    I love SZA for pretty much saving 2017’s music with this album. Every song on it is something that is begging to be heard. ‘Love Galore’ is a gorgeous lead single, you literally can’t stop playing it. Her little accent adds a beautiful flair to the tracks. Go Gina, Prom, The Weeknd and Supermodel are the kind of songs you want to scream the lyrics out to. The prod. Is insanely good and theI love SZA for pretty much saving 2017’s music with this album. Every song on it is something that is begging to be heard. ‘Love Galore’ is a gorgeous lead single, you literally can’t stop playing it. Her little accent adds a beautiful flair to the tracks. Go Gina, Prom, The Weeknd and Supermodel are the kind of songs you want to scream the lyrics out to. The prod. Is insanely good and the lyrics are brilliant, Perfect album for true R&B lovers.… Expand
  16. juliandcardona
    Jan 4, 2018
    10
    Apasionado y mata emociones. Desgarrador y grato de ser una joya para la música.
  17. shadesoffroot
    Jan 23, 2018
    10
    The way SZA crafts a narrative or a perfect caricature of the mundane struggles of a black woman in modern-day America in this record is very breathtaking and fascinating to say in the very least. To add to this unique encapsulation, the strong thematic concept of time in this record—captured, quite literally, in Broken Clocks and The Weekend, and more subtly in songs like Prom and 20The way SZA crafts a narrative or a perfect caricature of the mundane struggles of a black woman in modern-day America in this record is very breathtaking and fascinating to say in the very least. To add to this unique encapsulation, the strong thematic concept of time in this record—captured, quite literally, in Broken Clocks and The Weekend, and more subtly in songs like Prom and 20 Something, which deal with the anxieties of growing up—definitively proves that SZA is a new and upcoming force to be reckoned with in this industry.… Expand
  18. Connorcox1997
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    When SZA was working on her debut album, I was really looking forward to her album. I'm glad it was worth the wait because SZA's Ctrl is a fantastic album from start to finish. Loved all the songs from the album, and SZA's Lyrics are amazing. And the features on the album are fantastic. SZA's Ctrl is a must listen. 10/10
  19. bodakyellow
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    What can I say? Ctrl is the epitome of what all music should aspire to be. SZA's skillful songwriting heightens her music even further, making each track a masterpiece. No beat is left unheard and no listener should be left disappointed. Favourite tracks: Supermodel, Love Galore, Garden (Say It Like Dat), Broken Clocks
  20. MeepityMeeper
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    SZA shows a beautiful range of colorful taste, and unique writing skills in her debut LP Ctrl.
  21. alexc4761
    Jul 6, 2018
    10
    An amazing variety of songs in this album. SZA shows how unique she can be, and songs are almost always catchy. There are great beats and hooks in this album such as "Broken Clocks" and "The Weekend". SZA really shows off her incredible voice and emotion with her lyrics.
  22. Abloobla
    Oct 2, 2018
    10
    One of the best R&B albums of the decade. Excited to hear more of her work in the future.
  23. hannahbanana
    Oct 24, 2018
    10
    CTRL is a cinematic sonic adventure of a special kind of legend. One that comes from the most beautiful, bewildering and bountiful experiences...coming of age. SZA bravely shares her experience on her journey in womanhood and youth's endless feeling and illusions flawlessly. The album opens with food for thought from her mother as an opener and close that leads back to the main lesson.CTRL is a cinematic sonic adventure of a special kind of legend. One that comes from the most beautiful, bewildering and bountiful experiences...coming of age. SZA bravely shares her experience on her journey in womanhood and youth's endless feeling and illusions flawlessly. The album opens with food for thought from her mother as an opener and close that leads back to the main lesson. What is control. What is control for a woman. What is control for anyone... The way she addresses the idea of control in love, lust and self-discovery is both breathtaking and life-changing as a music lover. SZA is truly a gift and new legend in music with many treasures to be shared. This beyond exquisite debut album is an instant classic.… Expand
  24. Mauve
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    I still revisit this album a lot and I never forget a single word. Beautiful, hard-hitting masterpiece. There isn’t a skip on this album.
  25. nic0las
    Jul 24, 2019
    10
    SZA was very personal in this album, she didn't even hesitate when it was the time for expressing her truth thoughts. in this masterpiece we can appreciate the point of view that SZA has about the world and how she sees herself, withouth skipping her flaws and imperfections. The only decent collaboration was with travis, on the other hand Kendrick, Isaiah and James added an even moreSZA was very personal in this album, she didn't even hesitate when it was the time for expressing her truth thoughts. in this masterpiece we can appreciate the point of view that SZA has about the world and how she sees herself, withouth skipping her flaws and imperfections. The only decent collaboration was with travis, on the other hand Kendrick, Isaiah and James added an even more pleasing sound to the song, specially when they combined their voices with SZA.… Expand
  26. Boidummyticxi
    Oct 14, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Favorite rnb album of the decade for me!!! This album has absolutely no skips and I can play it for hoursssss and hours!!!!!… Expand
  27. Cole269
    Oct 10, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album just transcends. It is so full of emotion and is a real journey through life as a millennial in your 20s. Feeling empty and lost in a world of hook ups and insecurities. Never feeling respected and loved by the people you are… Expand
  28. divinediablo
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    The mf Queen she did so much in this album and it was beautiful in capturing all of her emotions here
  29. Lumionara
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    best Album, so much emotion, so gooood writing and vocal from sza Yeah this album is ART
  30. kicyclex
    Aug 4, 2020
    10
    tá rindo porque ela é corna? ok, tudo bem! é corna, mas dorme com ele todos os dias. dirige o carro dele, ele dirige o carro dela, frequenta a casa da família dele e ele da família dela. viajam juntos, tem sonhos... tem problemas, tem alegrias, tristezas, mas enfrentam juntos um dando força pro outro. a mulher que ele escolheu pra amar, é corna, mas tem prioridade em tudo o que ele faz. étá rindo porque ela é corna? ok, tudo bem! é corna, mas dorme com ele todos os dias. dirige o carro dele, ele dirige o carro dela, frequenta a casa da família dele e ele da família dela. viajam juntos, tem sonhos... tem problemas, tem alegrias, tristezas, mas enfrentam juntos um dando força pro outro. a mulher que ele escolheu pra amar, é corna, mas tem prioridade em tudo o que ele faz. é corna, mas quem faz ele dormir no sofá, quando mandado, é ela! e depois ele vem, todo obediente, fazendo tudo o que ela mandar. e você? você é apenas, um depósito de esperma da necessidade de um homem casado. tem de fazer sexo com qualquer coisa, inclusive, com você.

    e você coitada, fica aí toda feliz quando um homem sem autoestima e mal resolvido, resolve te chamar de linda e dizer que te ama... mentindo na cara dura, só pra te comer e pra você dar pra ele. aprenda gata!

    um homem ou uma mulher, trai sim... trai por insegurança, por carência, por vingança, por raiva, ou por necessidade fisiológica. mas amor, cumplicidade, dedicação de verdade? ah, meu amor... isso você não tira do marido de ninguém!

    se valorize mulher, o amor próprio, é o primeiro de todos os amores. quem vive de migalha é pombo, ou formiga! jamais se sinta plena, destruindo uma família, destruindo a felicidade dos outros por capricho    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2017
19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 26, 2023
    70
    Ctrl is a Facebook-photo album of opinions and behaviours that probably shouldn’t be broadcasted online. It’s also an assembly of tracks that prevail as mantras of self-affirmation, and it balances the two sides of its character with an awareness that feels like an accident, though it's welcomed all the same. But even if we disregard what it all means, these tracks are still jams, tunes, or any other blasé term people attach to music that you can throw away your dignity to.
    Read full review
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 26, 2023
    100
    From start to finish, CTRL os nothing less than outstanding - the late arrival of a very important artist.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 14, 2017
    90
    In Ctrl, SZA draws on her personal experience and explores women’s sexuality in a direct and honest way which was so far mostly reserved to male R&B and pop artists.
    Read full review
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