Why does SZA's latest album SOS hit different? It's the way her melodies don't repeat where you expect them to, defying all the rules of pop songwriting. We break down how her endless melodies echo the intimate themes of her most recent release, and how they connect to genres ranging from gospel to Wagnerian opera.
Songs Discussed
SZA - Kill Bill, SOS, Shir ... Show More
Yesterday
IV. Take It to the Bridge (ft. Tayla Parx)
Bridges open up the world of a song: they're a breath of fresh air and a point of contrast, typically delivered right before the final chorus. But sometimes they accomplish even more, changing the whole meaning of a song by introducing a note of doubt, or even defiance. This is w ... Show More
42m 16s
Jul 21
II. Justice for the verse (ft. Audrey Hobert)
Everybody sings the chorus, but superfans quote the verse. On this episode of Switched on Pop, Charlie and Nate trace the verse from Shakespeare through opera to TikTok, and songwriter Audrey Hobert shares her philosophy of specific verses and anthemic choruses: you can't have th ... Show More
33m 44s
Dec 2022
SZA Speaks! Inside Her New Album and Much More
SZA talks about the battles behind her triumphant, chart-topping new album 'SOS,' previews her tour, and much, much more in an interview conducted by host Brian Hiatt and Mankaprr Conteh. "I think this album was partially inspired by love lost, but mostly inspired by my departure ... Show More
33m 59s
<p>For this episode we spoke about perfect songs from various genres that you’ve probably never heard before. We brought in Never Catch Me by Flying Lotus & Kendrick Lamar, I Get Up by J. Cole, No SZNS by Jean Dawson & SZA and more.</p>
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