SZA Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
SZA's music often feels like a direct line to the heart.
Her discography is a journey through raw emotion, vulnerability, and stunning artistry. Deciding on the best SZA albums is a deeply personal task for many fans.
That's why we're diving into SZA albums ranked primarily by the voices that matter most: the fans.
We'll also touch on how current popularity data stacks up, offering a different view. Let's explore these incredible records.
Ranking SZA's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. SOS (2022)
Released in late 2022, SZA's second studio album, SOS, quickly became a monumental success.
It features guest appearances from artists like Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, and Travis Scott.
SOS is noted for its eclectic sound and SZA's compelling vocal delivery, building on the themes and honesty of her debut.
The album received widespread critical acclaim and dominated charts, solidifying SZA's place as a leading voice in contemporary R&B and pop.
Key tracks:
- Snooze
- Nobody Gets Me
- Kill Bill
Topping our fan-driven ranking, SOS resonated profoundly with listeners worldwide.
Its expansive tracklist and emotional depth clearly connected, making it a defining album for many SZA fans.
2. Ctrl (2017)
SZA's debut studio album, Ctrl, arrived in 2017 to immense critical and commercial acclaim.
This record truly catapulted her into stardom.
It features collaborations with Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and James Fauntleroy.
Ctrl is celebrated for its cohesive production and SZA's raw, honest vocal performances, exploring themes of love, insecurity, and self-discovery.
Key tracks:
- Broken Clocks
- Love Galore (feat. Travis Scott)
- The Weekend
Securing the second spot, Ctrl remains a monumental and deeply cherished album for SZA's fanbase.
Its relatability and groundbreaking sound established a strong foundation of dedicated listeners who continue to revisit its tracks.
3. Z (2014)
Z, SZA's third EP and first major label release, came out in 2014.
This project marked a significant step in her artistic journey, showcasing her evolving sound.
The EP blends alternative R&B and neo-soul with diverse musical styles, including hip hop and synth-pop elements.
Lyrically, Z delves into complexities of relationships, sexuality, and nostalgia.
Key tracks:
- Childs Play (feat. Chance the Rapper)
- Sweet November
While an EP, Z holds a special place for many early SZA admirers, landing third in our fan ranking.
Its experimental nature and the raw talent on display offered a captivating glimpse of the artist SZA would become.
SZA albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of SZA's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SOS | 2022 |
| 2 | Black Panther The Album Music From And Inspired By | 2018 |
| 3 | Ctrl | 2017 |
| 4 | Z | 2014 |
Quick FAQs about SZA's albums
Q: What was the main concept behind SZA's album SOS?
A: SOS serves as a follow-up to her debut Ctrl, further exploring themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and reflection, with a broad, eclectic sound palette.
Q: How was SOS received by critics and the public?
A: SOS received widespread critical acclaim for its diverse sound and SZA's vocal delivery. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, breaking records for R&B albums and earning multiple Grammy nominations and wins.
Ranking music is always a fascinating, if subjective, endeavor.
This exploration of SZA albums ranked shows a clear fan favorite in SOS, with Ctrl holding a legendary status.
Ultimately, the best SZA album is the one that speaks to you most deeply. Each record offers a unique window into her artistry.
What's your personal ranking of SZA's albums? Which songs or albums mean the most to you?