But what exactly is “RAR” ? In SZA’s fandom, RAR stands for the unreleased, the retooled, and the resurrected — specifically the nine additional tracks on SOS Deluxe: LANA . Songs like “Saturn,” “BMF,” “Scorsese Baby Daddy,” and “Diamond Boy” didn’t just add length. They added context, closure, and a new emotional architecture that makes the original SOS feel even sharper in retrospect.
If you are interested in a deeper analysis of the tracks, I can help you: Compare the from both albums List the best guest features in SOS Compare critical reviews from different music publications Let me know how you'd like to narrow down the comparison . Share public link
The most striking growth from Ctrl to SOS is the shift in perspective. Ctrl was the sound of a "20-something" trying to find their footing. On SOS , SZA revisits these themes—heartbreak, insecurity, and self-worth—but from a more "self-assured" and "candid" vantage point.
The ongoing debate over , centers on a choice between cohesive, raw vulnerability and ambitious, genre-defying musical evolution . When SZA released SOS in late 2022, she faced the impossible task of following up Ctrl (2017), a record that defined a generation of modern R&B. Fans instantly began searching for answers to the question: is SZA SOS actually better? sza sosrar better
| Album | Artist | Release Date | Themes | Sound | |-------|--------|--------------|--------|-------| | SOS | SZA | December 9, 2022 | Emotional chaos, self-worth, longing, freedom, mental health | Alternative R&B, pop, rock, hip-hop, indie, folk | | Rated R | Rihanna | November 20, 2009 | Defiance, heartbreak, violence, resilience, rebirth | Dark R&B, pop rock, hip-hop, dancehall |
Ultimately, while SOS is a monumental and thrilling achievement, ** CTRL remains the superior album.** It is a flawless artistic statement—a debut so powerful and complete that it set a standard SZA herself may never surpass. Its emotional core is deeper, its narrative is tighter, and its impact as a cultural touchstone is unmatched. SOS is a brilliant and worthy follow-up, a fantastic album that showcases an artist's growth, but CTRL is a masterpiece.
The sonic disparity in SOS reflects the emotional chaos SZA describes, making the album's lack of a single "throughline" its strongest asset. But what exactly is “RAR”
: Despite its length, many fans argue the original 2022 tracklist captures the "distress signal" theme more authentically than the added deluxe tracks. The Case for LANA (SOS Deluxe)
Much like Kanye West’s Donda , SOS feels vast and multifaceted, showcasing that SZA can thrive in any genre, not just her signature R&B lane. 2. A More Mature, Confident Perspective
’s major studio albums, (2017) and (2022), usually comes down to whether you value a tight, cohesive narrative or a sprawling, genre-defying showcase of growth. While remains the "timeless" favorite for many hardcore fans, They added context, closure, and a new emotional
For many fans and critics, SOS represents an artist at the height of her powers, willing to experiment with every tool at her disposal.
On Ctrl , SZA is a passive observer of her own heartbreak. She writes from a place of deep-seated insecurity, body dysmorphia, and the crushing weight of societal expectations.
So go ahead. Queue up “SOS,” let “Kill Bill” slash your speakers, and then let “Saturn” float you back to earth. You’ll understand why the fans are right:
The RAR tracks solve this by introducing tonal variety late in the game. “Saturn” is ethereal and hopeful. “BMF” is confident and rhythmic. “Diamond Boy” is playful and glossy. These aren’t sad songs — they’re survivor songs. They give you permission to breathe after the suffocation of “Far” and “Too Late.”