Crybaby (SZA song)

Last updated

"Crybaby"
Song by SZA
from the album Lana
ReleasedDecember 20, 2024
Length4:02
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Audio
"Crybaby" on YouTube

"Crybaby" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).

Contents

Background

SZA teased a deluxe edition of her second studio album, SOS (2022), immediately upon its release. [1] She shared more details about the deluxe edition in 2023. In a September concert, she revealed that it became a reissue titled Lana , [2] and she first teased its visuals via Instagram on May 31, 2024. [3] In a post on the platform, SZA shared a costume of herself as an insect. [4]

When SZA performed at BST Hyde Park concert in June, several insect props were present onstage. [5] During the set, she played a video that featured her in another bug costume. [3] Set to a song publications named "Storytime", the clip was shared again on social media after the show. [6] The same song was previewed at her Lollapalooza set on August 3, during which she announced its official name was "Crybaby". [7]

Music and lyrics

"Crybaby" is backed by twinkly synthesizers and groovy bass, [8] [9] with a soundscape that DeAsia Page of Elle described as rosy. [10] SZA's various mistakes and insecurities are the focus of the lyrics; it has an additional theme of self-love. [10] In the first verse, she explores how the pressure from being a public figure has contributed to on her reputation as emotionally sensitive. [11] Other lines address her self-destructive tendencies, such as her habit of smoking. [8] Some feature her reflecting on how to become a more mature person. For instance, she tells herself to stop blaming others for her own mistakes and move her emotional instability "to the backseat". [11] Later in the song, SZA embraces her flaws, [11] singing: "I know you told stories about me. Most of them awful. All of them true." [12] [13]

Release

"Crybaby" is the 10th track of Lana, released on December 20, 2024. [14] Shortly before its release, SZA premiered a music video for the track "Drive", where a snippet of "Crybaby" plays at the end. In the outro, the camera pans to SZA, wearing bug-eye prosthetics, as she moves around some grass by the roadside. [15]

The song has received praise from critics. Variety 's Jem Aswad called "Crybaby" an album highlight, [16] whereas Mackenzie Cummings-Grady of Billboard ranked it as Lana's best track. [8] For Aswad, what made the song stand out was vocals in the chorus and final verse. [16] Focusing on the introspective lyrics' emotional impact, Cummings-Grady wrote: "Another raw and gut-wrenching look in the mirror [...] this song will turn anyone into a crybaby." [8] The vocals and lyrics were also points of praise for Zachary Horvath of HotNewHipHop. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SZA</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1989)

Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter. She first gained recognition through her self-released EPs See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013), which helped her become the first female artist to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment. Her third EP, Z (2014), was her first project to be released to digital retailers and reached the top-ten on the U.S. Independent Albums chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SZA discography</span>

The discography of American singer-songwriter SZA consists of two studio albums, one reissue album, three extended plays (EPs), one live album, and 45 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shirt (song)</span> 2022 single by SZA

"Shirt" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the third single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). Produced by Darkchild and Freaky Rob, it is an R&B song, with elements of trap music, backed by synthesizers and 808 beats. The lyrics are about a toxic relationship that consumes SZA and entices her to return, despite leaving her directionless and mentally exhausted. They include themes present throughout SOS: deep introspection, the pursuit of perfection, and the conflict between love and hatred. A snippet of "Shirt", prior to its official release, spawned a viral dance challenge on TikTok, where over a million videos used the sound. After being first previewed online two years beforehand, the song was released on October 28, 2022.

"Blind" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a beatless R&B and folk-pop song, featuring an orchestral production that consists of acoustic guitars, violas, and trumpets. SZA's vocal performance combines a rap cadence and slow falsetto vocals, with added vocal runs. In the song, SZA explores the duality of love and muses on a former relationship, as she expresses her disappointment to a toxic past partner while also expressing her continued attraction to him. For the chorus, SZA admits her insecurities in spite of seeking validation through sex, feeling empty and unable to find self-love within herself as a result of a failed romance. "Blind" also incorporates several pop culture references to figures such as Bob Saget and Jesus.

"PSA" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album SOS (2022). It is an orchestral song with a simple, stringed production, consisting of pianos and harps alongside vocal harmonies. The lyrics are delivered in a rap cadence and with braggadocio; SZA demands that people call her nothing but number-one and serve her, says she takes pleasure in angering people, and mocks those she views as "bottom feeders". "PSA" was used for the official teaser for SOS, yet despite this, the song did not appear on the final track list for the standard edition.

<i>SOS</i> (SZA album) 2022 studio album by SZA

SOS is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released on December 9, 2022, by Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. SZA worked with a variety of record producers and songwriters such as Babyface, Jeff Bhasker, Rob Bisel, Benny Blanco, Darkchild, DJ Dahi, Ant Clemons, and Lizzo. It serves as the follow-up to SZA's debut album Ctrl (2017).

"Nobody Gets Me" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fourth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was sent to Italian radio on January 6, 2023, and US contemporary hit radio four days later. The song peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian Hot 100, and the Official New Zealand Music Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kill Bill (SZA song)</span> 2023 single by SZA

"Kill Bill" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fifth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a pop and R&B murder ballad, built around a midtempo, groovy rhythm and a detuned melody. Guitars, a bassline, and a flute that was sampled from a Prophet-6 synthesizer constitute the song's production, which is influenced by the boom bap subgenre of hip hop. Mirroring the plot of the Kill Bill film duology (2003–2004) after which the song is named, the lyrics discuss a fantasy to kill an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend out of jealousy, and they employ humorous irony alongside violent imagery that contrasts with SZA's soft vocals. "Kill Bill" was sent to US radio on January 10, 2023, after achieving success on streaming services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snooze (SZA song)</span> 2023 single by SZA

"Snooze" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the sixth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is an R&B and pop song with a midtempo rhythm, featuring an instrumental that consists of bass, guitars, drums, and synthesizers. The main vocals are complemented by several layers of harmonies beneath, and a riff appears at the song's beginning. The lyrics are about SZA's obsessive devotion to a love interest who does not reciprocate her intense feelings of yearning, despite her willingness to prove her love with violence. "Snooze" was sent to radio on April 25, 2023, and a four-track single was released on digital streaming platforms on August 25. An acoustic version featuring Justin Bieber followed on September 15.

"F2F" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). "F2F" is a rock song that draws influence from genres such as country, pop rock, and grunge. SZA wrote the song with Lizzo, who provides background vocals, and producers Rob Bisel and Carter Lang. The song was one of around five rock-inspired songs SZA created for SOS, out of a desire to experiment with various genres outside of her usual R&B music. The song begins with acoustic guitar strums before transitioning into a chorus backed by drums and power chords from electric guitars. The lyrics talk about having sex with someone to cope with breaking up with a former partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SOS Tour</span> 2023–2024 concert tour by SZA

The SOS Tour was the second concert tour and first arena tour by American singer-songwriter SZA, in support of her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was announced on December 13 alongside merchandise for the album, four days after the album's release. The international tour took place in North America for the first and third legs, Europe for the second, and Oceania for the fourth, totalling to 63 shows.

"Joni" is an unreleased song by American singer-songwriter SZA featuring a yet-to-be-announced artist. It was intended for Lana (2024), the reissue of SZA's second studio album SOS (2022), but ultimately did not make the final tracklist. A trap song inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, "Joni" combines realist and idealist writing styles, discussing SZA's love for her family and desire to overcome challenges in pursuit of perfection. The song was originally uploaded to SoundCloud on August 22, 2021, and is a leaked outtake from SOS's standard edition.

"Diamond Boy (DTM)" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).

<i>Lana</i> (album) 2024 studio album (reissue) by SZA

Lana is the reissue of SOS (2022), the second studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released on December 20, 2024, through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. It features a single guest appearance from Kendrick Lamar. The album was supported by the singles "Saturn", released on February 22, and "Drive", released concurrently with the album itself.

"BMF" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It references Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'", both of which feature a "south Detroit" line, and interpolates the 1960s bossa nova single "The Girl from Ipanema". "BMF" was originally going to feature American singer and rapper Lizzo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saturn (SZA song)</span> 2024 single by SZA

"Saturn" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA, released as the lead single from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It is a song about nihilism and escapism, discussing one's lamentations about why bad things happen to good people and wishes to leave Earth for another planet, Saturn, where they could possibly live a better life. "Saturn" features a twinkly instrumental, a result of a combination of arpeggios and beaming synthesizers. The song was surprise-released on February 22, 2024, after its official debut at the year's Grammy Awards ceremony over two weeks prior. "Saturn" is nominated at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The cover is a reference to the cover of her song "Love Galore" (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drive (SZA song)</span> 2024 single by SZA

"Drive" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It was released on December 20, 2024, by Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records as the second single from Lana. A music video for the song, starring Ben Stiller, premiered on the same day.

"Take You Down" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was intended to be a track on Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).

"30 for 30" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released as the third track from Lana (2024), the reissue of SZA's second studio album SOS (2022) on December 20, 2024.

References

  1. ↑ Calfee, Joel (December 11, 2023). "SZA Teases New Music with Mysterious Farm Photos on Instagram". Harper's Bazaar . Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  2. ↑ Aswad, Jem (March 27, 2024). "SZA to Release Leaked Songs as Deluxe Edition of 'SOS,' Will Remake Delayed 'Lana' LP 'From Scratch'". Variety. Archived from the original on December 19, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  3. 1 2 Delgado, Sara (July 1, 2024). "SZA Previewed a New Song & Teased a New Album at BST Hyde Park". Teen Vogue. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  4. ↑ "SZA Covers Eminem's "Lose Yourself": Stream". May 31, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  5. ↑ Aswad, Jem (December 21, 2024). "The Long Road to 'Lana': Why SZA Took Two Years to Drop the 'SOS' Deluxe Album". Variety. Archived from the original on December 21, 2024. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  6. ↑ Wonderland Staff (July 1, 2024). "SZA Teases New Album, Lana". Wonderland. Archived from the original on December 21, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  7. ↑ Legaspi, Althea; Corcoran, Nina; Richardson, Kalia (August 3, 2024). "Stray Kids 'ATE,' SZA and Zedd Drop New Songs at Lollapalooza Day Two" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (December 20, 2024). "SZA's SOS Deluxe Lana: All 15 Tracks Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  9. ↑ "SZA Teases An Earthy New Era With "Storytime"". Nylon. July 1, 2024. Archived from the original on December 20, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Paige, DeAsia (December 23, 2024). "On Lana, SZA Unlocks a New Superpower: Self-Reliance". Elle . Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Horvath, Zachary (December 21, 2024). "SZA Embraces & Acknowledges Her Flaws On "Cry Baby"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  12. ↑ Peters, Daniel (June 30, 2024). "SZA teases new album at BST Hyde Park headline set with song snippet". NME. Archived from the original on June 30, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  13. ↑ Wonderland Staff (July 1, 2024). "SZA Teases New Album, Lana". Wonderland. Archived from the original on December 21, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  14. ↑ Kaufman, Anna. "SZA drops 'Lana' after hourslong delay: 'We been up for days'". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  15. ↑ Millman, Ethan (December 20, 2024). "Watch Ben Stiller Wistfully Lip-Synch to SZA's 'Drive'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  16. 1 2 Aswad, Jem (December 22, 2024). "SZA's 'SOS Deluxe: Lana' Is a Low-Key But Satisfying Collection to Tide Fans Over Until Her Next Chapter: Album Review". Variety. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.