SZA's 'SOS' Album Beats Label Doubts, Tops Charts for 10 Weeks

SZA's 'SOS' album spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, more than the 3 weeks her deluxe version 'LANA' later achieved. This success surprised her record label.
By Newsroom | Music, Business |

The Premise of Doubt

The R&B artist SZA has recounted skepticism from her own record label regarding the chart performance of her album ‘SOS’. Executives apparently suggested the album would not surpass Taylor Swift’s contemporaneous release, ‘Midnights’, on the Billboard 200. This assertion proved contrary to the album's actual trajectory, which saw it debut at number one and remain there for an extended period.

SZA Claims Her Label Told Her “SOS” Wouldn't Beat Taylor Swift's“ Midnights” on the Charts in 2023 - 1

A Different Outcome

During an interview featured in i-D’s The Lore Issue, SZA shared her recollection of the label's initial outlook. This perspective contrasted sharply with the eventual commercial success of ‘SOS’. The album, after its release, claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200 for ten weeks. Furthermore, the deluxe version, ‘LANA’, later topped the chart for an additional three weeks.

SZA Claims Her Label Told Her “SOS” Wouldn't Beat Taylor Swift's“ Midnights” on the Charts in 2023 - 2

  • ‘SOS’ debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

  • The album maintained its number one position for ten weeks.

  • The deluxe version, ‘LANA’, also reached number one.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’, released roughly two months prior to ‘SOS’, was positioned closely behind at number two during this chart battle.

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SZA Claims Her Label Told Her “SOS” Wouldn't Beat Taylor Swift's“ Midnights” on the Charts in 2023 - 3

Artistic Dialogue and Mutual Respect

Despite the competitive charting, SZA has been quick to distance any notion of animosity between herself and Swift. She has publicly expressed admiration for Swift’s songwriting. Swift, in turn, has acknowledged SZA’s success, with reports indicating she was listening to ‘SOS’ extensively.

SZA Claims Her Label Told Her “SOS” Wouldn't Beat Taylor Swift's“ Midnights” on the Charts in 2023 - 4

SZA, speaking on her admiration: "I love her storytelling."Swift, reportedly, commented on SZA's success: "I've been listening to it nonstop."

Both artists, through social media interactions, appear to have collectively quelled any speculation of a significant rivalry. Their exchanges highlight a sentiment of mutual regard within the music industry, framed by the overarching ambition of artistic creation.

SZA's clarification: "Everyone’s just tryna do their BEST as we all should.”

Context and Industry Perceptions

The situation surrounding the release of ‘SOS’ has been framed as a demonstration of unexpected momentum. Some commentary suggests that artist-driven engagement, amplified by streaming platforms and social media, can alter traditional chart predictions. The commercial victory of ‘SOS’ is seen by some as a testament to the idea that 'anything is possible' in the music landscape, potentially influencing future industry bargaining power and creative autonomy for artists.

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The initial skepticism from SZA’s label underscores a perception of established artist dominance, particularly from figures like Swift, whose chart presence has been notably consistent. SZA's ascent, therefore, represents a challenge to such predictable outcomes.

  • SZA’s Label: Expressed doubts about ‘SOS’ outperforming ‘Midnights’.

  • ‘SOS’ Performance: Achieved 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200.

  • ‘Midnights’ Performance: Charted closely behind at number two.

  • Artist Relationship: Characterized by mutual admiration and respect.

  • Industry Insight: Suggests organic momentum can impact chart outcomes.

Background

SZA, signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, saw the release of ‘SOS’ mark a significant point in her career, particularly following a five-year interval since her previous album. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim and produced popular singles. This period of chart success coincided with the ongoing visibility of Taylor Swift, a dominant force in contemporary music. The narrative surrounding ‘SOS’ and ‘Midnights’ highlights the dynamic interplay between artist ambition, label expectations, and the unpredictable currents of public reception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did SZA's record label think her 'SOS' album would not do well?
Yes, SZA's record label doubted that her album 'SOS' would perform as well as Taylor Swift's 'Midnights' on the charts. They thought it would not reach number one.
Q: How well did SZA's 'SOS' album do on the Billboard 200 chart?
SZA's 'SOS' album was a big success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and stayed there for ten weeks. Later, the deluxe version 'LANA' also reached number one for three weeks.
Q: Was Taylor Swift's 'Midnights' album charting at the same time as SZA's 'SOS'?
Yes, Taylor Swift's 'Midnights' album was released before 'SOS'. During the time 'SOS' was at number one, 'Midnights' was charting closely behind at number two.
Q: Do SZA and Taylor Swift have a rivalry because of their album charts?
No, SZA and Taylor Swift do not seem to have a rivalry. SZA has said she admires Swift's songwriting, and Swift has reportedly been listening to 'SOS' a lot. They seem to respect each other's work.
Q: What does SZA's 'SOS' album success mean for the music industry?
The success of 'SOS' shows that an artist's connection with fans through social media can change chart predictions. It suggests that artists can achieve unexpected success and gain more power with their labels.