The Associated Press names SZA's 'Ctrl' album of the year
1. SZA, "Ctrl": As the beat of the opening track of SZA's debut album played at a concert this week in New York City, the entire venue sang the first two minutes of the song "Supermodel," and the singer hadn't even showed her face onstage. And that's just it -- SZA is the voice of this generation. The 28-year-old's "Ctrl" is a masterpiece about a girl navigating in life -- dating, falling in love, dealing with dusty boys, self-doubt, acceptance and more. Her voice glides over each song as she spits matter-of-fact lyrics and finds ways to reference the TV shows "Martin" and "Narcos," as well as "Forrest Gump," in the songs. "The Weekend" is her at the top of the game; "Broken Clocks" is just as addictive; and "Normal Girl" and "20 Something" prove SZA is not one of those alternative R&B artists with one or two tricks up her sleeve.