While Lorde channeled the emotions that came with 21st century heartbreak, SZA's Ctrl is a more demanding approach to our concurrent sexual culture of meaningless sex and hookups while still attempting to find someone to love in a generation that has no real sense of love itself. SZA's most honest work is also her most tender and reflective, and offers insight into a woman who is at times enticed by a depraving life and at others sickened by it.

I fell in love with a guy during my sophomore year of high school. It was the first time I realized that my attractions were more than just a transient crush, and that I really couldn't stop thinking about him no matter where I was. He and I would meet up at his house and watch movies, play videogames, swim, and sleep together in his bedroom. That summer will always be remembered as the most sensual, amazing, and happy summer of my life. But of course, like all good things, it didn't last long. ... read more

My 2013 phase scene self is absolutely SHOOKETH.

In light of Apple Music removing The College Dropout from their service, I'm giving this timeless, classic, essential album the score I think it deserves. Also, I'm dropping Apple Music for Spotify just so I can continue to listen to The College Dropout because I can't imagine a world without this album.