Vulture: "Raw, candid writing isn't new for SZA; it's what made the previous album, Ctrl, such a breakout and one of the high marks of the confessional R&B; of the past decade." [7]

The Daily Telegraph: " Ctrl, the triple-platinum, four-time Grammy nominated debut that propelled SZA to popstar status" [11] By the time SOS was released, many publications had already released their respective year-end best-of album lists. Nonetheless, some publications who released later lists included SOS. [103] Kelly, Chris (February 28, 2023). "SZA Takes a Deep Dive into Unknown Waters at Capital One Arena". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023 . Retrieved April 4, 2023. SZA Adds 2023 North American Tour Dates". Pitchfork. April 11, 2023. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 . Retrieved April 12, 2023.

At the end of the “PSA” teaser video, a message written on morse code can be seen, which after being translated spells out “SOS,” something that was also tattooed on her wrist in the “Shirt” music video. In an interview with Billboard released on November 16, 2022, SZA confirmed the theories about the album’s title. Cohen, Jonathan (April 11, 2023). "SZA Expands S.O.S. World Tour". Spin. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023 . Retrieved April 12, 2023. a b Thompson, Stephen; Harris, Aisha; Madden, Sidney; Katzif, Mike; Wood, Rommel; Reedy, Jessica (December 15, 2022). "On SOS, SZA Both Surprises and Delivers Exactly What We've Been Waiting For" (Audio upload and transcript). NPR. Archived from the original on December 24, 2022 . Retrieved December 24, 2022. Caldwell, Brandon (July 11, 2020). "SZA Clarifies Her Remarks About Being A 'Queen' Of R&B". HipHopDX . Retrieved May 17, 2023. SOS de SZA" (in Spanish). Apple Music (ES). Archived from the original on March 1, 2023 . Retrieved April 4, 2023.

Hiatt, Brian (January 29, 2023). "The Making of SZA's Chart-Topping SOS". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023 . Retrieved January 30, 2023. Gallagher, Alex (October 4, 2022). "SZA says she's not in a rush to release second album: "I don't have any deadlines" ". NME. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022 . Retrieved November 17, 2022.Mitchell, Ashlee (December 13, 2022). "5 Takeaways from SZA's New Album SOS". The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on December 30, 2022 . Retrieved December 15, 2022. Offiziellecharts.de – SZA – SOS" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved December 16, 2022. Robinson, Ellie (June 7, 2021). "SZA reveals she "burst into tears" during a rehearsal of '20 Something' ". NME. Archived from the original on December 28, 2022 . Retrieved December 28, 2022. a b c d e f g "Producer ThankGod4Cody Discusses Working On SZA's 'SOS' And Where He Sees R&B Going In 2023". Genius . Retrieved May 17, 2023.

Gallagher, Alex (December 9, 2022). "How Princess Diana inspired SZA's 'SOS' album artwork". NME. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022 . Retrieved December 9, 2022. Petridis, Alexis (December 9, 2022). "SZA: SOS review – R&B innovator's long-awaited return is an eclectic sprawl". the Guardian. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022 . Retrieved December 15, 2022. Top 40/Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023 . Retrieved April 21, 2023. Brazilian album certifications – SZA – SOS" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved April 27, 2023.SOS" contains an interpolation of " Listen", performed by Beyoncé, and written by Beyoncé Knowles, Scott Cutler, Henry Krieger and Anne Preven; and a sample of "Until I Found the Lord (My Soul Couldn't Rest)", performed by the Gabriel Hardeman Delegation, and written by Gabriel Hardeman. SZA Calls Out "Hostile Relationship" With Record Label President". Pitchfork. August 20, 2020. Archived from the original on December 24, 2022 . Retrieved December 28, 2022. Panaligan, EJ (November 16, 2022). "SZA Announces New Album 'S.O.S.' Slated for December Release". Variety. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022 . Retrieved November 17, 2022. Price, Joe (May 3, 2022). "SZA Offers Update on Her Next Album: 'It'll Be a SZA Summer' ". Complex. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022 . Retrieved November 17, 2022.