SZN4 - 'I Fear...'
What’s Good Y’all?! As fall swiftly approaches, I feel like my next feature matches the vibes of new beginnings. SZN4 is up next, and I mean that quite literally. If you tuned in to Season 1 of Building the Band, this quartet may not be new to you; for me, though, I'm just getting a glimpse of the blues-embedded sound and soulful voices of SZN4.
Aaliyah Rose, Cameron Goode, Donzell Taggart, and Katie Roeder were among the favorite groups on Building the Band; in fact, they were projected to win first place. Unfortunately, the group came in second place, but maybe not so unfortunate because, as of August 21, 2026, the group released their first full-length 13-track album, 'I Fear…' and I fear, it's GOOD y’all!
I was not only impressed with how quickly I was pulled in with the first track, ‘Closer’. The group opened up the album, showing us just how well they harmonize together, giving us a glimpse into the ride we are in for as the album progresses.
Apple Music reduces their sound to “polished pop R&B”; however, you had songs like Run that felt blues/country and rock-inspired, and ‘Private Show’ that gave more of a dance/R&B mix. ‘Soiree’ was another track that stood out with its funk/dance and R&B/pop infused sound. There were just so many elements and sounds played with on this first album, and I can’t help but think this was done purposefully to highlight each voice, how they all sound individually and collectively,the way their voices intertwine like a dance one so effortlessly remembers.
‘Bayou’ is one of my favorite tracks. I’m thinking they are going to give an ode to the actual Bayou by way of Louisiana, and instead it becomes a dope play on words about a love you fearlessly stand by through thick and thin.
This album was such a beautiful surprise. Lately there's been some chatter online about the disappearance of groups and the lack of good R&B music, and I get it. Change is scary, but the new pool of talent is keeping the genre well fed and alive. As a matter of fact, you check out their latest album and tell me what you think:
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