The song was released a week ahead of the album's release, as a promotional single on mainstream music platforms.[2] "Broken Clocks" is a follow-up to the songs "Drew Barrymore" and "Love Galore", both of which were released from SZA's album, Ctrl.[3]
Music video
The music video for "Broken Clocks" was co-directed by SZA and Dave Free, and was released on March 30, 2018.[4] The video features SZA at a summer camp in the wilderness. As the song comes to a close, the camera cuts to SZA as a stripper, lying unconscious on the bathroom floor of a strip club, following an altercation with another woman.[5] The video features cameo appearances from SZA’s TDE label-mates Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Isaiah Rashad.
Critical reception
"Broken Clocks" was met with critical acclaim. Jon Pareles of
Consequence of Sound opined, "'Broken Clocks' is slinky and laid back, with confidence and suggestiveness/passion [8] dripping from each note. Though more energetic and pointed than the minimalistic 'Love Galore', it still retains a kind of sleek raspiness so unique to the Top Dawg Entertainment artist's sound."[9] Desire Thompson of Vibe magazine argued that SZA has "proven herself to be a talented storyteller between harmonious melodies" and "finds a creative way to highlight the plight of a topsy-tuvy love" with the release of this song.[10] Adelle Platon of Billboard magazine described the song as "nostalgic",[11] while Navjosh of HipHop-N-More described the song as a "soothing mid tempo ballad which is sure to get numerous plays once you start listening".[12] Darby McNally of Paste magazine said, "'Broken Clocks' is a cool, smooth tune with a hint of modernity, a combination that is beginning to be SZA's calling card."[13] Tom Breihan of Stereogum wrote that the song is "a bit of a departure from the hazy sounds of SZA's past work" and has "gasping synths and trap hi-hat skitters, and puts her breathy, expressive vocals in a more commercial light."[14]
