“I couldn’t stop singing it,” she said when sharing her take on the 1998 hit
SZA and the Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik, photos by Getty Images
“I couldn’t stop singing it,” she said when sharing her take on the 1998 hit
SZA has shared a new cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ everlasting hit “Iris.” She paired her recording of the 1998 track, shared via Instagram, with what she described as a “deep fried” edit based off a TikTok trend where users share personal throwback photos from the 1990s. Give it a listen below.
It’s been a banner year for SZA so far; 2026 kicked off with the artist earning a Grammy for Record of the Year for her Kendrick Lamar collab “Luther.” Last month, she also contributed an original song, “Save the Day,” to the soundtrack for Pixar’s Hoppers.
SZA released her most recent album, SOS, in 2023, and followed it up with a deluxe version featuring four new songs—an updated version of “Joni” featuring Don Toliver, “Take You Down,” “PSA,” and “Open Arms (Just SZA)”—dubbed SOS Deluxe: Lana, in 2025.
SZA continues to prove why she is one of the most versatile vocalists in modern R&B by stepping completely out of her genre with a brand-new cover of the 90s alternative rock classic, “Iris.” Originally performed by The Goo Goo Dolls, the song is known for its emotional depth and sweeping orchestral arrangement, but SZA manages to strip it down and make it entirely her own.
Her rendition focuses on a more intimate, ethereal vocal delivery that highlights the vulnerability in the lyrics. This choice by SZA has sparked a massive conversation on social media, with fans praising her ability to bridge the gap between 90s nostalgia and contemporary soul. The cover also signals a potential shift or experimental phase in her upcoming projects, as she continues to blend acoustic elements with her signature sound.
For fans of the original 1998 hit, this version offers a fresh perspective on a track that defined a generation. It also serves as a reminder of SZA’s deep appreciation for various musical influences, proving that great songwriting transcends genre boundaries. Whether you are a die-hard SZA fan or a lover of classic rock, this cover is a must-listen for its raw emotion and technical brilliance.
Revisit Pitchfork’s Sunday Review of “Iris.”
