On Dec. 20, 2024, SZA released “SOS Deluxe: LANA,” a full length album consisting of 15 songs. The album contains the 23 tracks for the original, “SOS,” and the 15 brand new songs, including the latest single, “Drive,” and the previously released “Saturn” and more, bringing the new name, “SOS Deluxe: LANA”. After the success of SZA’s first album, “SOS,” which sold over 3 million copies in the United States, fans had high expectations for her sophomore album, “SOS Deluxe: LANA”. In this album, SZA continues to explore themes like anxiety, self-doubt, and empowerment while guiding listeners through a roller coaster of powerful emotions and experiences.
The album opens with “No More Hiding,” a quiet melody kicks off featuring flute-like synths and acoustic guitar, which perfectly sets the mood for lyrics which describes the feelings of self-doubt and raw exploration of who someone truly is.
SZA makes bold statements with her lyrics, “Cut myself open to see what I’m made of,” she sings. “I guess I’m guilty of giving fake love / I’m so fake, f***.” SZA explores self-reflection and a painful revelation of her true emotions and identity. She admits giving “fake love” which suggests she struggles with showing her true self in relationships, giving more meaning to the overall theme of the song. The lyrics were quite intense to hear her plead, “I want to be in love for real,” showcasing her desperation for love that isn’t fake. It’s a perfect song to belt out on the emotional topics being explored.
Following as the third song in the album, “30 For 30” is a standout track with Kendrick Lamar’s and SZA’s flawless flow. An iconic pairing after their collaboration in “GNX,” which set high expectations for the track. The song samples a similar soundtrack from the 1979 funk hit “I Call Your Name” by Switch, adding a nostalgic vibe.
The lyrics explore emotional loneliness and complicated love, with SZA singing, “When the sun go down, everything make me feel lonely, yeah.” This song isn’t just about relationships, it also explores the topics of knowing your worth and refusing to compromise, even in the face of chaos. Together, Lamar and SZA create a rhythmically addictive track that blends raw emotion with smooth lyricism. There’s a continuous catchy melody throughout the entire track which makes it an addictive, a perfectly made track to play on repeat.
Next comes “BMF,” an energetic and vibrant track where SZA showcases confidence and assertiveness. “Young and fine and dark and handsome / The boy from South Detroit keep bossing,” displays the attraction and power dynamics in a relationship. With a repetitive beat and bold delivery using her tone and vocal inflections. The beat and rhythm reflects SZA owning her strength and passion while also reflecting on the complicated nature of love and attraction.
The song conveys SZA’s journey of embracing her strength and leaving the negativity behind. She reflects on challenges, relationships and moments that could have brought her down, but rises above them with a sense of power and reassurance. The song follows a catchy beat and reflects empowerment, mixing confidence with vulnerability.
Not only is “Love Me 4 Me” an appeal to the power of self-acceptance, but it’s also one of the many songs that reflects SZA’s ability to create emotional depth. SZA’s dreamy voice harmonizes beautifully with smooth drum beats and synths that twinkle along the singer, reflecting her morality and self-acceptance.
In the song, she realizes that her mom is the only one who has her back and realizes that a previous engagement made her feel really confined, she couldn’t truly express who she was. SZA drives to prioritize her individuality in love. The song portrays a deep need for freedom in a relationship where she can feel safe, loved, and celebrated for who she is. She emphasizes the idea of being accepted fully rather than being someone’s ideal person. The song perfectly shows that it’s not all about romantic love, but also about finding and maintaining love for herself in a world that often pushes people to change. “You never saw me for me,” SZA reminisces before the song breaks down and floats out.
“I don’t wanna be just a shell of me,” SZA pleads in “Another Life.” SZA sounds wistful and nostalgic as she sings about how she and her partner turned out just fine. SZA’s optimistic disposition makes this song stand out, providing an emotional standpoint like the rest of her album. The fact remains that the relationship dissolved just like the ones before. The song ties into the universal feeling of reflecting on a relationship or connection that didn’t reach its full potential. It builds off of the idea on an alternative reality of what life would have looked like if different choices and decisions were made. The song captures the pain for a second chance in a parallel universe and explores the delicate balance between hope and acceptance.
The album comes to an end with “Saturn,” a sweeping, all-encompassing conclusion to SZA’s track. It’s a fusion of R&B, pop, alternative, and psychedelic styles. Originally released in February of 2024, it’s a song about karma, life’s injustices, and the frustration with the lack of rewards that come with doing what’s right.
“Sick of this head of mine / Intrusive thoughts, they paralyze / Nirvana’s not as advertised / There’s got to be more, / been here before,” she sings. SZA expresses her frustration with her intrusive thoughts and mental thoughts which leave her feeling paralyzed. She wants peace and happiness as she says “Nirvana”, but she expresses her disappointment as this isn’t what she experienced. She expresses her dissatisfaction throughout the entire song. “Saturn” neatly comprises what made up SZA’s 15-track addition to SOS.
Overall, “SOS Deluxe: LANA” delivers an emotionally charged experience with raw, vulnerable lyrics and a mix of genres that feels fresh. SZA’s exploration of self-doubt, love, and personal growth makes this album a powerful addition to her catalog. Her exploration of these deep emotions, in combination with the diverse musical influences, offers a fresh and captivating listening experience, making it a well-deserved listen.
