Grammy Award winning artist SZA has returned with a deluxe version of her 2022 album SOS. The album, SOS Deluxe: LANA, contains 15 new songs ranging from R&B to Pop. SZA takes this as an opportunity to branch out, using samples and evoking emotion and nostalgia throughout the entire album. She brings us back to her old albums, giving hints of both CTRL and SOS. The album was released December 20th and has already become the 7th most-streamed female album on Spotify. So is this popular release worth your time?
SZA starts LANA off with the song “No More Hiding,” holding tones of letting go and reflecting on self growth. By opening her album with a futuristic but authentic feel, it sets her listeners up for an intense and passionate story to be told through music. The lyrics explain the self confrontation of flaws and shedding the masks we place on ourselves for others. In addition to her self acceptance, she expresses the struggles that come with it. Being true to yourself doesn’t come easy and to achieve it may be a challenge. But as SZA’s lyrics say, “Gotta break it if you want it to grow,” meaning to let go of your old habits and material self and embrace who you really are.
Later in her album, there is only one new feature, Kendrick Lamar, in their song “30 For 30.” SZA and Kendrick have 7 collaborations together, including Kendrick’s new album “GNX,” where SZA is featured in “luther.” The chemistry between the two always mixes R&B and rap in just the right way, with their voices trading off in a script-like manner. The flow of the lyricism and the harmonies they exhibit in their songs never fail. “30 For 30” is not my favorite of their collaborations, but it is not a let down. Kendrick’s voice creates a calm tone in the song while SZA adds that transcendental feel.
Another song worth discussing is “BMF,” which is highly inspired by the classic bossa nova song, “The Girl From Ipanema” by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes. This is one of my personal favorite bossa nova songs with the chorus singing, “tall and tan and young and lovely,” whereas SZA changes it to, “young and fine and dark and handsome.” This song has become widely popular on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram because of its catchiness, but many people fail to recognize its origin. This beautiful Portuguese song has been translated and sung by many famous artists such as Frank Sinatra and Amy Winehouse, and gone through different interpretations just like SZA’s song.
When it comes to my personal opinion, my favorite track on the album has to be “Kitchen.” This song is on the more sorrowful side of her songs, talking about attachment in toxic relationships and the endeavors when it comes to choosing what’s best for you. The lyrics “dancing and kissing [in] the kitchen” show the good moments people tend to hold onto when there is more depth to the relationship where she says, “makes me forget I forgive him.” It is hard to choose you when there are still good times and history between two people. SZA’s song reaches out to her listeners personally, explaining that this struggle is common and obstacles are not always easily overcome. Though some songs fell short of my interest such as “Scorese Baby Daddy” which didn’t seem as fitting with the other new songs.
Overall, SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA album is full of meaningful lyrics, nostalgic and authentic instrumentals, and beautiful story telling. The way SZA walks us through the album with multiple life lessons comparable to our own experiences is very intimate, which I believe is powerful when it comes to music. The album is definitely worth the listen, with the original SOS songs and exciting new additions, it is yet another charming release by SZA.
