A Deeper Dive: SZA's 'SOS Deluxe: LANA'

When SZA announced that the deluxe edition of her Grammy-winning album SOS would be titled LANA and was "a whole other album," fans held their breath. The anticipation was palpable, and after a two-year wait, the project, released on December 20, 2024, has proven to be a masterful expansion of SZA's artistic universe.

LANA isn't just a collection of B-sides or leftovers. It's a cohesive, atmospheric journey that builds upon the emotional and musical foundation of SOS while exploring new territories. The 15 new tracks, featuring collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Don Toliver, feel less like an appendix and more like a companion volume.

The album starts with "No More Hiding," a track that sets a tranquil, almost ethereal mood. Driven by a serene guitar riff and subtle synths, it invites the listener into a space of self-discovery and vulnerability. This stands in contrast to the more defiant opener of SOS, showcasing a shift in SZA's emotional landscape. The lyrics, like "I wanna feel sun on my skin / Even if it burns or blinds me," are a beautiful metaphor for embracing life's unpredictability and stepping out of the shadows.

From there, LANA moves through a variety of sounds and moods. "BMF" provides a jolt of energy with its vibrant, carefree feel, a perfect pop intermission from the album's more introspective moments. The collaboration "30 for 30" with Kendrick Lamar is a standout, with a dynamic back-and-forth between the two artists. Their voices blend and contrast beautifully, creating a catchy and engaging track about demanding respect and finding peace.

While some tracks, such as "Love Me 4 Me," have been noted for their more subdued feel, the album's overall strength lies in its ability to be both deeply personal and stylistically diverse. SZA weaves in elements of indie, alternative rock, and even touches of 70s funk, proving her ability to seamlessly cross genres. The production, while at times feeling raw and unpolished, only adds to the album's authenticity.

LANA serves as a testament to SZA's continuous growth as an artist. It's an album about self-reflection, healing, and the complexities of love and insecurity, delivered with a remarkable level of rawness. It’s a project that rewards a full, uninterrupted listen, taking you on an emotional journey that feels both familiar and entirely new. SOS may have been the storm, but LANA is the calm, introspective aftermath, and it’s a stunning addition to SZA's discography.

Order your copy of SZA's SOS Deluxe: LANA, 4xLP green vinyl now.