SZA has been teasing an extended version of her record SOS since its release two years ago. On December 20, SOS Deluxe: LANA was officially released to the public.
Similar to SOS, LANA is an emotional rollercoaster giving SZA’s audience a peek into her personal life, from being hung up on her ex to showing gratitude for her mother to seeking true growth. Titled after her given name “Solana,” LANA varies from the original SOS through SZA taking more accountability for her issues. Despite oftentimes pushing the blame for her mistakes onto former partners, ultimately she is the only one who can make any real change in her life. Acknowledging her constant self-pity, her track “Crybaby” of the deluxe edition truthfully tells, “all I seem to do is get in my way,” describing the feeling that she is her own worst enemy. The song articulates SZA’s desire to change, yet also being unsure where to begin. This refreshing honesty is a perfect example of the unique bluntness that makes SZA’s fans love her work.
To the excitement of countless fans, SZA partnered with Kendrick Lamar yet again for the catchy “30 for 30.” The clear confidence of the track, with lyrics like “only want your love if it’s solid,” show how the talented artists are done tolerating disrespect from partners that aren’t capable of giving them the attention and affection they each deserve. The maturity of knowing their self-worth is truly admirable.
Elsewhere on the record, now-popular “BMF” depicts the SZA’s toxic tendency to prioritize physical attraction over recognizing her partner’s incapability to keep a healthy relationship. She only briefly acknowledges how it may not be the best idea, singing, “I’m not the one, but we can still pretend this can be my man.” The rest of the track emphasizes the importance of Sza’s partner being “young and fine and dark and handsome.”
“Saturn,” the most well-known of the LANA collection, has had its time in the spotlight long before the rest of the record. Released back in February 2024, the beloved track mistakenly convinced fans that the release date of LANA was much closer than it actually was. The curious questioning of a possible utopia makes the track one of SZA’s most imaginative. “Saturn” is arguably one of people’s favorites to date, being well-received by many loving fans.
SZA has done it again with LANA. Its 15 incredible tracks adds to the already-adored SOS and is yet another display of SZA’s unfailing talent.
