There is something incredible about finally getting to the other side when healing a broken heart—clarity becomes possible and closure becomes unnecessary. Healing, in general, isn’t linear, and SZA seems to fully grasp and explore these themes on “SOS Deluxe: LANA”—the highly anticipated deluxe of her 2022 release “SOS”.
Unlike the rambunctious music of its predecessor, “LANA” is aesthetically coherent and filled with warm analog synths and soulful tempos. It’s closer in tune with SZA’s 2017 release “CTRL” which laid her fears and flaws into the songs.
SZA is at her most self-assured in this deluxe album. Her anxieties and doubts don’t seep into her music like they have in the past, she stands firm in her confidence that things will end up OK. Teenage girls and adult women all over the world can appreciate SZA’s writing and lyricism, where her artistry lies in brutal honesty and exposing thoughts that many deem too embarrassing to say out loud. Her ability to tell the truth, regardless of what anyone else thinks is most notable in her hit albums “SOS” and “CTRL”, and transformed her into the pop star she is today.
On “LANA”, SZA proves her lyrical mastery is just as effective when she’s more assertive and assured. The opening track “No More Hiding,” is backed by acoustic guitar and flute synths, featuring SZA affirming the need to do some self-reflection rather than hiding behind the grief of healing. While she offers new perspectives of healing and self-confidence in “No More Hiding,” her confidence truly surges in “Love Me 4 Me.” The song includes jazzy percussion that makes SZA’s repetition of the song’s title very catchy, easily becoming a mantra you can sing to yourself. SZA highlights the grief of not being seen for yourself and only being viewed as versions of yourself that others want to see, but also how you must accept yourself before you expect those around you to do so. Although an underdog on the album, “Crybaby” notes personal flaws while also carrying moments of self-love, demonstrating how even on her least assured tracks, SZA’s precision on her tonal shifts is incredible.
The R&B track “Diamond Boy (DTM)” luxuriates in the warmth of new affections, creating a harmony that is both creative and sophisticated. Its fleeting rap verse at the end is a musical manifestation of quieting racing thoughts to live in the moment. The track accentuates SZA’s versatility and gives more depth to the album.
Kendrick Lamar was featured in “30 for 30” which fell flat due to the song sounding like multiple songs mixed together. Still, Lamar and SZA’s voices combine nicely and SZA’s rapping in the song steals the show highlighting her multifaceted strengths.
Although the album focuses on self-assuredness, SZA incorporates relatable humor too in songs like “Scorsese Baby Daddy.” The track has taken the lead as my/fan’s album favorite, combining relatable themes and heartfelt lyrics with humor that any audience can appreciate. Its catchy intro immediately catches the listeners’ attention and draws them into the lyricism unlike much of what we have heard before, especially from SZA.
“SOS Deluxe: LANA” 100 percent stands with its predecessors as a top album of the year. Its adaptable lyrics and relatability make it the perfect album to start off the new year, with new mindsets and self-assuredness even in our worst moments. SZA’s ability to make listeners feel accepted and heard in her music makes her an incredible artist and this album adds to her talented list of achievements.
