R&B singer SZA gave listeners one of the best early holiday gifts this season: “SOS Deluxe: Lana,” the reissue to her 2022 studio album, “SOS.” An expansion of “Lana” was teased for release on Monday, Jan. 6, two weeks after its initial drop, but has not been posted as of now. The original “SOS” album captures a broad emotional spectrum, from loneliness and vulnerability to anger and self-assurance. Her new album, “Lana,” however, complements these themes with a more reflective tone, emphasizing self-love and personal growth. Many songs across the two albums challenge or corroborate each other, mirroring the fluid and evolving process of heartbreak and consequential self-discovery.
For example, Lana starts off with “No More Hiding,” a track that encapsulates SZA’s desire for real love, explored throughout the album. Accompanied by a slow and calm guitar melody, SZA’s melancholic voice adds weight to lines like “I wanna be in love for real though,” and “I’ll trade anything to feel now.” The phrase “for real” is repeated and emphasized throughout the song, showcasing her desire for a genuine connection. However, nothing is repeated more than the phrase “let go,” which resonates as a mantra of acceptance, urging listeners to embrace change and live in the moment.
The delicate intro of “Lana,” filled with somber reflection, couldn’t be more different than the opener of its predecessor album, “SOS,” which bursts with intensity. The title track, “SOS,” starts with SZA’s ‘cry’ and a piercing SOS signal that ignites the flame of her fierce, unfiltered lyrics, as she raps, “I cried and cried / Said what’s on my mind.” The song sounds as if it’s being played at a live concert, and her aggressive delivery encompasses the frustration SZA feels toward a past relationship. If Lana’s “No More Hiding” is the quiet after a storm, “SOS” is the storm itself.
SZA takes a bolder, more assertive approach on “30 for 30” featuring Kendrick Lamar, similar to the energy of “SOS.” The duo captivates the listener with their dynamic vocals that follow the rhythm of a conversation.
SZA is unapologetically raw in this song, where she delivers lines of love and lust. She raps, “But if it’s f— me, then f— you / And that’s the way I like it.” The song itself is quite laid-back with melodic elements, keeping the listener engaged throughout. It’s upbeat and catchy rhythm ensures it lingers in the listener’s mind, reinforcing its empowering message of unapologetic confidence.
In the following track on “Lana,” “Diamond Boy (DTM),” SZA slows the tempo, returning to the slow pace of the intro song. This song stands out as particularly intimate, where SZA sings about a newfound affection. Her warm and delicate vocals take center stage, complemented by a subtle bass melody, creating a tender, soothing song. SZA’s vulnerable lyrics, such as questioning whether she is “doing too much” (hence “DTM”) reflect her uncertainty in navigating this new connection. The song “Diamond Boy (“DTM”) thus adds a layer to the album’s emotional depth – although SZA is confident in herself and her abilities to find love, she reveals moments of vulnerability that naturally arise in the face of a new relationship.
A natural extension of the vulnerability expressed in “Diamond Boy (DTM),” “My Turn” is an evocative track reflecting on the unfairness of love SZA has experienced, along with the sacrifices and decisions she made in past relationships. She opens the song with regret but shifts the chorus to acknowledge how those experiences helped build her sense of self-worth, singing,“My turn, mine to do the hurtin’ / Your turn to man the burden.” SZA finds positive meaning in an emotionally draining situation, showcasing her growth as an individual.
This contrasts with her approach to a past relationship in “Kill Bill,” a track from her “SOS” album, where she views a bad relationship through a lens of revenge and resentment toward her ex. The song “My Turn” focuses on SZA herself, reflecting a shift toward personal growth. This change in perspective about failed relationships highlights SZA’s message of growing emotional maturity.
“Another Life” ends “Lana” on a bittersweet note. Accompanied by a light beat, SZA expresses a longing to be close to someone, while also grappling with the fear of losing them. In the chorus, she sings, “in another life / I know we could ride out, boy / if the time is right,” imagining a perfect reality where her love could thrive. However, in the second verse, SZA declares she’s “done tryna be [someone’s] favorite” and “done tryin’ to fix [someone’s] template,” signaling a shift toward self-love and prioritization. She recognizes the need to move on from a past love to fully embrace her own growth.
Similarly, the closing track for “SOS,” “Forgiveless,” is a song about individual success, where SZA unapologetically claims her achievements and refuses to apologize for them. The energetic beat empowers SZA’s fierce, commanding vocals and drives the message of self-confidence home. The song “Forgiveless” is much more hype compared to the melodic R&B in the rest of the album, symbolizing not only SZA’s dynamic musical abilities but also the unpredictable nature of her journey through love and self-discovery.
The latest album “Lana” is a beautiful expansion of SZA’s “SOS” album, offering a deeper look into her evolving emotional journey. While “SOS” bursts with raw intensity and vulnerability, “Lana” shifts towards a quieter, reflective tone, showcasing SZA’s growth and self-awareness. Through the contrast between these two albums, SZA provides her listeners with a powerful message about the progression of love – how love can create feelings of anger and resentment, but also help build resilience and personal growth, ultimately leading to self-discovery.