SZA’s enduring reign in modern pop music rests on a blend of remarkable traits: chart-topping hits, a relatable “I’m just a girl” persona, messy love entanglements, and majestic charisma. But at the heart of her appeal lies her unparalleled talent—most notably, her impeccable songwriting. While some critics dismiss her lovesick, “down horrendous” lyrics as repetitive, it’s precisely this raw vulnerability and emotional depth that have solidified her as a generational voice.
With the release of her highly anticipated SOS Deluxe: LANA, SZA transforms heartbreak, introspection, and unapologetic defiance into pure sonic brilliance. Far from a routine deluxe release, LANA unfolds as a sprawling, emotionally charged sequel that confidently stands on its own. This has led to a valid critique from music commentators online—that it could have easily been a standalone album. Nonetheless, with its poignant storytelling, mesmerising vocals, and bold sonic experimentation, LANA further solidifies SZA’s position as a powerhouse in contemporary music.
From the outset, LANA shoulders the weight of immense expectations. Fans have been eagerly anticipating these 15 new tracks ever since SOS shattered records in 2022, earning SZA nine Grammy nominations and redefining her presence in both pop and R&B. True to form, her timelines proved to be more “flexible suggestion” than firm commitment. After more than a year of teasing, SZA finally delivered LANA on December 20, accompanied by a surprise video for the standout track Drive. The visual, which opens with Ben Stiller lip-syncing in an SUV before taking an unexpectedly extraterrestrial turn, perfectly mirrors the album’s emotional and creative depth.
While LANA builds on the foundation of SOS, it takes a deeper dive into SZA’s psyche, offering fans both familiar territory and unexplored emotional landscapes. The themes of love, self-worth, and heartbreak are present as ever, but this time there’s an added layer of existential yearning. On previously released Saturn, for instance, SZA questions her place in the world, longing for an escape from the pain of love and life. “I hate this place, stuck in this paradigm,” she sings, voicing a sentiment that feels universal yet uniquely hers.
If Saturn is an exploration of cosmic disillusionment, Drive brings us back to Earth with gut-wrenching honesty. Stripped to a simple, melancholic guitar line, the song channels the introspection of Ctrl-era SZA, with lines like, “Just tryna get my head right.” It’s a song that invites you to sit with your own heartbreak, offering solace through shared vulnerability. SZA’s vocal delivery, with its trademark “mouthy” phrasing, turns every line into an emotional gut punch.
But SZA doesn’t wallow for long. Her duality shines through on tracks like Get Behind Me (Interlude), where she boldly declares, “ain’t no bitches bringing me down.” It’s classic SZA—brimming with confidence and unbothered swagger. Similarly, her collaboration with her work husband, Kendrick Lamar on 30 for 30 sees the duo trading sharp observations about modern romance. Kendrick’s line, “Say you on your cycle, but he on his period too,” is both sharp and hilarious, delivering a cheeky jab at the so-called “sassy men apocalypse” and the growing discourse around fragile masculinity online.
Musically, LANA is a rich tapestry of influences, a testament to SZA’s fearless exploration of sonic boundaries. On Kitchen, she channels the sweeping drama of 70s soul ballads, weaving in a stunning sample of the Isley Brothers’ Voyage to Atlantis. The lush, evocative arrangement provides the perfect backdrop for her introspective musings on forgiveness and self-worth. “You know we got a real history / That’s no reason I can’t choose me,” she sings, balancing nostalgia with an empowering sense of self-awareness.
Even in the midst of heartbreak, SZA weaves in reminders of her independence and resilience. On tracks like Love Me 4 Me, she yearns for genuine connection, confessing to “romanticising the scariest things” with a raw vulnerability that feels both relatable and haunting. The song oscillates between vulnerability and defiance, with SZA simultaneously yearning for connection and rejecting the toxicity that comes with it.
Yet, it’s the quieter moments that truly elevate LANA. Songs like Another Life capture SZA’s existential weariness, exploring the idea of alternate realities as a form of escapism. It’s introspective without being overly indulgent, offering listeners a space to reflect on their own lives while immersed in SZA’s world.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of LANA is its cohesiveness. Despite being a “deluxe,” the album feels meticulously crafted, with each track serving a purpose. The lush production, courtesy of a stellar team of collaborators, ties the project together, while SZA’s vocal performances remain the heart of it all. Her ability to convey raw emotion with every note is unmatched, making LANA feel less like an album and more like an emotional odyssey.
SZA’s penchant for storytelling is sharper than ever, turning her personal trials into universal anthems. While critics might dismiss her lyrics as repetitive, LANA proves that her so-called “down horrendous” persona is actually her greatest strength. By laying her emotions bare, she creates a connection with her audience that few can rival.
With LANA, SZA has once again pushed the boundaries of her artistry. The album is lush, layered, and unapologetically authentic—a reminder that she is in a league of her own. If SOS was the call for help, LANA is the deep breath after the storm, a testament to survival, growth, and the messy beauty of it all.
Stream SOS Deluxe: LANA.
