SZA’s deluxe album “SOS: LANA,” released on Dec. 20, 2024, brings a fresh new feel to her discography. With 15 new tracks added to the original “SOS” album, this deluxe feels smoother. “SOS” is known for its mixed style while “LANA” shows a different side of SZA’s artistry by having a calmer and more focused vibe, but still using different types of themes and beats.
In “LANA,” SZA shifts to a peaceful tone with unique beats. The songs in this deluxe feel more personal and show her growth, both as a musician and as a person. Songs like “My Turn” and “Crybaby” talk about dealing with emotional healing, while tracks like “No More Hiding” and “Diamond Boy (DTM)” speak of love and confidence in an honest yet simple way.
“Something good I find about the album is the diversity of how the songs have different types of themes and beats as the album goes on,” FHS freshman Charlin Marasigan said.“It draws pretty good attention to the audience.”
The music in “LANA” is authentic and soothing. This is different from the original “SOS,” which had a mix of bold and unpredictable styles like “Kill Bill” and “Shirt.” One feature on the album is Kendrick Lamar. Their collaboration on “30 for 30” adds something special to the deluxe. Both SZA’s and Lamar’s styles fit well together. This collaboration is a great example of how SZA can work with other big artists while still keeping her unique style. Both artists in this track bring their best without overshadowing each other, and Lamar is a perfect addition to the project.
The cover of this deluxe shows SZA with a bug-looking face and antennas. This can symbolize how SZA is not afraid to embrace every aspect of herself. This cover art is a reminder for fans that she is unpredictable. The bold cover can also reflect her confidence in taking risks. With the interesting lyrics and the unique and smooth beats, the deluxe cover matches well.
“One thing I would change about the album is the cover,” FHS freshman Jazmyn Millare said. “It’s very pretty, but the bug eyes just creep me out.”
All in all, “SOS: LANA” is more than just a deluxe album. It feels more like a new chapter in SZA’s story. The mix of honest lyrics, smooth sounds and her beautiful voice makes it a must-listen.
