On December 20, 2024, SZA dropped her highly anticipated fourth album, SOS Deluxe: LANA. With 14 new songs, LANA is a follow-up of her popular album, SOS, whose songs swept billboards and radios worldwide and earned dozens of recognitions. Now, LANA is running the same course, once again displaying SZA’s captivating lyrics and beats.
To preface, the album is intended for older teens and adults due to explicit language and ideas within the lyrics. However, the album can be appreciated by anyone who enjoys expressive, hard-hitting songwriting.
The album is filled SZA’s beloved R&B hits, with some more worth listening than others. Three songs that stand out include 30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar), BMF, and Scorsese Baby Daddy.
To begin, 30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar) is appealing from the start. With the album’s only feature, the song is special. When reviewing the collaboration between Kendrick and SZA, it is not difficult to see why it would be a hit. Following their previous songs like All the Stars, Doves in The Wind, and Luther, the two have proven to be a powerful duo known for creating catchy, popular tunes. 30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar) is no different. With a catchy chorus and upbeat verses from SZA and Kendrick, the song is easy to listen and vibe to.
BMF is a happy beat and was instantly magnetizing to me and millions of others online. The song began to trend on social media as soon as it came out, and for good reason. The song details SZA’s type, as she sings “Young and fine and dark and handsome” throughout the chorus. The bouncy feel to the song is enjoyable to listen to and catchy to sing.
Scorsese Baby Daddy has a different feel than SZA’s normal, upbeat songs. This song has a slower tempo, which is different from her usual style, however her voice and lyrics are fascinating in the track. The chorus, where she sings “I hate to be the one, hate to be the one doing the most” is particularly catchy and was truly the reason I repeatedly listen to the track. It does not directly resemble any of her other songs, like how certain tracks on LANA correspond to tracks from her other albums, and this difference and originality makes the track stand out.
While these songs may be on the more popular side of the album, there are other tracks that are severely unrated and deserve more attention. These tracks include Love Me 4 Me, Kitchen, and Another Life.
Love Me 4 Me has an airy, magical feeling, and SZA’s vocals stand out immensely, serenading her listeners (more than usual). The song is slower than her other tracks, yet still upholds her classic upbeat tune. The bridge is particularly catchy, as it demonstrates a shift in the beat of the song and is a charming surprise for listeners.
Kitchen is a familiar tune, as it was featured as the album teaser a few weeks prior to the album’s release. A quiet tune, the song is amusing from the first listen. The beginning of the song samples a piece of the Isley Brothers’ “Voyage to Atlantis” and is a catchy reworking from her own beats. This variation is fascinating, different, and drawing to listeners.
Another Life is one of SZA’s slowest songs, but it is truly soulful. SZA sings from the heart, and the motive behind the song evokes emotion and relatability. She sings, “In another life, I know we could ride out, boy.” Her voice is impeccable, and the entirety of the song is chilling.
Though only six songs were focused on in this review, the entire album is worth listening to. SZA’s serenading voice, captivating lyrics, and catchy beats kept me wanting more. The album earns a 4.2 out of 5 from me, and I hope for more music like this soon.
