Waiting patiently for two years, SZA fans were ready to hear the highly anticipated album drop.
R&B singer and songwriter SZA recently released her new album, “SOS Deluxe: Lana,” which features 15 new tracks.
The addition of “Lana” to the album title pays respect to her birth name, Solana.
This anticipated deluxe album debuted Dec. 20, following the release of her second album, “SOS,” which dropped two years earlier in December 2022.
According to Variety, the release of this album issue brought the original “SOS” from No. 15 on the albums chart back to No. 1. Prior to the deluxe album, “SOS” hadn’t been at the top of the charts since March 2023, meaning this return to No. 1 after such a long period is a first.
“SOS Deluxe: Lana” consists of 15 new hit songs, which consist of aesthetic, beautiful and light tunes.
The new favorites on the album are “BMF,” “Kitchen” and “Another Life.”
Throughout the album, common themes are exploring the positives and negatives to healing, revenge, relying on yourself and finding strength after heartbreak.
The song “BMF” became widely popular through its use as an audio on the TikTok app. Fans now associate the catchy lyrics, “That’s why he my man / Young and he fine and he tall and he handsome,” with the new release.
Centered around “the boy from South Detroit,” this song reflects on a guy SZA once knew. Aside from listing his physical features, she also discusses how she “can’t keep up with all the lies [he] tells [himself].”
With an upbeat tone, this song has a strong beat with catchy lyrics that listeners will constantly find themselves humming along to.
Another TikTok fan favorite is SZA’s new song, “Kitchen.” This song talks about “dancing and kissing [in] the kitchen,” but on a deeper level, focuses on the theme of knowing what’s best for yourself and letting someone go.
With the delicate strums of the guitar, this airy and angelic melody makes “Kitchen” an enjoyable listen for fans. SZA’s beautiful voice and lyrics ensured this to be a top listen for many.
“Kitchen” leads into another fan favorite, “Another Life.” Similar to other songs in the album, this one focuses on SZA’s ex. Centering on the idea that her and her ex could’ve worked out in “another life,” these light lyrics relate to anybody who has ever experienced heartbreak or had to end a relationship. “In another life / I know we could ride out, boy / If the time is right” constantly repeats, drilling the beat into the listener’s ears.
Not only do the lyrics make for a relatable and sweet listen, but SZA’s beautiful voice shines through the melody of the song, leaving fans wanting more. SZA’s voice always hits the right chords, ending with beautiful and radiant tunes.
Following with “30 for 30,” fans were excited to find Kendrick Lamar collaborating with SZA again. Seeing as the two are going on tour in April, the collaboration built up even more anticipation for the nation-wide tour.
Unlike other songs in the album, this one strongly uses electric pianos and synthesizers, fueling a more upbeat and energetic song. Through the electric melody, SZA and Kendrick explore themes of resilience, vulnerability and strength.
“SOS Deluxe: Lana” was a highly anticipated album that did not disappoint. From electric piano to strings, the upbeat and catchy songs left listeners humming along for days. SZA’s powerful, yet angelic voice impresses fans once again, suggesting she knows exactly what she’s doing.