Is SZA in her healed era?
By: Nia Davis
SZA has solidified herself as one of the best artists of our generation. Two weeks ago, she released her long-awaited “SOS Deluxe: LANA” album. Two years after “SOS,” this deluxe edition adds 14 brand new tracks, along with “Saturn,” which was released in early 2024. SZA clarified that this wasn't just an extension of her previous projects and would not have the same melancholy vibe as “CTRL” and “SOS.”
In an interview with Billboard, she shared, “I think I am making music from a more beautiful place. From a more possible place versus a more angsty place.”
The album opens with “No More Hiding,” a track that carries the emotional weight of "Blind" from “SOS” but adds a new perspective. In this song, SZA explores vulnerability in love, choosing openness over self-protection even after past heartbreak.
SZA sings, “No more hiding. I wanna feel the sun on my skin. Even if it burns or blinds me, I wanna be purified within.”
On the other end of the spectrum is "My Turn," which flips the narrative from “Notice Me,” a track about settling for less. “My Turn” finds SZA reclaiming her power, learning from past mistakes, and setting new standards.
Like “SOS,” “LANA” blends different genres. Tracks like "Diamond Boy (DTM)" and "Chill Baby" lean into classic R&B, while "Scorsese Baby Daddy” channels upbeat pop energy reminiscent of “F2F” along with “BMF,” which samples “The Girl from Ipanema” by Stan Getz. The album's versatility showcases SZA's ability to push boundaries while staying true to her sound.
“Another Life” has already taken over TikTok, sparking a wave of nostalgia and convincing people to rekindle past relationships. Even in her healed era SZA's creating songs that hit close to home for many listeners especially the lover girls and boys.
The deluxe album also features Kendrick Lamar on “30 For 30,” marking their third collaboration this year. SZA appeared on Lamar’s “GNX” track’s “Luther” and “Gloria,” and the duo is set to tour together starting in April 2025. The pair's creative chemistry has been undeniable since “All the Stars,” dropped in 2018.
With “LANA,” SZA proves she's evolving not just as an artist but also as a person. The album explores themes of self reliance and emotional growth, whether in romantic relationships or platonic ones. This body of work feels like a natural progression from her previous projects as SZA continues to set the bar high for herself and others.
Nia Davis is a third-year public relations major at the University of Florida from Somerset, New Jersey. She is the social coordinator for Rowdy Magazine, and her favorite song on “LANA” is “Scorsese Baby Daddy.”