Four time Grammy-winning RnB artist Solana Imani Rowe, better known as SZA, is back again in the spotlight. She is most known for her popular songs “Kill Bill,” “Good Days,” and “Snooze.” In 2022, she released the “SOS” album, which was named the seventh greatest album of the 21st century. SZA dropped her newest album, “SOS Deluxe: LANA,” which includes a feature with Kendrick Lamarm, on Dec. 20, 2024. Her album includes 38 tracks and fourteen new songs in addition to the songs from the original album. Fun fact: This album is named after her childhood nickname, Lana.
SZA’s “SOS Deluxe: LANA” is a deluxe edition of her previous album, “SOS,” featuring new songs and previous tracks. The title reflects her childhood nickname and was inspired by her first tattoo, which she got at 13 years old. The album explores themes from “SOS” with a personal touch. It focuses on self-reflection, self-empowerment, and growth. The song “Drive” from “SOS Deluxe: LANA” expresses the struggles SZA faced and her inner struggles despite all of her success.
In an interview with Alyah Encizo, a junior at Mark Keppel, she mentioned “I have been listening to SZA and have been since 2019.” When asked if she liked the new album, she expressed “I liked how she changed up her music style and added in features. My favorite song from the album is “30 For 30,” and my least favorite is “No More Hiding.”
“I have only been listening to her for about 7 months, ” Samantha Bustamente, a freshman at MKHS, commented. “I loved her new album, it was fire, SZA did an amazing job.” Her favorite songs from the album were “30 for 30,” “Another Life,” and “Kitchen.” Samanta Bustament revealed, “There’s no least favorite; SZA is just too amazing for that.”
“SOS Deluxe: LANA” is a multi-genre album, incorporating songs of RnB, hip-hop, or pop with a hint of folk and indie rock. This album takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions, whether it’s an upbeat pop song singing about the good days or a slower song singing about the drive to clear her head. It’s a beautiful album that plays with emotions whether it’s dancing, singing, or crying.
