Solana Imani Rowe, known as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter and actor. On Dec. 20 of last year she dropped her long-awaited new album, SOS Deluxe: Lana. It builds on her earlier record SOS, which arrived in December 2022, adding 15 fresh tracks to the original tracklist.
Rowe is known for pouring relatable emotions into compelling, dreamlike melodies, and her powerful, moving voice underscores the real feeling behind each song, letting listeners connect with her music on an emotional level.
The album cover mirrors the mood of the new songs well: a flowing, earthy, spacious and almost hypnotic quality runs through her melodies.
“No More Hiding” Is the introductory track on her new album. This is where most of the space-like and flowy, earthy feelings come into play. This song helps paint the picture for the rest of the album. Sza expresses her yearning and desire for a true, loving connection with someone. She explains how she’s tired of hiding and is ready to feel the “sun” on her skin, even if it burns or blinds her. The sun symbolizes love from others, she wants to feel love even if it may hurt her, allowing listeners to better understand her plea for love, setting the tone throughout the rest of the album.
“Love Me 4 Me rides a dreamlike melody as she delivers her struggle with self-acceptance smoothly. The first verse sets up the rest of the song: “I romanticize the scariest things/ Wonder if I die, will I be forgiven for everything?” She voices her fear of being judged by society and her fear of being herself, knowing her actions will be judged.
“Chill Baby” isn't my favorite track on the album. I enjoy its flow and pace, but in my view the lyrics and melody don't fit together well. Still, it does match the vibe of the album cover. The song captures her wish to be around people and feel free within herself while being afraid to put herself out there and risk being left.
“Crybaby” is among the album's most captivating songs, connecting with listeners on a more personal level. She shows self-awareness about her actions and how they affect herself and those around her, while also voicing self-doubt about being a strongly opinionated woman. She admits she's a crybaby and that the pressure of being an artist has made her soft. Then comes a moment of self-reflection: “You should stop focus on all that negative blocking the positive.”
I like the new album. She offers a different vibe from her other records, and some listeners may have enjoyed it more than I did. Overall, I give her new album a 7.5/10.
