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Review: SZA releases ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’

Artist adds new songs to previous SOS album, surprises fans
In the Canva graphic, SZA's sophomore album is represented. The deluxe version of "SOS" came out on Dec. 20. There are 15 new tracks in the album.
In the Canva graphic, SZA’s sophomore album is represented. The deluxe version of “SOS” came out on Dec. 20. There are 15 new tracks in the album.
Digital image designed by Sofia Ayala in Canva

Since the beginning of 2023, fans have been eagerly waiting for Solána Rowe, professionally known as SZA, to release the deluxe edition of her sophomore album “SOS.” On Dec. 20, “SOS Deluxe: LANA” was released, featuring a variety of songs ranging from upbeat R&B to peaceful and slower instrumentals reflecting on self-growth and discovery. The album has reached over 11 billion streams worldwide, topping the billboard.

Track 1: “No More Hiding”

Sofia: 8/10

The first song on the album starts off with a gentle and soft R&B melody to accompany SZA’s vocals. This track definitely sets the “alien in the wilderness” vibe that is used for the album cover and is a great song to start off the album. The lyrics describe the feelings of yearning for a real connection and finding the right person. I really liked SZA’s vocals and how they complimented the beat throughout the song really well.

Track 2: “What Do I Do”

Anisha: 8/10

This song has a chill but somewhat upbeat R&B vibe. It’s definitely fun to listen to, but the lyrics also deal with themes of betrayal and losing someone you used to rely on. She discusses her confusion for the future and how she is still coping with the emotional effects of moving on from a relationship. Overall, the song has a very catchy chorus and is very easy to like from the first listen.

Track 3: “30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar)”

Sofia: 6/10

The third track is more upbeat compared to the first two songs on the album. Kendrick’s vocals compliment SZA’s voice very well and creates a fun vibe throughout the song. The song is about being unbothered from negative intentions and interactions with other people. I enjoyed listening to this track but it was not one of my favorites from the deluxe tracks.

Track 4: “Diamond Boy (DTM)”

Anisha: 8/10

“Diamond Boy (DTM)” has a very chill guitar background instrumentals with soft vocals and lots of bass. SZA wrote the song about her first love and the serves as a more reflective track with minimal music effects. This creates a more vulnerable feel but still captures SZA’s signature style. This song is the perfect fit for your late-night playlist.

Track 5: “BMF”

Sofia: 10/10

This song is my favorite deluxe track of the album. I love the upbeat instrumentals throughout the whole song, and how it goes so well with the lyrics. In this song, SZA sings about being in a positive and healthy relationship. I like this song a lot because of the upbeat and fun vibe it has to it – definitely a great choice to listen to in the car.

Track 6: “Scorsese Baby Daddy”

Anisha: 9/10

The sixth track in this album opens with a very upbeat and energetic beat, somewhat blending her R&B style with modern pop music. This song displays SZA’s vocal range very well, with a wide range of octaves and the blending of music styles. The lyrics represent the ambiguousness present in relationships and is a clever metaphor for the chaotic film style of the well-known filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The beat is overall very catchy and is one of my favorite songs from the album.

Track 7: “Love Me 4 Me”

Sofia: 8/10

This track starts off with a slow melody and soft vocals. This song is about being vulnerable and self-acceptance when it comes to being in a relationship, but also accepting yourself. I like the combination of an upbeat instrumental with the soft lyrics. I enjoyed listening to this song, and the melody throughout the track.

Track 8: “Chill Baby”

Anisha: 7.5/10

This song follows SZA’s signature music style a little more closely, incorporating elements of mellow R&B and chill instrumentals. The use of bass with some of the music effects creates a warm, resonant atmosphere. The song also delves into deeper themes of dealing with life’s challenges, aiming to find the calm moments within the moments of chaos. The main chorus contrasts the rest of the song and reiterates the overall mood and theme of the song – calm.

Track 9: “My Turn”

Sofia: 7/10

The track starts off with an upbeat and slow melody. SZA sings about themes of longing, and feelings like waiting for something that may never come. The song describes ideas of unrequited love and finding the right timing throughout the song. I enjoyed listening to this song, and it definitely has similar vibes to the previous songs on the album.

Track 10: “Crybaby”

Anisha: 8/10

The tenth track on the album, “Crybaby” is a reflective and emotional track about the labels and stereotypes placed on SZA. Along with the slow instrumentals and echoing atmosphere, she approaches the song with an openness to address her “imperfections” as a part of who she is rather than as a flaw. The lyrics are sure to be relatable to a wide audience as she explores the themes of self-understanding and growth.

Track 11: “Kitchen”

Sofia: 6/10

This song starts off with a fun and uplifting beat. SZA’s smooth vocals compliment the soulful instrumentals throughout the song. The lyrics explore ideas of self-worth as well as the work that needs to be put into relationships. I really enjoyed listening to this track, it gives a very peaceful and calm vibe which allows her vocals to shine.

Track 12: “Get Behind Me”

Anisha: 7/10

Although it’s only a short interlude, the lyrics in “Get Behind Me” serve as a poignant and dramatic shift in SZA’s perspective and character that changes her from a victim to a confident, empowered individual. The space-like instrumentals are the perfect switch from the overall chill R&B vibe of the rest of the album and introduces the finale of her album very well.

Track 13: “Drive”

Sofia: 8.5/10

This track reflects the uncertainty of going through life and the different journeys a person lives throughout the course of time. The slow instrumentals compliment her vocals, and create a fun and peaceful mood. This song definitely feels like I’m about to go on a late-night drive, and one of my new favorite tracks off the deluxe album.

Track 14: “Another Life”

Anisha: 9/10

The last track of SZA’s “LANA,” “Another Life” is the perfect ending to wrap up the overall themes presented throughout. SZA’s voice is displayed very well, with a wide range of notes and vocal riffs. The spacey, emotional track creates the perfect imagery of what life “could have been” and dealing with the complex emotions of yearning and protecting herself from loss. The lyrics are very vulnerable and capture the feelings of hesitation and contemplation very well.  The song is sure to leave listeners pondering the “what-ifs” in their own life.

Overall, the deluxe version of SZA’s original album “SOS” brought a variety of songs that range from upbeat to slow and peaceful tracks. This album is definitely a no-skip album and all tracks are worth a listen. The tracks compliment the original songs on the album and explore a variety of themes from relationships to self-reflection. R&B fans worldwide are sure to love this new release.

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About the Contributors
Sofia Ayala
Sofia Ayala, Eagle Nation Online Editor-in-Chief
Senior Sofia Ayala leads Eagle Nation Online as Editor-in-Chief. This is her fourth year working for Eagle Nation Online. She served as Assistant Editor for Eagle Nation Times and served as the Feature Editor in the past. Sofia is part of the varsity PHS Talonettes drill team where she enjoys dancing with her team. Outside of school, she loves going out on runs, reading, and listening to music.
Honors & Awards:  6 Best of SNO publications TAJE 2024 Best in Texas News Awards: Excellent: Sports Feature story Honorable Mention: Story Portfolio Honorable Mention: Multimedia Package TAJE 2023 Best in Texas News Awards: Honorable Mention: 08. Feature Story, Honorable Mention: 08. Feature Story, Honorable Mention: N6 Feature Story 3rd: News Feature TAJE 2022 Best in Texas News Awards: Honorable Mention: In-Depth News/Feature Story 2021 TAJE Fall Fiesta:  First-year Photo - Honorable Mention Quill and Scroll Honor Society Member
Anisha Mandem
Anisha Mandem, Eagle Nation Times Editor-in-Chief
Anisha is a senior, and this is her fourth year on ENO. She is the Editor-in-Chief for Eagle Nation Times.  Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she moved to Texas at the end of 2021 and leads the newspaper as a writer, editor, videographer, photographer, and podcaster. She is also the founder and president of the non-profit NeuroNext Foundation and the PHS Model UN team and is a part of SNHS. Outside of school, she enjoys playing the piano, running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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