SZA has once again captivated her audience with the surprise release of her deluxe album, SOS Deluxe: LANA. Dropped shortly after 3 p.m. EST on December 20, 2024, this new project adds 15 compelling tracks to the already acclaimed SOS, which originally debuted two years prior.
The title, LANA, is not just catchy; it pays tribute to SZA's birth name, Solana. For her fans eagerly anticipating more content following SOS, the deluxe edition was well worth the wait, with many expressing their excitement on social media. The artist even took to Instagram to mention the slight delay, explaining, “Just needed a few more hours for new mixes to ingest evenly across all platforms .. mixes are important.” The anticipation grew as her manager, Punch, assured fans via tweet, “12 p.m. It’s my fault,” acknowledging the pushback from its initial midnight release schedule.
Fans were treated to intriguing new content as the deluxe version features collaborations and tracks showcasing SZA's artistic range. Notable among them is “30 for 30,” a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, which has already set the internet abuzz.
The full tracklist includes titles such as “Drive” featuring actor Ben Stiller, who also appears in the recently released music video for the song. Both light-hearted and introspective, songs like “Get Behind Me (Interlude)” express SZA’s determination not to be brought down, contrasting with more emotional tracks like “Crybaby.” This careful crafting of sound and narrative allows listeners to experience the album's full depth.
Besides these fresh additions, LANA includes “Saturn,” which has just been recently released as part of the deluxe reissue. Discussed among music critics as one of the year’s standout tracks, “Saturn” has already been mentioned as part of discussions on the best songs of 2024.
With the album now available for streaming, SZA proves she has been busy planning more than just music. She is gearing up for what's anticipated to be a monumental tour alongside Kendrick Lamar, slated to kick off this coming April. The “Grand National Tour” will take her and Lamar to major cities including Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Fans are eager to hear how these new tracks will translate to the live stage, sparking conversations about set lists and the electrifying experience promised by their combined talents.
While the deluxe version of SOS continues to draw attention, SZA's strategic collaboration with industry heavyweights demonstrates her commitment to the craft. She has been engaging audiences not only through music but also by expressing her thoughts on platforms like Twitter, showcasing the significance of connection with her fan base. The release of LANA is more than just another album drop; it’s part of SZA’s broader artistic vision and narrative expansion.
With her distinct style and deeply personal lyrics, SZA has carved out her niche not only within the R&B genre but also across mainstream music. This deluxe album feels like the next step for SZA, affirming her place as one of today’s leading voices. Music lovers and critics alike are paying close attention as she prepares to take her sound on the road.
Reflecting on the album's overall theme and ambition, SZA’s LANA is poised for success, with many fans expressing gratitude for the new releases. The fresh sound and reinvented energy introduced through collaboration promises to revive and breathe life back to her original work, making it engaging for both newcomers and long-term fans.
Overall, the release of SOS Deluxe: LANA only solidifies SZA’s impact on the music industry. With exciting projects on the horizon, it’s clear fans should keep their ears perked for more new material and tour dates to look forward to as 2025 heats up.
