There is beauty in regaining one’s true self after the pain of heartbreak after a breakup. It lets the heart heal, and the seemingly impossible prospect of closure becomes easier.
SZA reflects this sentiment in her newly released album, “SOS Deluxe: Lana,” which adds 15 new tracks to her iconic 2022 album, “SOS.” The highly anticipated additions highlight her soulful voice and lyrical mastery.
By opening the album with “No More Hiding,” which features acoustic guitar instrumentals paired with her unique voice, SZA introduces the painful journey of healing her broken heart.
Each following song highlights a different stage of heartbreak and healing, whether it is the heartache in “What Do I Do,” the emotional closure of “My Turn” or the bittersweet self-reflection in “Another Life.”
Beyond seeking self-worth, SZA explores the difficulty of letting go. In “My Turn,” she reflects on the frustration of wasted time due to unreciprocated effort in a relationship. In lyrics like “My turn, I did the learning/ Your turn to do the hurtin’,” she shows that she no longer waits for someone else to change and as she moves on, she can heal and escape the past.
Moreover, with standouts such as “Crybaby,” SZA creates an immersive listening experience by layering instrumentals, lightweight beats with her vocals that support her meaningful lyrics. The subtle instrumental and slow tempos of this track, in addition to the rest of the album, create a delicate soundscape, allowing her voice to shine through.
Although I gravitate towards her more soulful songs, SZA demonstrates versatility through more upbeat, vibrant songs such as “BMF” and “30 for 30.” In these tracks, her breathy vocals meet energetic beats and create a vibrant tone, offering balance to the album.
In addition to her captivating song melodies, the album showcases her mastery of lyricism. “Another Life,” for example, dives into the contrast between her exploration of self-worth and her desire for an ideal love.
In the song, SZA sings, “Done tryna be your favorite/ Done tryin’ to fit your template,” capturing her journey toward empowerment and emphasizing the strength she finds in embracing her own worth.
“Love Me 4 Me” is the song that resonates with me the most. The song embraces the idea of self-realization, the shift from seeking validation to truly appreciating oneself. With her repetition of the song title and lines like “One step and who I’m tryna be,” she reminds me of the importance of self-acceptance.
I praise SZA’s ability to proficiently carry and deliver the emotional weight of these songs through her tender, unique voice, ensuring that her message about valuing oneself is felt as much as it is heard.
The album’s fusion of vibrance and emotional depth reflects SZA’s improving artistry, making “SOS Deluxe: Lana” a standout release. Through her ability to integrate various musical elements with her hazy voice, SZA once again proves her skill in delivering lyrics to create a memorable, deeply emotional listening experience that lingers even after the music fades.
