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Lana: SOS Deluxe — OUT NOW!
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Lana

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Lana (stylized in all uppercase; fully titled SOS Deluxe: Lana) is the reissue of SOS, the second studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released on December 20, 2024, through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. It features a single guest appearance from Kendrick Lamar. The album was supported by the singles "Saturn", released on February 22, and "Drive", released concurrently with the album itself.

Background[]

Soon after the release of her highly acclaimed and commercially successful second studio album, SOS (2022),[1][2] SZA began teasing a deluxe edition with a postscript at the end of an Instagram post, where she thanked everyone who helped make the album possible.[3] Reportedly composing the tracklist were ten songs intended for the standard edition, per the information SZA told Most Requested Live in January 2023 and Billboard in February.[4] Later in September, she revealed Lana as the deluxe album's title.[5]

Snippets of several songs from the SOS sessions, like the SoundCloud-release "Joni" (2021), had been on the Internet for years prior to the announcement. Despite persistent calls from SZA and her fans to include certain highly awaited outtakes on the album, her record label's president, Punch, disagreed. This led to SZA's decision to put them on Lana instead.[6] Sometime after, she added to the tentative tracklist some songs that were recorded post-SOS.[7] One was the 2023-recorded "Diamond Boy (DTM)".[8]

Recording[]

SZA wrote and recorded over 100 songs for SOS within a timespan of five years.[9][10] She and her collaborator, album producer Carter Lang, continued to make music after its release specifically for Lana, motivated by sporadic bursts of creativity.[8] By February 4, 2024, the day of the 2024 Grammy Awards, SZA told The Hollywood Reporter that the album was still "shaping itself" as she let her voice follow "whatever the [album]'s frequency [was]", though she refused to disclose more details. She reasoned that doing so would inadvertently change her creative direction for the album.[11]

During sessions for Lana, SZA found herself in a healthier mental state than when she recorded her past two albums. Her thinking shifted such that instead of being overly burdened by past hurt, she feels more ready to move on and let go. Finding solace in spiritual activities like meditation and yoga, she said that her growing sense of inner peace reflected on her music and songwriting.[12]

I'm not identifying with my brokenness ...Yeah, I experienced cruelty. I have to put it down at some point. Piece by piece, my music is shifting because of that, the lighter I get.

— SZA, December 2024 issue of British Vogue[12]

Aesthetic and title[]

Cover art[]

The teasers for Lana suggest that its aesthetic will center around nature.[13] She has worn bug costumes in multiple publicized media, appearing in one for an album teaser shown at two concerts[14] and a guest appearance at Hot Ones.[15] The official cover, revealed on December 18, 2024, portrays her as an insect-like creature wearing a yellow camouflage jacket and cargo pants. She stands in the middle of tall grass.[16]

Six placeholder covers for Lana were posted on social media back on December 10, 2023, five of which show her among various flora and fauna. One shows her in a yellow camping tent; in another, she wears a headdress and bikini fashioned from leaves. In three others, she is handling farm animals.[3][17] The cover artworks were styled by frequent collaborator Alejandra Hernandez. SZA is portrayed as a "child of nature"; her outfits are particularly designed to evoke a visceral feeling of free-spiritedness. Amel Mukhatar of British Vogue described the style as Bohemian, specifically referencing the nonconformist African American hipsters of the 1940s.[12]

Title[]

SZA, whose real name is Solána, used one of her nicknames to give SOS its title,[18] and the same was true for Lana. She got her nickname "Lana" at 13 years old, when she planned to have her first name tattooed on her. According to her, she had to pay $10 per letter, but having only $40, she used only the last four letters of "Solana" for her tattoo.[7]

Promotion[]

Release[]

Lana was released on December 20, 2024,[19] although it was pushed from midnight EST to 3 pm due to final changes to the album's mixing.[20][21] The pre-save link was shared two days prior.[22] On December 10, in celebration of SOS's two-year anniversary, SZA posted a trailer on social media accompanied by a track that samples the Isley Brothers' "Voyage to Atlantis". In the video, she is shown walking in the forest where she urinates beside a stream.[23] The trailer closes with an overlaid text of Lana's title appearing above the words "SOS Deluxe".[24] Previously, Lana and the deluxe edition were supposed to be different from each other.[25][26]

The official announcement of Lana took place in Brooklyn Navy Yard, during a invite-only surprise party to celebrate the success of SOS. During the event, SZA performed four songs intended for the deluxe edition: "Saturn", "PSA", "Diamond Boy (DTM)", and "BMF" (then "Boy from South Detroit").[27] She told Variety that the release would be unexpected, and she compared herself to Frank Ocean and André 3000 in that she was free to do whatever she wanted.[28] Elaborating on her decision to release another full album worth of material, she said that it had become more than expected and referred to the creative process as fun and did not spend too much time living in her "own head".[29] In June 2024, Time listed Lana as one of the most anticipated albums of the year.[30]

Earlier that year, SZA teased that the reissue would be released before the year ended, saying so at the British Vogue interview and a Twitch livestream by Kai Cenat.[12][31] Over a year prior, she suggested that the reissue was set for release by mid–December 2023, which ultimately did not happen.[32] Addressing the delay, Punch explained that the label had to postpone the release date due to the leaking of several outtakes from SOS, including ones intended for the deluxe edition.[33] One of the leaked songs was "Joni".[32] Promotional pictures for Lana were posted on social media without permission as well.[34] The leaks prompted SZA's decision to separate them and other outtakes into a different project, a plan she reversed when the official release date neared.[35]

Songs[]

On December 6, SZA shared a picture of a whiteboard that contained possible tracks on Lana, with all songs obscured except for "Saturn".[36] Shortly after the British Vogue cover story, she shared a one-minute clip of her on Instagram freestyling.[37]

Discussions about the lead single commenced in 2023, and "Diamond Boy (DTM)" was the first choice. However, its release date, and therefore Lana's, was postponed because promotion for SOS was still ongoing with its final single "Snooze".[8][38] The actual lead single from Lana, "Saturn", was surprise-released on February 22, 2024, days after SZA performed it during a Mastercard advertisement on the 2024 Grammy Awards.[39] The performance was heavily nature-themed, and it featured a backdrop of tree and flower props.[40][41] On December 16, SZA teased the music video for another track from the reissue, "Drive", starring Ben Stiller.[42]

SZA teased several songs intended for Lana before its release, apart from "Diamond Boy (DTM)" and "BMF".[43] The track used for the reissue's trailer was "Kitchen", which contained the "Voyage to Atlantis" sample.[23] "Crybaby" was shown at two concerts and teased online shortly after the first one ended.[14][44] However, "PSA", which was supposed to be on Lana, was scrapped from the final version by Punch. Also excluded was "Joni" and the song "Take You Down",[45] which SZA previously teased on Instagram via a video showing her in a camping tent and with a red bikini.[46][47] Hours after the reissue's release, she shared text conversations between the two on social media in which they discussed its exclusion. According to the screenshot, she had asked Punch for permission to release the two outtakes sometime soon. He replied by saying she can "give it to [the fans] for new years or Christmas."[48]

Track listing[]

Lana track listing
No. TitleProducer(s) Length
1. "No More Hiding"  Michael Uzowuru 2:42
2. "What Do I Do"  
 2:47
3. "30 for 30" (with Kendrick Lamar)J. White Did It 4:38
4. "Diamond Boy (DTM)"  
  • Lang
  • Uzowuru
  • Scum
  • Solomonophonic
  • Declan Miers
 3:37
5. "BMF"  
  • Lang
  • Blake Slatkin
  • Omer Fedi
 3:00
6. "Scorsese Baby Daddy"  
  • Uzowuru
  • Tyler Johnson
 2:33
7. "Love Me 4 Me"  
 3:05
8. "Chill Baby"  
  • Lil Yachty
  • Sad Pony
  • Cade
  • Calvin Dickinson
  • Iseeyou
  • Julian Fried
 2:20
9. "My Turn"  
  • Bisel
  • ThankGod4Cody
 2:57
10. "Crybaby"  
  • Lang
  • Miers
  • ThankGod4Cody
 4:01
11. "Kitchen"  
  • ThankGod4Cody
 2:52
12. "Get Behind Me (Interlude)"  
  • Uzowuru
 1:48
13. "Drive"  
  • ThankGod4Cody
  • Billy Lemos
 3:05
14. "Another Life"  
  • Uzowuru
  • Dylan Wiggins
 3:25
15. "Saturn"  
  • Lang
  • Bisel
  • Solomonophonic
  • Monsune
 3:06
Total length:
 46:02

Notes

  • The Lana bonus tracks precede the SOS standard tracks.
  • "30 for 30" contains a sample of "I Call Your Name" by Switch.[49]
  • "BMF" contains an interpolation of "The Girl from Ipanema" by Stan Getz and João Gilberto featuring Antônio Carlos Jobim and Astrud Gilberto.[50]
  • "Kitchen" contains a sample of "Voyage to Atlantis" by the Isley Brothers.[51]

References[]

  1. ↑ Anderson, Trevor (December 9, 2023). "1 Year of SOS: 8 Records & Achievements for SZA's Blockbuster Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  2. ↑ Ampil, Izzy (February 3, 2023). How SZA Rose from Indie Favorite to National No. 1 (en).
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Calfee, Joel (December 11, 2023). "SZA Teases New Music with Mysterious Farm Photos on Instagram". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  4. ↑ Richards, Will (February 25, 2023). SZA to release 10 unheard songs on deluxe version of 'SOS' (en-GB).
  5. ↑ SZA Announces Deluxe Version of Sophomore Album SOS — Titled Lana — Featuring '7 to 10' New Songs (September 9, 2023).
  6. ↑ Aswad, Jem (February 22, 2023). SZA to Release Deluxe Edition of SOS with 10 Bonus Tracks (en-US).
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Aswad, Jem (December 11, 2023). SZA's New Album Lana: Everything We Know So Far (en-US).
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Conteh, Mankaprr (October 3, 2023). "What's Behind SZA's Biggest Year Yet? Work, Wonder, and 'Weird Shit'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  9. ↑ Exposito, Suzy (February 23, 2023). Your Favorite Artist's Favorite Artist: How SZA Went from Cult Star to Pop Superstar (en-US).
  10. ↑ Rowley, Glenn (October 17, 2022). "SZA Reveals She Recorded 'A Hundred' Songs for Sophomore Album, Which She Says Is Coming 'Any Day'". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  11. ↑ Williams, Kyann-Sian (February 12, 2024). SZA on New Album Lana : 'I Want to Allow It to Finish Shaping Itself' (en-GB).
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Mukhtar, Amel (November 14, 2024). 'I'm Not Meant to Be Famous, I Just Keep Trying to Rise to the Occasion': SZA Gives Her Most Revealing Interview to Date (en-GB).
  13. ↑ SZA Teases An Earthy New Era With "Storytime" (en) (July 1, 2024).
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Staff, Wonderland (July 1, 2024). SZA Teases New Album, Lana (en-GB).
  15. ↑ Squires, Bethy (September 25, 2024). SZA Is Tired of Not Being a Bug (en).
  16. ↑ Mamo, Heran (December 18, 2024). SZA Is a Bug-Eyed Beauty on ‘Lana’ Deluxe Album Cover (en-US).
  17. ↑ Geraghty, Hollie (December 11, 2023). SZA reveals Lana cover art, celebrates one-year anniversary of SOS.
  18. ↑ One Album, Two Takes: SZA's Latest Offering Is a Stellar Follow-Up to Ctrl (en-ZA) (January 20, 2023).
  19. ↑ SZA confirms Lana release date, shares teaser with Ben Stiller (en).
  20. ↑ Gularte, Alejandra (December 20, 2024). Turns Out Ben Stiller Also Yearns to SZA While Driving (en).
  21. ↑ Curto, Justin (December 20, 2024). SZA’s Lana Is Finally Here (en).
  22. ↑ SZA’s ’Lana’ Cover Turns Her Into A Shimmering Alien Bug (en-US) (December 18, 2024).
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Conteh, Mankaprr (December 10, 2024). "SZA Teases SOS Deluxe 'Lana' by [Checks Notes] Peeing in the Woods". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  24. ↑ Jenke, Tyler (December 10, 2024). "SZA Teases Release of 'Lana' Project with New Album Trailer". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  25. ↑ Schube, Will (March 26, 2024). SZA Says She's Remaking Lana Deluxe from Scratch Due to Song Leaks (en).
  26. ↑ Zemler, Emily (March 27, 2024). "SZA Will Release 'Leaks and Outtakes' from 'SOS' as Deluxe LP to Focus on Next Project". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  27. ↑ Kelly, Tyler Damara (September 11, 2023). SZA Reveals Forthcoming Deluxe Edition of Her Album, SOS, Is Called Lana (en-US).
  28. ↑ Powell, Jon (November 29, 2023). SZA provides update on Lana project: "It's become more than I expected".
  29. ↑ Trapp, Malcolm (November 29, 2023). SZA Says She Can Drop Lana Randomly Because "No One's Actually Expecting" It.
  30. ↑ II, Moises Mendez (December 21, 2023). "The Most Anticipated Albums of 2024". TIME. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  31. ↑ Jenke, Tyler (November 25, 2024). "SZA Promises New Music 'Before the Year Is Over'". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Aswad, Jem (March 27, 2024). SZA to Release Leaked Songs as Deluxe Edition of 'SOS,' Will Remake Delayed 'Lana' LP 'From Scratch' (en-US).
  33. ↑ Rosenbloom, Alli (January 8, 2024). SZA Is Over People Leaking Her Music (en).
  34. ↑ SZA Says Leakers Forced Her to Restart 'Lana' Project 'From Scratch,' Will Compile Leaks for 'SOS' Deluxe (en).
  35. ↑ Garcia, Jem Aswad,Thania (December 17, 2024). SZA Drops ‘Lana’ Teaser Video Starring Ben Stiller, Long-Delayed Album Will Be Released on Friday (en-US).
  36. ↑ Saponara, Michael (December 6, 2024). "SZA Teases 'SOS' Deluxe Edition Tracklist in the Studio". Billboard. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  37. ↑ Trapp, Malcolm (November 16, 2024). SZA Previews Playful Freestyle Ahead of SOS (Deluxe) and Lana Releases.
  38. ↑ Abraham, Mya (October 3, 2023). SZA Compares Upcoming Deluxe Album 'Lana' To Lil Uzi Vert's 'LUV vs. The World 2' (en-US).
  39. ↑ Espinoza, Joshua (February 23, 2024). SZA Surprises Fans with Official 'Saturn' Release, Complete with Live Rendition (en-us).
  40. ↑ Spanos, Brittany (February 5, 2024). "SZA Debuts Lush New Song 'Saturn' During Grammys Commercial". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  41. ↑ Thomas, Carly (February 5, 2024). SZA Sings 'Snooze' and 'Kill Bill' During Fierce Grammys Performance (en-US).
  42. ↑ Severance stan SZA secures Ben Stiller for “Drive” video (en-US).
  43. ↑ Trapp, Malcolm. SZA Fully Embraces Herself On Long-Awaited 'SOS' Deluxe Album 'LANA'.
  44. ↑ Legaspi, Althea; Corcoran, Nina; Richardson, Kalia (August 3, 2024). "Stray Kids 'ATE,' SZA and Zedd Drop New Songs at Lollapalooza Day Two". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  45. ↑ Aswad, Jem (December 21, 2024). The Long Road to ‘Lana’: Why SZA Took Two Years to Drop the ‘SOS’ Deluxe Album (en-US).
  46. ↑ Gonzalez, Alex (March 13, 2024). SZA Sings About 'Community D*ck' on a New Snippet Teasing Lana, Which Is 'Bout to Drop' (en-US).
  47. ↑ Moore, Sam (March 13, 2024). SZA Fuels Excitement for SOS Deluxe with Racy Video Teaser (en).
  48. ↑ Molloy, Laura (December 21, 2024). SZA says even more new music is coming only hours after releasing deluxe album 'Lana' (en-GB).
  49. ↑ SZA Releases Her Long-Awaited 'SOS' Deluxe Album 'Lana' (en).
  50. ↑ The Long Road to ‘Lana’: Why SZA Took Two Years to Drop the ‘SOS’ Deluxe Album (en).
  51. ↑ SZA Says The "Clock Starts Now" On Countdown To 'LANA' Deluxe Album Release (en).
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