I found myself constantly refreshing Spotify at midnight on Dec. 20, waiting for the album SOS Deluxe: LANA to drop. Like many fans, I was excited to hear what SZA had in store.
But instead of a midnight release, the album was delayed — first by a few hours, then the whole night. By the time it finally dropped at 3 p.m. the next day, my anticipation had turned into frustration. But once I hit play, I realized the slight wait was completely worth it.
The album SOS, originally released in December 2022, was already a huge success, blending R&B and pop while tackling feelings of heartbreak, frustration and personal growth. With 23 songs, it felt complete on its own, but LANA added seven more, expanding the album’s world without making it feel overcrowded.
SZA explained that these songs had their own distinct sound, which is why she wanted to create a new album rather than just tacking them onto the original. While some deluxe albums feel like a random collection of extra songs, this one actually enhances the original SOS.
Some of my favorite new tracks include “What Do I Do,” “Chill Baby” and “Drive.” “Chill Baby” and “Drive” fit right into the “SOS” universe with their smooth and emotional lyrics. “What Do I Do,” on the other hand, stands out with a slightly different vibe. It has a more upbeat but almost mysterious energy compared to the rest of the deluxe tracks, showing off another, more-hidden side of SZA’s artistry.
Just when fans thought LANA was complete, though, SZA surprised everyone again. Following her Super Bowl halftime performance with Kendrick Lamar, she released three more songs — ”Joni,” “Take you Down” and “PSA.”
Another highlight of the deluxe is the solo version of “Open Arms,” which many fans have been waiting for. Originally featuring Travis Scott, this version strips the song down to just SZA’s vocals, making it feel even more intimate. It’s a small but impactful change that adds a new layer to the song’s meaning.
The new album builds on the original’s success and takes it to another level. The new songs don’t feel like leftovers — they add depth and variety to the story of SOS. If you loved the original album, LANA is worth taking a deep dive into.
