Lana | ||||
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Studio album (reissue)by | ||||
Released | December 20, 2024 | |||
Genre | R&B [1] | |||
Length | 46:02 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
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SZA chronology | ||||
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Singles from Lana | ||||
Lana (fully titled SOS Deluxe: Lana) is the reissue of SOS (2022), 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.
Soon after the release of her highly acclaimed and commercially successful second studio album, SOS (2022), [2] [3] 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. [4] 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. [5] Later in September, she revealed Lana as the deluxe album's title. [6]
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. [7] Sometime after, she added to the tentative tracklist some songs that were recorded post-SOS. [8] One was the 2023-recorded "Diamond Boy (DTM)". [9]
SZA wrote and recorded over 100 songs for SOS within a timespan of five years. [10] [11] She and her collaborator, album producer Carter Lang, continued to make music after its release specifically for Lana, motivated by sporadic bursts of creativity. [9] 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. [12]
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. [13]
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.
Lana's aesthetic centers around nature, in particular insects. [14] SZA first teased the reissue's visuals on May 31, 2024, by sharing a full-body cosplay of one via Instagram. [15] At her BST Hyde Park concert held in June, there were several stage props of various insects, such as a statue of a large ant. [16] She showed a video of her in another bug costume as the track "Crybaby" played during the set. The clip was shared again on social media after the show. [17] When SZA appeared on Hot Ones , a YouTube series where guests eat several spicy chicken wings, she wore an insect prosthetic on her face. [18]
The official cover art for Lana shows SZA as an insect-like creature in streetwear, wearing a yellow camouflage jacket and cargo pants. The background is dominated by tall grass. [19] [20] To achieve her look, SZA wore a prosthetic mask and had black body paint applied all over her body. [21] The cover was revealed on December 18, 2024, [20] and shot by Cassidy Meyers. [22]
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. [4] [23] 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. [13]
For Lana's title, SZA used her real name, Solána Imani Rowe. Often called "Lana" during childhood, she got a tattoo of her first name at 13 years old, but she could not afford to tattoo all six letters. She had to pay $10 for each, but having only $40, she used only the last four letters of "Solána" for her tattoo. [8]
Lana was released on December 20, 2024, [24] although it was pushed from midnight EST to 3 pm due to final changes to the album's mixing. [25] [26] The pre-save link was shared two days prior. [27] On December 10, in celebration of SOS's second 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. [28] The trailer closes with an overlaid text of Lana's title appearing above the words "SOS Deluxe". [29] Previously, Lana and the deluxe edition were supposed to be different from each other. [30] [31]
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"). [32] 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. [33] 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". [34] In June 2024, Time listed Lana as one of the most anticipated albums of the year. [35]
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. [13] [36] Over a year prior, she suggested that the reissue was set for release by mid–December 2023, which ultimately did not happen. [37] 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. [38] One of the leaked songs was "Joni". [37] Promotional pictures for Lana were posted on social media without permission as well. [39] 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. [40]
On December 6, SZA shared a picture of a whiteboard that contained possible tracks on Lana, with all songs obscured except for "Saturn". [41] Shortly after the British Vogue cover story, she shared a one-minute clip of her on Instagram freestyling. [42]
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". [9] [43] 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. [44] The performance was heavily nature-themed, and it featured a backdrop of tree and flower props. [45] [46] On December 16, SZA teased the music video for another track from the reissue, "Drive", starring Ben Stiller. [47]
SZA teased several songs intended for Lana before its release, apart from "Diamond Boy (DTM)" and "BMF". [48] The track used for the reissue's trailer was "Kitchen", which contained the "Voyage to Atlantis" sample. [28] "Crybaby" was shown at two concerts and teased online shortly after the first one ended. [49] 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", [16] which SZA previously teased on Instagram via a video showing her in a camping tent and with a red bikini. [50] [51] 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." [52]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(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)" |
|
| 3:37 |
5. | "BMF" |
|
| 3:00 |
6. | "Scorsese Baby Daddy" |
|
| 2:33 |
7. | "Love Me 4 Me" |
|
| 3:05 |
8. | "Chill Baby" |
|
| 2:20 |
9. | "My Turn" |
|
| 2:57 |
10. | "Crybaby" |
|
| 4:01 |
11. | "Kitchen" |
|
| 2:52 |
12. | "Get Behind Me (Interlude)" |
|
| 1:48 |
13. | "Drive" |
|
| 3:05 |
14. | "Another Life" |
|
| 3:25 |
15. | "Saturn" |
|
| 3:06 |
Total length: | 46:02 |
Notes
Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter. She first gained recognition through her self-released EPs See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013), which helped her become the first female artist to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment. Her third EP, Z (2014), was her first project to be released to digital retailers and reached the top-ten on the U.S. Independent Albums chart.
The discography of American singer-songwriter SZA consists of two studio albums, one reissue album, three extended plays (EPs), one live album, and 45 singles.
"Shirt" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the third single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). Produced by Darkchild and Freaky Rob, it is an R&B song, with elements of trap music, backed by synthesizers and 808 beats. The lyrics are about a toxic relationship that consumes SZA and entices her to return, despite leaving her directionless and mentally exhausted. They include themes present throughout SOS: deep introspection, the pursuit of perfection, and the conflict between love and hatred. A snippet of "Shirt", prior to its official release, spawned a viral dance challenge on TikTok, where over a million videos used the sound. After being first previewed online two years beforehand, the song was released on October 28, 2022.
"Blind" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a beatless R&B and folk-pop song, featuring an orchestral production that consists of acoustic guitars, violas, and trumpets. SZA's vocal performance combines a rap cadence and slow falsetto vocals, with added vocal runs. In the song, SZA explores the duality of love and muses on a former relationship, as she expresses her disappointment to a toxic past partner while also expressing her continued attraction to him. For the chorus, SZA admits her insecurities in spite of seeking validation through sex, feeling empty and unable to find self-love within herself as a result of a failed romance. "Blind" also incorporates several pop culture references to figures such as Bob Saget and Jesus.
"PSA" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album SOS (2022). It is an orchestral song with a simple, stringed production, consisting of pianos and harps alongside vocal harmonies. The lyrics are delivered in a rap cadence and with braggadocio; SZA demands that people call her nothing but number-one and serve her, says she takes pleasure in angering people, and mocks those she views as "bottom feeders". "PSA" was used for the official teaser for SOS, yet despite this, the song did not appear on the final track list for the standard edition.
SOS is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released on December 9, 2022, by Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. SZA worked with a variety of record producers and songwriters such as Babyface, Jeff Bhasker, Rob Bisel, Benny Blanco, Darkchild, DJ Dahi, Ant Clemons, and Lizzo. It serves as the follow-up to SZA's debut album Ctrl (2017).
"Nobody Gets Me" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fourth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was sent to Italian radio on January 6, 2023, and US contemporary hit radio four days later. The song peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian Hot 100, and the Official New Zealand Music Chart.
"Kill Bill" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fifth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a pop and R&B murder ballad, built around a midtempo, groovy rhythm and a detuned melody. Guitars, a bassline, and a flute that was sampled from a Prophet-6 synthesizer constitute the song's production, which is influenced by the boom bap subgenre of hip hop. Mirroring the plot of the Kill Bill film duology (2003–2004) after which the song is named, the lyrics discuss a fantasy to kill an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend out of jealousy, and they employ humorous irony alongside violent imagery that contrasts with SZA's soft vocals. "Kill Bill" was sent to US radio on January 10, 2023, after achieving success on streaming services.
"Snooze" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the sixth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is an R&B and pop song with a midtempo rhythm, featuring an instrumental that consists of bass, guitars, drums, and synthesizers. The main vocals are complemented by several layers of harmonies beneath, and a riff appears at the song's beginning. The lyrics are about SZA's obsessive devotion to a love interest who does not reciprocate her intense feelings of yearning, despite her willingness to prove her love with violence. "Snooze" was sent to radio on April 25, 2023, and a four-track single was released on digital streaming platforms on August 25. An acoustic version featuring Justin Bieber followed on September 15.
"F2F" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). "F2F" is a rock song that draws influence from genres such as country, pop rock, and grunge. SZA wrote the song with Lizzo, who provides background vocals, and producers Rob Bisel and Carter Lang. The song was one of around five rock-inspired songs SZA created for SOS, out of a desire to experiment with various genres outside of her usual R&B music. The song begins with acoustic guitar strums before transitioning into a chorus backed by drums and power chords from electric guitars. The lyrics talk about having sex with someone to cope with breaking up with a former partner.
The SOS Tour was the second concert tour and first arena tour by American singer-songwriter SZA, in support of her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was announced on December 13 alongside merchandise for the album, four days after the album's release. The international tour took place in North America for the first and third legs, Europe for the second, and Oceania for the fourth, totalling to 63 shows.
"Open Arms" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring American rapper Travis Scott. It is a ballad backed by an acoustic guitar, conceived as part of an effort to explore soundscapes outside of SZA's usual R&B-leaning music. The lyrics are addressed to a former lover, whom the narrator leaves for the sake of her self-esteem despite her persistent feelings of attachment to him. A tribute to SZA's deceased grandmother, Norma Rowe, begins the song, done in the form of a skit; Rowe's vocals featured prominently on SZA's debut album, Ctrl (2017)
"Joni" is an unreleased song by American singer-songwriter SZA featuring a yet-to-be-announced artist. It was intended for Lana (2024), the reissue of SZA's second studio album SOS (2022), but ultimately did not make the final tracklist. A trap song inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, "Joni" combines realist and idealist writing styles, discussing SZA's love for her family and desire to overcome challenges in pursuit of perfection. The song was originally uploaded to SoundCloud on August 22, 2021, and is a leaked outtake from SOS's standard edition.
"Diamond Boy (DTM)" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).
"BMF" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It references Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'", both of which feature a "south Detroit" line, and interpolates the 1960s bossa nova single "The Girl from Ipanema". "BMF" was originally going to feature American singer and rapper Lizzo.
"Saturn" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA, released as the lead single from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It is a song about nihilism and escapism, discussing one's lamentations about why bad things happen to good people and wishes to leave Earth for another planet, Saturn, where they could possibly live a better life. "Saturn" features a twinkly instrumental, a result of a combination of arpeggios and beaming synthesizers. The song was surprise-released on February 22, 2024, after its official debut at the year's Grammy Awards ceremony over two weeks prior. "Saturn" is nominated at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The cover is a reference to the cover of her song "Love Galore" (2017).
"Crybaby" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).
"Drive" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It was released on December 20, 2024, by Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records as the second single from Lana. A music video for the song, starring Ben Stiller, premiered on the same day.
"Take You Down" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was intended to be a track on Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).
"30 for 30" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released as the third track from Lana (2024), the reissue of SZA's second studio album SOS (2022) on December 20, 2024.