A popular line from SZA’s recent “SOS” deluxe album titled “LANA” is “Only want your love if it’s solid”
While SOS was focused on heartbreak, depression and angst, LANA focused on the aftereffects of this break-up. Born Solàna Imani Rowe, SZA explained that “Lana” was a childhood nickname that at the age of 13, became her first tattoo.
The album opened with “No More Hiding,” which had an enchanting fairy-tale feel. SZA is reborn out of her heartbreak into a person ready to love again, even if it means getting hurt again.
The album cover’s nature themes quickly show symbols of life, reality and how the natural world is the true cure for pain. But how did she get to this place of patheticness? It begins with a phone ring with a call from SZA’s ex, triggering memories from her past. SZA has moved on and she exercises her strength, questioning if she still is in love with her ex. She questions if he could still be the one. And instead of proclaiming self-worth by hating on a man, she embraces the fact that if he is still the one, then she has every right to find out for herself.
Next on the tracklist is “30 for 30,” featuring Kendrick Lamar. This song is focused on the notion of doing anything for the one you love. The song is very simple: If you love me, I will love you back, but if not, well… just listen to Lamar’s chorus. The duo sonically complements one another, projecting a vision of two people willing to do anything for each other, even if it means fighting everyone else. SZA believes the background chatter doesn’t matter, what matters is right in front of her.
In the smooth R&B song titled “DTM” (Doing Too Much), SZA expresses her deep affection for her “Diamond Boy.”And while some songs are too fantasy-like, the honesty in SZA’s lyrics are modern enough that listeners can see SZA is laying her heart out there just the right amount.
On the other hand, “BMF”, a pop, toe-tapping song, allows SZA to be submissive in her relationship, exploring the nature of human connection. At times she desires to be in control, but sometimes it can feel nice to be the one out of control.
SZA is known for her visual aesthetics such as “Scorsese Baby Daddy”, an ode to the legendary director Martin Scorsese. SZA was inspired by his focus on the highs and lows of life that come with passionate main characters. And just like the Wolf of Wall Street, SZA suggests that her highs will eventually lead to lows. Whether or not it is good for her, she gives in to her passion and yearning for love. Sometimes we want to be present, no matter how we are perceived.
“Love Me 4 Me” captures the nuance of wanting others to love us for what we love about ourselves. SZA reclaims her body metaphorically and physically, deciding that you cannot love her for what she sees within her unless you are looking in the right way. While not everyone can see her in her own way, you’d better get out of her way while you still can.
“Naturally Chill Baby” may be seen as a conversation, but I think SZA is trying to remind herself of the patience she needs to have in her process. Looking for love, making art, dealing with fame and performing all at the same time can be stressful. It’s a reminder for us to all wait and learn, step by step.
“My Turn” deals with the tough moments in relationships when one partner is giving more than the other. SZA reminds us that we can love someone and still have boundaries. We all struggle at different times. But when we make the climb back up, it’s our responsibility to not let our loved ones push us off again. Even if that means pushing them off too.
The synth-dream 70s song “Kitchen” leads SZA to reminisce about the good times with her partner that would last if she forgot about the red flags. It feels like deja vu.
“So hard to do the right thing” resonates with listeners because we’ve all have had to turn away from something good because it’s not worth the struggle. The song fully clicks when SZA whispers “Dancing, kissing, the kitchen makes me think I forgive him,” but that’s exactly it. Those moments make her feel happy, but they are not real. We realize SZA enjoys the memories for what they were, but not for what they are.
“Get Behind Me (Interlude)” proclaims SZA’s confidence in putting herself first before anyone else gets in the way of her self-love.
In “Yet on Drive,” SZA explains the road to this mindset is hard and lonely. She’s found herself on the other side of pain and love. With or without someone, SZA has put her faith in Nature, and most importantly herself. She lost herself on SOS but found herself on LANA.
In her exit, “Another Life,” SZA lets go of the past. Maybe her partner is her true love, maybe not. Either way, she will continue her path while being able to look in the rear-view mirror. What she once had will always be hers.
The single “Saturn” is the last song on the album, but the first one introduced to the world. Perhaps SZA has been looking down on her old world from her new one, only able to finally see the bigger picture after the journey. SZA shows us we end our stories when we decide to, no matter how long it takes. Even if the listener has moved on to the next album. Like SZA, you run your own race and you are the only one that can finish it. By capping this album with LANA, SZA ends a period of her life while setting herself up for a new one.