On Dec. 20, singer-songwriter SZA released a “revamped” deluxe version of her 2022 album, “SOS.” With her newest creation, “SOS Deluxe: Lana,” SZA immediately returned to the number-one spot on the Billboard 200 Albums list. Overtime SZA has already made her mark, gaining popularity and importance in the R&B music genre.
“SOS Deluxe” started to gain traction from the public before it was even formally announced by SZA. On Nov. 23, American online streamer and Youtuber, Kai Cenat, featured both SZA and Lizzo on day two of his “Mafiathon.” During SZA’s appearance on Cenat’s livestream, she promised eager fans that she would release new music as soon as she possibly could. Later during the stream when Cenat asked SZA when fans should expect new music to be released, she said, “It’ll be out before the year is over”.
As 2024 came to an end fans started to question if SZA would put action to her words. Keeping to her word, SZA took to social media to inform fans that the new album would be released on Dec. 19.
However when the 19th finally came around, it appeared that SZA had not yet released the album. Later that night SZA took to social media for the final time, to inform fans that the album would be out the next morning. While some fans were frustrated with the mix-up, after waiting two years for the album, most would say it was worth the wait.
“I did enjoy SZA’s new album, mostly because of the musical aspects more than the lyrics. However, the songs are entertaining to me even if I don’t directly relate to the lyrics, which is another thing I enjoy about SZA’s music,“ junior Hannah Eckley said.
It’s clear to all fans of SZA, that she is an artist who is simply not afraid to push boundaries in the music industry. With her debut album, “CTRL,” SZA redefined what mainstream R&B meant in the 2010s. She brought groundbreaking perspectives and empowerment for Black women and vocalized the importance of women reflecting and highlighting their insecurities, sadness, and romantic heartache.
What really makes SZA truly remarkable as a female artist, is her comfortability in being “imperfect.” SZA embraces all aspects that make her the woman and performer that she is today, allowing for fans to see in her social media and hear in her music her messy and complicated side.
“I think SZA’s music is popular because the beats and her voice are very addicting and easy to listen to. Additionally, I feel like she talks about many things that people relate to while being vulnerable about herself,” Eckley said.
“SOS Deluxe” is no exception from her previous creations. The deluxe album can be described as authentic, unapologetic, and sincere. With the addition of 15 songs, SZA is able to address various topics regarding her life and women’s experiences in general.
In songs like “No More Hiding,” SZA explores what it means to be seen, singing, “No more hiding, I wanna feel sun on my skin. Even if it burns or blinds me.” In “Scorsese Baby Daddy,” she unravels her need to be wanted and valued by another, even to the point where she puts herself in harm’s way. Going deep into the complications of a complicated relationship, she describes herself, singing, “I’ma crash out, baby, don’t slow me down.”
“I think she has such a distinct style that is unique while also sounding familiar and comfortable and that makes people like her,” sophomore Ryder Cunningham said.
Yet again, SZA was able to give her fans exactly what they craved for over two years. “SOS Deluxe” is an album that perfectly encapsulates women’s experiences, without any restrictions or holdbacks, delivering an iconic album to wrap up 2024.
