SZA’s Lana album: all 15 tracks ranked

“Get Behind Me” is just under two minutes long and marks a change of pace for SZA, who transitions from the victim on “Kitchen” to a self-empowered bad guy. Although the episode came and went quickly, I enjoyed hearing SZA say “Not today, Satan” over and over again.

While SZA explores deeper emotional waters later in the album, “What Do I Do” is a fun, radio-ready bop. She’s certainly known for her candid introspection, but “What Should I Do” reminds fans that SZA can do some fun stuff late at night whenever necessary.

a suitable introduction Lana“Hide No More” found SZA acting very difficult. “I want to be truly in love/don’t care what it costs me,” she sings. although Ask for helpThe introduction is that SZA found many ways to say “I won’t give up” and “no more hiding” chose a soft landing. SZA has become a different woman, she reminds fans Lana It will be a much quieter event than its predecessor.

“I hate to be the one who does the most, but that’s what needs to be done,” SZA howls in “Scorsese Baby Daddy.” LanaThe sixth track is a raw mirror for SZA, who admits she’s “obsessed with drama” while trying not to get too dogmatic about her flaws. “One day I’ll know what it takes to be a lady,” she sings, as if to relax herself. The only problem? this song is far away too short.

SZA’s stylish pop song “BMF” is an energetic song that’s perfect for sunny drives and as exciting as a summer crush. although Lana “BMF” is filled with plenty of cathartic moments from SZA, only to find the singer capturing the feel of a cute boy. “BMF” is a fun respite from the heavier themes later in the project, and it’s always nice to see SZA having fun in the bag.

“I don’t want to be a shell of myself,” SZA pleads on “In Another Life,” another honest exploration of the heart from the R&B star. SZA sounds wistful and nostalgic as she muses that in another life, she and her boyfriend were fine. It’s SZA’s upbeat personality that makes the song devastating, because the truth is, this relationship is falling apart just like the ones before it.

Lil Yachty’s sports piece “Chill Baby” is another track that’s far too short considering it’s crammed with personal meditation into its 2 minute, 20 second runtime. “I’m tired of watching people die, literally and figuratively, and I just want someone to stay around,” SZA said softly.

SZA’s elusive song “Diamond Boy” has finally made its way to the streaming platform. The final product is sensual and contemplative, with SZA’s voice intertwining over guitar picks, pleading for physical intimacy, empathy and radical communication. The “shiny” boy seemed unable to meet all three conditions, satisfying one need at the expense of the others. It’s an ode to dating in 2024 and showcases SZA’s well-known ability to transform uncomfortable human experiences into catchy R&B ballads.

In “The Kitchen,” SZA finds herself in a downward spiral with her husband, deliberately breaking her promise to dump him and move on. While SZA shines lyrically, what really makes the song hit hard is the unsettling sparkle in its production, presented by Ask for help-Collaborator ThankGod4Cody. The layered quality of the song, coupled with the ghostly howl of SZA herself, adds to the innocence of the song’s narrator. SZA feels like she’s in a fever dream as she slowly loses herself more and more in this unhealthy relationship.

“My Turn” is almost a sequel to 2022’s “Kill Bill,” continuing SZA’s penchant for catchy, multi-layered breakup songs. SZA sounds energized as she celebrates finally getting the emotional upper hand over her breakup. She sounds like she’s having fun as she disses her toxic ex. As someone who has often written about being abandoned, we’re glad to see the situation working out in her favour.

Even though “Saturn” won’t hit theaters for most of 2024, its philosophical touches will hit even harder when it’s over Lana. The soaring chorus, SZA’s candid songwriting, and the overall vibe of “What’s the Point?” As the album approaches and we come to the end of the year, it hits hard. Being human is hard, breaking our mold is hard, and no one knows this better than SZA.

With three collaborations under their belt this year, it’s clear Kendrick and SZA are bringing out the best in each other on “30 for 30.” While “luther” and “gloria” are obvious signs that SZA can help K-Dot bring out his softer side, “30 for 30” is the UNO reverse card we all want because K.Dot encourages SZA to become More arrogant. Lana had a great run with SZA in the ring and she enjoyed a well deserved win. On “30 For 30,” which features soaring strings and booming 808s, the R&B singer allows herself to bask in her accomplishments.

“Love Me 4 Me” bursts from her mind like a journal entry, proving the power of radical self-acceptance. Against a backdrop of jazz drums and kaleidoscopic synths that shimmer alongside SZA’s hazy vocals, the singer reflects on self-acceptance and her own mortality. She realized that her mother was the only person who supported her unconditionally, and in hindsight, her previous engagement made her feel restricted. “You’ve never seen me with your own eyes,” SZA laments, before the song breaks down and floats off into space.

LanaOn the lead single, SZA takes center stage, questioning the value of existence with nothing more than the gentle strumming of an electric guitar. In turn, the minimalism on “Drive” makes room for various versions of SZA, including her self-sufficient rapper, sensitive empath, and heartbroken loner still craving human connection. These sides of SZA all blend brilliantly into “Drive,” as softly as a late-night breeze.

“Crybaby” is another poignant mirror that tells a powerful story about how we are sometimes responsible for our own undoing. “You really should stop smoking in the backwoods so you can go backwards, come on girl,” the singer pleads to herself. Snaking strings and shimmering synths provide the perfect backdrop for SZA’s sinuous vocals, a song that will turn anyone into a crybaby.