Murphy’s Law

From heartbreak anthems to soul-healing melodies, SZA has once again reminded us why her music resonates deeply with fans worldwide. The SOS Deluxe: LANA album, released on December 20th 2024, explores themes of love in relationships with others and with ourselves. 

During one of the roughest weeks in my 23 years of life I’ve had Crybaby from SZA’s new album release on repeat, mainly because I’ve come to relate to the lyrics more than I probably should have. SZA’s music has always found a way to resonate with me, no matter whether I’m going through the greatest or worst periods of life. Her ability to eclectically express a wide array of emotions, has been the primary factor in my great affection for the artist and her work. 

The album, SOS Deluxe: LANA, released last year on December 20th 2024, is an expanded re-issue version of her 2022 SOS release. The album contains 38 tracks and a Kendrick Lamar feature, as well as the features from the 2022 SOS release with Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. The cover art is particularly interesting, as it portrays SZA in bug form. This comes from the general aesthetic of the album, with a focus on connecting with nature (or maybe she just wanted to dress up as a bug). 

SOS Deluxe: LANA album cover via Spotify. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

In an interview with British Vogue, the artist reflected on her art, more specifically the evolution of it: 

“I think I am making music from a more beautiful place. From a more possible place versus a more angsty place,” … “I’m not identifying with my brokenness. It’s not my identity. It’s sh– that happened to me. 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.”

While I absolutely adore the entire album, the songs which stood out most to me are What Do I Do, Crybaby, Kitchen, Scorsese Baby Daddy, My Turn and Another Life. Again, I believe most of these personal preferences lie in where I’m personally at in life, and how much I resonate with the music. 

I rolled up all my problems

And then I smoked about it

I could've called my mom up

I'd rather fuck about it

Addicted to the drama

Scorsese baby daddy

Woah, woah, oh-oh, woah, oh

Gaining quick traction on TikTok, Scorsese Baby Daddy, SZA contemplates relationship dynamics, particularly one in which one of the partners is volatile and has self-destructive tendencies. Throughout the track, the artist explores her longing for a connection despite a toxic bond. Referencing Martin Scorsese in her title, she cleverly plays on the metaphor of over exaggerated drama in her toxic relationship. 

Maybe

If that attitude took a backseat, Miss Know-It-All

You'd find a man (Find a man)

You got no chill, you can't (Ain't got no chill)

Damn, baby, and maybe

If I stopped blaming the world for my faults

I could evolve

Maybe the pressure just made me too soft

Crybaby was also one of the first to be released as a teaser to the album, on June 29th 2024. In this track, SZA explores the public perception of her and her work. Oftentimes being labeled as emotionally vulnerable and too sensitive. What I really respect and wish to acknowledge about this track is that instead of addressing them in a defensive manner, she approaches it with great self-awareness. Embracing her “flaws” (I truly don’t think they’re flaws, but okay) as a part of who she is, SZA welcomes these traits as a part of her authenticity. If anything, society can learn to become more emphatic rather than judgemental from artists like SZA.

So hard to do the right thing (Ah)

So hard to do the right thing (Oh)

You know we got a real history

That don't mean I'll let you abuse me (Ooh)

That pussy hit like royalty (Oh)

Must be hard for you to lose me

Another reference to a toxic relationship, Kitchen inspects another dimension in unhealthy connections, namely where love lacks and attachment prevails. The artist’s dilemma revolves around choosing herself, and her wellbeing and staying in a situation which feels familiar rather than good. Tragically, people tend to pick the latter over the former due to a lack of love for themselves.