SZA’s “SOS Deluxe: Lana” – A Deeper Dive into Her Newest Tracks

SZA has once again proven that her storytelling prowess knows no bounds. With the February 9th release of SOS Deluxe: Lana, she’s gifted fans four additional tracks, each adding new depth to her already expansive sophomore album. These songs—“Joni” (feat. Don Toliver), “Take You Down,” “PSA,” and “Open Arms (just SZA)”—offer fresh perspectives on love, self-discovery, and the complexities of success.
“Joni” is a masterclass in artistic evolution. Originally released as a solo acoustic track in 2021, this reworked version features Don Toliver, transforming the song into a duet that expands its emotional reach. The title hints at SZA’s admiration for Joni Mitchell, and her mother has described the song as a “sweet homage” to SZA’s grandmother. Lyrically, “Joni” is a reflection of time, love, and regret—hallmarks of SZA’s introspective writing. The song features the lyrics “I’ve been wiped out like three times / Beat that shit, call me nine lives,” turning personal struggle into poetic resilience. The song’s production blends trap elements with raw vulnerability, making it one of the most sonically diverse offerings on SOS Deluxe. Additionally, Toliver’s feature doesn’t overshadow SZA; rather, it enhances the track’s melancholic beauty, giving “Joni” a fresh texture while preserving its deeply personal essence.
SZA has always excelled at capturing emotional contradictions, and “Take You Down” highlights this skill. The song is both confident and vulnerable, sensual yet cautious. She sings, “I’m not thinkin’ straight when you around,” embodying the turmoil of a relationship that feels both toxic and irresistible. Lines like “I took the bait, I lick the poison, baby, over and over again” reveal a pattern of self-inflicted emotional harm, while the repeated question—“How many ways can you take me down?”—lingers as an unresolved plea. Unlike earlier works that leaned into insecurity, “Take You Down” feels like a song written by someone who knows her worth but still struggling with breaking old habits. It’s the sound of someone who’s growing but isn’t necessarily healed.
Clocking in at just 1:39, “PSA” is brief but bold. Originally previewed in the “Shirt” music video, fans had long anticipated its release. Though some may have hoped for an extended version, the song’s brevity only adds to its impact. “I don’t want nobody callin’ me anything but number one,” SZA declares in the opening line, setting the tone for a track that addresses her internal conflicts, industry pressures, and the contradictions of fame. The orchestral flourishes and atmospheric production mirror the song’s emotional weight. With lyrics like “I waste my energy plenty, serve me to bury my envy,” SZA hints at the mental toll of her success and the struggle to maintain authenticity in an industry that constantly tries to categorize her.
The solo version of “Open Arms” removes Travis Scott’s feature, allowing SZA’s voice to stand alone. While the original was already intimate, this version feels even more personal. By replacing Scott’s verse with her own lyrics, SZA shifts the focus entirely onto her internal battle—mourning a past relationship while wrestling with the urge to reconnect. The song remains a delicate, acoustic ballad, but with SZA’s voice taking full center stage, its emotional weight deepens. The inclusion of her late grandmother Norma Rowe’s voice at the beginning adds another layer of vulnerability, making “Open Arms (just SZA)” not just a breakup song, but a lament to both lost love and lost time.
With these four tracks, SZA continues to prove why she’s one of the most compelling artists of her generation. SOS Deluxe: Lana isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a thoughtful extension of an already powerful album. Whether she’s paying tribute, confronting past wounds, or pushing her artistic boundaries, SZA remains as introspective and innovative as ever. If history serves to tell us anything, this artist is far from done.