Album Review: ‘Lana’

Ellie Koff, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Outreach • February 4, 2025

Dominating the music scene, SZA remains one of the top modern R&B artists. On Dec. 20, SZA released ‘Lana.’ Photo courtesy of deshaunicus through Creative Commons.

SZA did it again. With her latest album “Lana,” the R&B sensation proves why she remains one of the most compelling voices in modern music. Packed with heartfelt lyricism, smooth production and deeply personal storytelling, “Lana” is a beautiful continuation of SZA’s artistic journey.

From the opening track, listeners are immersed in her signature blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics. SZA effortlessly explores themes of love, heartbreak and introspection crafting a soundscape that is both refreshing and deeply resonant. Her vocals are as ethereal as ever, drifting over lush instrumentals that incorporate elements of neo-soul, alternative R&B and even subtle jazz influences.

Standout tracks like “My Turn” and “Love Me 4 Me” showcase her knack for blending vulnerability with captivating melodies. The production is equally mesmerizing, with layered harmonies and dreamy beats that create an atmospheric experience. Meanwhile, songs like “BMF” bring a more upbeat energy, balancing the album’s emotional depth with moments of pure musical joy.

One of “Lana’s” biggest strengths is its cohesiveness. Every track feels purposefully placed, contributing to an overarching narrative that makes the album feel like a complete, immersive experience. SZA’s lyrical prowess shines through, painting vivid pictures of relationships, growth and self-reflection. Her ability to tell stories in a raw and honest way allows her to relate to her fans because they sympathize and relate to her music.

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What sets SZA apart is not just her mesmerizing voice but her unmatchable ability to craft deeply personal and evocative storytelling. Her words have a way of making listeners feel seen, as she effortlessly captures the complexity of emotions that come with love, loss and self-discovery. This emotional depth, combined with her smooth, genre-blending sound, solidifies “Lana” as one of her most compelling projects yet.

In a world filled with fleeting trends, “Lana” stands out as an album with staying power. It’s a testament to SZA’s ability to evolve while staying true to her sound. Whether you’ve been a fan since “Ctrl” or are just discovering her music, “Lana” is a must-listen that will leave a lasting impact.

Final Verdict: “Lana” is a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich album that solidifies SZA’s place at the top of the R&B world.

Rating: 5/5

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About the Contributor

Ellie Koff, Asst. Editor-in-Chief, Outreach

Ellie Koff has been a dedicated member of the Falconer staff since her sophomore year of high school, and has served as a Staff Writer, Entertainment Editor, and is now an Assistant Editor-in-Chief. Koff consistently brings passion and enthusiasm to the newsroom. This year, Koff is looking forward to spending another year on staff as she explores new opportunities in her role as the Assistant Editor in Chief of outreach and looks forward to engaging with the community with the goal of increasing readership of the Falconer. Outside the newsroom, Koff enjoys spending time with friends at the beach, traveling with her family, reading murder mystery novels, updating her Pinterest board with fresh inspiration, and practicing yoga. Her passion for storytelling and eye for detail shine through in her work and her worldly view offers a fresh perspective to the paper. When she's not in the newsroom, Koff can often be found at a café, latte in hand, brainstorming the paper's next big story.