For many, music has the power to set a tone, curate a vibe, or even energize. Cardio hits a little harder when you’re listening to something in 2/4 time. And the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” is perfect for performing CPR. Is there anything a good song can’t do? For Playboy Club creator Kenz Rose, SZA’s latest album “Lana” is perfect chill out music.
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“Lana” by SZA
- Released: December 20, 2024
- Genre: R&B
- Length: 46:02
- Label: Top Dog, RCA
- Producers: Rob Bisel, Benny Blanco, Cade, Calvin Dickinson, Cashmere Cat, Iseeyou, Omer Fedi, Julian Fried, J. White Did It, Tyler Johnson, Carter Lang, Lil Yachty, Nick Kobe, Nick Lee, Billy Lemos, Declan Miers, Hands, Daniel Abraham Jr., Monsune, Sad Pony, Scum, Blake Slatkin, Solomonophonic, ThankGod4Cody, Michael Uzowuru
Why Kenz Rose loves “Lana” by SZA
“It’s so calming to listen to, Kenz told PLAYBOY. “I just think it sounds so beautiful. All of her albums are like that.”
“Lana” is SZA’s latest album, although it’s not entirely new. It’s a reissue of her 2022 album “SOS.” In fact, her most recent album’s full official title is “SOS Deluxe: Lana.” It sports four new singles including “Saturn,” “Drive,” “BMF,” and “30 for 30.”
While her personal experiences with heartache, struggle, and strife underlined much of her inspiration of her first two albums, SZA was determined to enter “Lana” with a whole new artistic perspective.
“I’m not identifying with my brokenness,” SZA told British Vogue. “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.”
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The title Lana comes from a name SZA went by in her youth, her full first name being Solana. When she got her first tattoo at age 13, she could only afford to get the album’s titular four letters. The album’s aesthetics are inspired by nature, with a heavy emphasis on insects.
Much of this inspiration was hinted at throughout the year before the album’s release. The stage of her performance at Hyde Park in June of 2024 was festooned with insect decor. She even wore insect prosthetics to her Hot Ones appearance.
Within a week of its release, “Lana” skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard charts topping out at number one. While she adores all of SZA’s work, Kenz connects with the song “Another Life,” a song about romances that didn’t work out.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say I have regrets, I don’t dwell on things,” Kenz says. “But of course, there’s always people, places, things, feelings that you’ll always miss.”
Kenz Rose is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.
