"Saturn" | ||||
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Single by SZA | ||||
from the album Lana | ||||
Released | February 22, 2024 | |||
Recorded | 2023 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:06 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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SZA singles chronology | ||||
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Audio | ||||
"Saturn" on YouTube |
"Saturn" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and reportedly the lead single of her upcoming third studio album, Lana (2024). It is a song about nihilism and escapism, discussing one's lamentations about why bad things happen to good people and wishes to leave Earth for another planet, Saturn, where they could possibly live a better life. "Saturn" features a twinkly instrumental, a result of a combination of arpeggios and beaming synthesizers. The song was surprise-released on February 22, 2024, after its official debut at the year's Grammy Awards ceremony over two weeks prior.
American singer-songwriter SZA's second studio album, SOS (2022), was met with critical and commercial success upon its release. [1] [2] The album opened with a score of 94 on the review aggregate website Metacritic, [3] debuted atop the Billboard 200, broke a string of chart records, and spawned several career milestones. [4] SZA teased the imminent release of the deluxe version on Instagram upon SOS's release in early December 2022, [5] and she teased it again on a December 21 post, where she expressed gratitude for the album's number-one debut: "Imma take another swing at it for the deluxe then shut up for a while." [6]
On September 8, 2023, SZA held an exclusive surprise concert at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in celebration of SOS, where she revealed that the previously announced deluxe edition grew into its own studio album called Lana (2024). [7] On the set list were a few unreleased songs, namely "PSA", [7] which was used in the official teaser for SOS; [8] "DTM", [9] which was teased during the music video for the SOS single "Snooze" (2023); [10] "Boy from South Detroit"; and "Saturn". [7] At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 4, 2024, SZA officially debuted "Saturn" in full as part of a Mastercard commercial break. [11] [12]
"Saturn" was written by SZA and its producers Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, Solomonophonic (Jared Solomon), and Monsune (Scott Zhang). [13] A fusion of R&B, pop, alternative, [14] and psychedelic styles, [15] the production combines a slow, [16] smooth-flowing boom bap rhythm with arpeggiation, beaming synthesizers, [17] stacked harmonies, [15] and vocal runs. [18] The result is a twinkly instrumental that critics described as dreamy and glittery. [note 1] Billboard critics deemed "Saturn" a continuation of SOS in terms of not only its atmospheric soundscape but also its various lyrical narratives, such as self-deprecation and reconciliation with difficult emotional struggles. [15]
As some critics noted, the tranquil and mellifluous sound of the instruments and SZA's voice is a stark contrast to the song's themes of hopelessness. [22] [20] Others connected the song's title to a person's Saturn return, which happens 29.5 years after their birth and signals the beginning of new adult challenges and eye-opening epiphanies; [20] [23] SZA was 34 years old at the time of release. [24] Publications noted "Saturn" was released just two weeks between two other songs about Saturn returns, "Deeper Well" by Kacey Musgraves and "Saturn Returns Interlude" by Ariana Grande, and thus analyzed the songs with assistance from astrologists. [note 2] Scottish astrologist Garland, interviewed by BBC News, said that SZA and the two other musicians, all of whom were in their early- to mid-30s, were in a "perfect age for self-reflection". [31]
In the lyrics, a nihilistic SZA sings of an existential crisis [20] and expresses disillusionment with living on Earth, questioning if the world will get more just [32] and wishing there was something more to life than suffering. [15] [23] She laments why the concept of nirvana, or freedom from suffering, was "not as advertised" to her, [33] and she wonders why karma seems to always be unfair to good people, who all tend to "die young and poor": [20] "If there's a point to being good / Then where's my reward?" [16] The pre-chorus features the lines "Stuck in this paradigm / Don't believe in paradise / This must be what hell is like." [34]
SZA, in the chorus, entertains the idea of leaving Earth for a potentially better life on Saturn, a place where she could possibly break free from toxic habits and the pain of heartbreak; [35] [21] she signals for help from another universe earlier in the first verse. [36] Later, the song takes a turn for the hopeful. In line with what SZA told People magazine after the Grammy Awards, "Saturn" says that while people long for escapism from the world's turmoil, they will eventually "find something worth saving" on Earth. [36] [37] With the line, SZA resists the pain of solitude and constant heartbreak, [20] and with the next lyric "It's all for the taking, I always say," she reinforces she is in control of her life and has the power to make the world a better place. [21]
"Saturn" was surprise-released to streaming services on February 22, 2024, reportedly as the lead single from Lana, the reissue of SOS. The release came with a five-track bundle, which consists of the original version, a live version, a sped up version, an instrumental version, and an a cappella version. [13] [38] The versions were updated sometime later with their mixing changed. [15]
"Saturn" debuted at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 with 25 million US streams, 2,000 digital sales, and 960,000 radio audience, her 10th top 10 song in the country. [39] It replaced her own single "Snooze" (2023) at number one on Hot R&B Songs; in doing so, she completed a one-year consecutive run atop the chart. [40] "Saturn" scored more top 15 debuts in the UK, where it was her 13th top 40 appearance, [41] and in Australia, where it debuted at number 8. [42] "Saturn" returned to the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 on the chart dated April 27, 2024. [43]
SZA's Mastercard performance began with her hanging from a vine as it descended down the stage, [44] which featured a forest-themed backdrop in line with the commercial's message. [45] She wore a top made of real tree seeds, [37] a costume that Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone compared to that of a "forest nymph". [45] Backup dancers accompanied SZA as she explored the forest, [34] where she found and swung on a swing, [45] and during the outro, she recited the ad read: "We're a force of nature when we come together." The performance was part of an advertisement for Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition initiative, a campaign that seeks to plant 100 million trees across the world to fight climate change by restoring forests worldwide. [44] [45]
Starting on mid-March 2024, SZA included "Saturn" in some set lists of her SOS Tour, beginning with her Latin American Lollapalooza headlining concerts such as in Chile. [46]
Musicians
Technical
Chart (2024) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [47] | 8 |
Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA) [48] | 1 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [49] | 8 |
Canada CHR/Top 40 ( Billboard ) [50] | 6 |
Canada Hot AC ( Billboard ) [51] | 31 |
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [52] | 5 |
Greece International (IFPI) [53] | 60 |
Indonesia ( Billboard ) [54] | 6 |
Ireland (IRMA) [55] | 21 |
Japan Hot Overseas ( Billboard Japan ) [56] | 12 |
Malaysia ( Billboard ) [57] | 6 |
Malaysia International (RIM) [58] | 4 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [59] | 60 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [60] | 5 |
Philippines ( Billboard ) [61] | 8 |
Portugal (AFP) [62] | 79 |
Singapore (RIAS) [63] | 5 |
South Africa (TOSAC) [64] | 20 |
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [65] | 49 |
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [66] | 96 |
UAE (IFPI) [67] | 18 |
UK Singles (OCC) [68] | 15 |
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [69] | 3 |
US Billboard Hot 100 [70] | 6 |
US Adult Pop Airplay ( Billboard ) [71] | 27 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [72] | 3 |
US Pop Airplay ( Billboard ) [73] | 1 |
US Rhythmic ( Billboard ) [74] | 1 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada) [75] | Platinum | 80,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [76] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [77] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | February 22, 2024 | [78] | ||
United States | March 8, 2024 | Contemporary hit radio | [79] |
Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter. She first gained recognition through her self-released EPs See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013), which helped her become the first female artist to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment. Her third EP, Z (2014), was her first project to be released to digital retailers and reached the top-ten on the US Independent Albums chart.
American singer-songwriter SZA has released two studio albums, three extended plays (EPs), one live album, and 44 singles. SZA debuted with her self-released EP See.SZA.Run in 2012, followed by the 2013 EP S, gaining the attention of the independent record label Top Dawg Entertainment. She signed to Top Dawg as the label's first woman artist in 2013 and released her third EP, Z, a year later. After Z, she began work on her debut studio album, Ctrl (2017), which debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, peaked at number two on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and has charted for more than five subsequent years. The album, alongside its Billboard Hot 100 top-40 singles "Love Galore" and "The Weekend", earned her three of her first five Grammy nominations, in 2018. All singles from Ctrl have been certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America.
For music from a year in the 2020s, go to 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24
"Good Days" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA on December 25, 2020, as the lead single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). SZA wrote the song alongside Jacob Collier, who provides background vocals, and with producers Carter Lang, Los Hendrix, and Nascent.
"Shirt" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the third single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). Produced by Darkchild and Freaky Rob, it is an R&B song, with elements of trap music, backed by synthesizers and 808 beats. The lyrics are about a toxic relationship, one that consumes SZA lustfully and entices her to return despite leaving her directionless and mentally exhausted. They narrate themes present throughout SOS: deep introspection to achieve perfection, and the conflict between love and hatred. A snippet of "Shirt", prior to its official release, spawned a viral dance challenge on TikTok, where over a million videos used the sound. After being first previewed online two years ago, the song was released on October 28, 2022.
"I Hate U" is a song by American singer SZA. It was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records on December 3, 2021, as the second single from SZA's second studio album, SOS (2022). It was originally released on SoundCloud on August 22, 2021. "I Hate U" is an electro-R&B song with a "crunching", light instrumental, containing a relaxed, "ethereal" chorus, and hip hop-influenced verses. A break-up song, it finds SZA detailing what went wrong in a past relationship, expressing resentment towards an ex-partner but acknowledging that she still misses them.
"Blind" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a beatless R&B and folk-pop song, featuring an orchestral production that consists of acoustic guitars, violas, and trumpets. SZA's vocal performance combines a rap cadence and slow falsetto vocals, with added vocal runs. In the song, SZA explores the duality of love and muses on a former relationship, as she expresses her disappointment to a toxic past partner while also expressing her continued attraction to him. For the chorus, SZA admits her insecurities in spite of seeking validation through sex, feeling empty and unable to find self-love within herself as a result of a failed romance. "Blind" also incorporates several pop culture references to figures such as Bob Saget and Jesus.
"PSA" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA reported to appear on the deluxe edition of her 2022 second studio album, SOS. It is an orchestral song with a simple, stringed production, consisting of pianos and harps alongside vocal harmonies. The lyrics are delivered in a rap cadence and with braggadocio; SZA demands that people call her nothing but number-one and serve her, says she takes pleasure in angering people, and mocks those she views as "bottom feeders". "PSA" was used for the official teaser for SOS, yet despite this, the song did not appear on the final track list for the standard edition.
SOS is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records on December 9, 2022. The album features guest appearances from Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. SZA worked with a variety of record producers and songwriters such as Babyface, Jeff Bhasker, Rob Bisel, Benny Blanco, Darkchild, DJ Dahi, Ant Clemons, and Lizzo. It serves as the follow-up to SZA's previous album Ctrl (2017).
"Nobody Gets Me" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fourth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was sent to Italian radio on January 6, 2023, and US contemporary hit radio four days later. The song peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian Hot 100, and the Official New Zealand Music Chart.
"Kill Bill" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fifth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a pop and R&B murder ballad, built around a midtempo, groovy rhythm and a detuned melody. Guitars, a bassline, and a flute that was sampled from a Prophet-6 synthesizer constitute the song's production, which is influenced by the boom bap subgenre of hip hop. Mirroring the plot of the Kill Bill film duology (2003–2004) after which the song is named, the lyrics discuss a fantasy to kill an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend out of jealousy, and they employ humorous irony alongside violent imagery that contrasts with SZA's soft vocals. "Kill Bill" was sent to US radio on January 10, 2023, after achieving success on streaming services.
"Snooze" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was sent to rhythmic contemporary and urban contemporary radio as the sixth and final single from the album on April 25, 2023. SZA wrote the song with producers Babyface, the Rascals, and BLK. The acoustic version features Canadian singer Justin Bieber, who stars in the official music video of the song's original version, and was released on September 15, 2023.
"Ghost in the Machine" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers. The song is an indie pop and R&B ballad that music critics described as a cross between Bridgers's and SZA's respective sounds. Written in a conversational style, the lyrics express disillusionment with inauthentic relationships, inhumane behavior of other people, and artificial intelligence. They also portray SZA asking her lover to provide an escape from a world that she sees as having been consumed by vanity. The collaboration began with an online conversation between Bridgers and SZA; the two musicians rapidly completed the song a week before the album was scheduled for release. They co-wrote the song with Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, Matt Cohn, and Marshall Vore. Production and engineering duties were handled by Bisel, Lang, and Cohn.
"Low" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second album, SOS (2022). The song features adlibs from American rapper Travis Scott. It charted in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, with a number 24 peak on the Billboard Global 200. The song received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th ceremony.
"F2F" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). "F2F" is a rock song that draws influence from genres such as country, pop rock, and grunge. SZA wrote the song with Lizzo, who provides background vocals, and producers Rob Bisel and Carter Lang. The song was one of around five rock-inspired songs SZA created for SOS, out of a desire to experiment with various genres outside of her usual R&B music. The song begins with acoustic guitar strums before transitioning into a chorus backed by drums and power chords from electric guitars. The lyrics talk about having sex with someone to cope with breaking up with a former partner.
"Open Arms" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring American rapper Travis Scott. It is a ballad backed by an acoustic guitar, conceived as part of an effort to explore soundscapes outside of SZA's usual R&B-leaning music. The lyrics are addressed to a former lover, whom the narrator leaves for the sake of her self-esteem despite her persistent feelings of attachment to him. A tribute to SZA's deceased grandmother, Norma Rowe, begins the song, done in the form of a skit; Rowe's vocals featured prominently on SZA's debut album, Ctrl (2017)
"Joni" is an unreleased song by American singer-songwriter SZA intended for the deluxe version of her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring a yet-to-be-announced artist. A trap song inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, "Joni" combines realist and idealist writing styles, discussing SZA's love for her family and desire to overcome challenges in pursuit of perfection. The song was originally uploaded to Soundcloud on August 22, 2021, and is a leaked outtake from SOS's standard edition.
"DTM" is an upcoming song by American singer-songwriter SZA, reported to appear on her third studio album, Lana.
Rob Bisel is an American music producer, engineer, mixer and songwriter. A Grammy award winner and 13-time nominee, he has worked with artists including SZA, Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Harry Styles and Don Toliver.
Lana is the upcoming third studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It is scheduled to be released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. Originally planned as the deluxe edition of SZA's previous studio album, SOS (2022), Lana evolved into its own album that would consist solely of new music.