Weekly Spotlight: SZA's Journey with New Single 'Saturn'

At the recent Grammy Awards, held on February 4, SZA, who has been previously recognized with a Grammy, introduced her latest track 'Saturn' through a live performance sponsored by Mastercard. The artist's decision to delay the availability of the single on streaming platforms immediately after its debut caught some by surprise, while loyal fans might have expected such a move. SZA's humble beginnings in the music industry are marked by the creation of mixtapes for personal enjoyment, such as 'See SZA Run' and 'S,' which caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment, a label known for collaborating with prominent figures including Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q.

Following her earlier projects, SZA released her album 'CTRL,' which secured a remarkable 350-week presence on the Billboard 200 chart and featured hits like 'The Weekend' and 'Broken Clocks.' After five years, she made a powerful comeback with 'SOS,' her second studio album, reinforcing her status as an icon in R&B by topping charts with songs like 'Kill Bill' and 'Snooze.' The album SOS, which delves into themes of toxicity and self-discovery post-breakup, has become a symbol of angst and self-worth for many fans.

In her track 'Blind,' SZA delves into the complex emotions tied to staying in a toxic relationship despite its detrimental effect on one's well-being, showcasing relatable human struggles. Her work continues to evolve from 'CTRL,' which explored personal growth and femininity, to 'SOS,' which features a stronger rap influence, highlighting her versatility. The track '20 Something' poignantly captures the challenges of maturing and the multifaceted fears and pains that accompany that journey.

Despite the expectation for a deluxe edition of SOS, SZA announced an independent release titled 'LANA' after nearly two years. 'Saturn' serves as the lead single for 'LANA,' ushering in the album's promotional phase. The song 'Saturn' resonates with themes of otherworldliness and the dissatisfaction with life's current state, all delivered with SZA's signature ethereal R&B style. The track recalls the ambiance of CTRL while also nodding to recent successes from SOS like 'Snooze' and 'Good Days.'

'Saturn' features production by SZA's long-time collaborator Carter Lang, hinting at the aesthetic established in 'CTRL' through both its sound and cover art. The release signifies not just a milestone in SZA's career but also a tribute to her enduring themes and relatability. The song has quickly ascended global and U.S. Spotify charts, and anticipation is high for its appearance on the Billboard Hot 100.

SZA, Saturn, Grammys