If there’s one song people should know after 2023, it’s SZA’s Kill Bill, with its infamous lyrics, “I might kill my ex, not the best idea,” and a melody that everyone knows. 

SZA left 2023 with hit songs that rose quickly to popularity like Good Days and Snooze from SOS, along with other previous singles, and tracks with collaborations. Following this strong streak, SZA released her first single of the year, Saturn, after the 2024 Grammy Awards broadcast. 

Saturn starts with a series of a repeating short melody, encapsulating the perfect dreamy sound that feels like floating mindlessly and aimlessly in space. The backing track consists of a simple beat and occasional, muted chords that add to the both empty and full sound of the song. 

SZA sings about being stuck in a paradigm and how “there’s got to be more, been here before.” She sings of how drained she is and life’s empty meaning. SZA expresses her desperation to escape her life and claims “life’s better on Saturn.” Incorporating lush lyrics and a catchy beat, she asks where her rewards are for her good deeds and how she gave her all, but will die like the good die young and poor. The melody is easy to remember and is catchy from the very first listen. Overall, Saturn, with its poetic lyrics and beautiful, calming melody, is a very well-made song that perfectly encapsulates space. 

The single cover also gives clues to what the song may truly mean. Much different from her usual album covers, the cover consists of simple lettering and small graphics. Like an acrostic poem- except with pictures- the simple graphics start with the letters in the word “Saturn.” The images act as a small window into SZA’s life: words like “sick,” “absent,” and “rotten,” make an appearance. 

Musically, Saturn doesn’t differ in style from her other releases, making it an easy, enjoyable listen. Her music fits well with more laid-back rap, which, if included, could have elevated the song and broken the slightly dull repetition of the melody.  Saturn has less danceability and less upbeat parts, making the song somewhat of a forgettable song, but it still adds up to a great listen. SZA skilfully uses rhymes in her lyrics to elevate the song, making the melody instantly catchy, instead of ending up with overly obvious lyrics. 

Saturn is one of the songs on SZA’s upcoming deluxe album, LANA, which SZA says will be almost like a B-side of her last album, SOS, but also entirely different. On Sep. 8, 2023, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, SZA performed three other unreleased songs that fans have named: Boy From South Detroit, DTM (or Diamond Boy), and PSA. It was also revealed that Joni, a song leaked by fans, will also be on the album. Saturn’s release may signify that LANA will be released soon. 

SZA’s release of Saturn acts as a sneak peek into her upcoming album. As of now, there is no official release date or tracklist that has been confirmed.  However, after listening to the masterpiece known as Saturn, there is no doubt that LANA will bring a whole new album of fresh songs that will show SZA’s growth in her music career.