The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon where the tilt of Earth’s axis creates a 24-hour period of daylight, occurring in summer above the Arctic Circle and below the Antarctic Circle. Romanticizing this experience, pop star Zara Larsson celebrates her Swedish background in her recent album.
Released on Sept. 26, Larsson’s fifth studio album “Midnight Sun,” a 10-track album lasting 31 minutes and 54 seconds, debuted at #1 on Apple Music in Sweden. The album was co-produced by British singer and producer MNEK, with whom Larsson previously worked on her 2015 single “Never Forget You,” her first top 20 hit, according to Billboard.
Larsson is currently on the “Midnight Sun Tour” in Europe, the United States and Canada, which began Oct. 28. She will be performing at the Capital One Arena on Dec. 16 and the Anthem on March 31.
The opening and title track clearly define the bubbly mood of the album, capturing the feelings of freedom and safety that the endless daylight of summer in northern Sweden induces. Synthesized chimes and bass tones support a lilting melody that is unforgettable, made up of impressive vocal runs and sustained notes. Track six, “Eurosummer,” elaborates on this carefree sentiment and expresses the liberating comfort of a short-lived, casual relationship, accompanied by the catchy electronic beats often found in modern Europop.
“Blue Moon,” track two, references another extraordinary phenomenon—a blue moon, which is when there is a second full moon in a calendar month—to compare to a rare, once-in-a-lifetime love, maintaining a dynamic rhythm while conveying intimacy and affection through her lyrics at the same time. Her breathy, light vocal delivery is reminiscent of many other pop stars, especially Rihanna or Camila Cabello. Even early on in the album, Larsson demonstrates several captivating characteristics of pop and R&B music, such as meaningful storytelling paired with appealing melodies.
A candid audio clip of Larsson telling MNEK to “get messy” at the end of the second song foreshadows the next track, “Pretty Ugly.” Exuding unapologetic confidence, attitude and energy in her lyrics and vocals over an electric, syncopated beat, Larsson challenges the social standards of modesty placed on women. She brings to mind the early 2000s as she evokes Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” in this intense, fiery track with an energetic, chanting chorus. Larsson’s bold self-assuredness becomes contagious over the course of this record.
“Girl’s Girl” and “Crush,” the fourth and fifth tracks, introduce a theme of internal conflict surrounding loyalty and temptation. These songs describe an attraction to a childhood friend’s boyfriend as a “dream that can’t come true” and the “grey zone of morality” in pursuing an affectionate friendship while simultaneously in a relationship. Larsson expands on the topics found in her own 2017 single “Ain’t My Fault” to explore the dilemma of having romantic interest in the wrong person, although the lively, dance-pop beats don’t subside by any means. Synth melodies in the chorus of “Crush” showcase Larsson’s diverse sound design choices, ranging from maximalist instrumentation in previous songs to smooth, mainstream pop music here, that create vibrant and memorable songs.
Following emotional tensions, Larsson shifts toward introspection in the latter half of the album with tracks eight and nine, “The Ambition” and “Saturn’s Return.” In the former song, she reflects on the constant pressures for success she has felt since the beginning of her career, which was launched at only 10 years of age after winning the Swedish version of “Got Talent” in 2008 for her performance of “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. The latter song serves as an empowering ballad in which Larsson embraces uncertainty and change. Altogether, Larsson’s lush pop production accompanied by airy, ethereal melodies create a cosmic, profound experience for the listener.
“Midnight Sun” balances energetic, dramatic beats with skillful experimentation and spectacular, polished vocals, showcasing the classic features of pop music. With this album, Larsson undoubtedly proves that she deserves to be a household name.
