Zara Larsson | Midnight Sun Review

By Bea Willis

From the opening swell of synths to its radiant vocal climax, “Midnight Sun” marks Zara Larsson’s return to the center of the pop cosmos. The song is filled with warmth, nuance, and a rare command of emotional release. As the lead single from her upcoming album Midnight Sun, this track springs from her Swedish roots as a polished, radio-ready statement of artistic direction.

At the heart of “Midnight Sun” is a sense of pacing. The song unfolds in two distinct arcs, each building tension before releasing it in a luminous chorus. The production resists the urge to go maximalist too soon. Instead, the track rises gradually through layers of synths, a pulse of electronic drums, and vocal cues that shape its emotional landscape.

Zara’s control of form shines in the final payoff as she sings, “A never-ending midnight sun / Never-ending midnight sun.” The vocal climax is sustained by the word “sun.”  The subtly modulating transforms the phrase from a lyric into a moment of release. It marks the emotional and sonic peak of the track both times. The song builds even more with synths, variations, and stacked vocal harmonies, elevating the arrangement to the final climax and coda.

Lyrically, the song flirts with nostalgia, not as a retreat, but as a liberating force. The titular midnight sun evokes Scandinavian summers, where the sun lingers past midnight and memories take on a dreamlike quality. But it’s more than poetic imagery. The midnight sun becomes a metaphor for the desire to hold on to a perfect feeling, to stay in the glow of something fleeting yet transformative. Her breathy intimacy in the verses contrasts beautifully with the open-throated freedom of the chorus, mirroring the song’s emotional expansion.

Produced by longtime collaborators including MNEK and newcomer Margo XS, “Midnight Sun” treads the line between retro and modern. The drums are electronic but are shaped with crisp tone and dynamics, never generic, and with syncopated patterns that lend rhythmic lift. Synth textures swirl across the stereo field: pads, pulses, arpeggios, and filtered leads that evolve from verse to chorus.

What sets this production apart is the detailed layering, with every section introducing new sonic elements that contribute to the track’s arc, avoiding repetition fatigue. The climax brings a wave of vocal stacks and shimmering synths, drawing from the lexicon of Robyn, Ellie Goulding, and early Max Martin, but with a distinctly Zara Larsson emotional core.

With Midnight Sun slated for a September 26, 2025 release, this track sets the tone: reflective yet forward-moving, nostalgic yet vital. It’s a smart move, artistically and strategically. “Midnight Sun” has a thoughtful structure, vivid vocal expression, and layered production. Zara Larsson delivers a track that is a slow-burn anthem for those who long to hold onto joy just a little longer — a shimmer of pop stylings under an eternal sunset.

Artist: Zara Larsson
Single: “Midnight Sun”
Label: Sony Music Entertainment

Release Date: June 13, 2025

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.