The singer’s latest album has plenty of tracks that make you want to get up and dance, but just lacks that emotional punch to make it extra special.
There really is no doubting the sheer incredible confidence that Zara Larsson exudes on her latest album, with many tracks perfect for the dance floor. But it would have been even stronger if there was more to it than that.
Throughout this concisely constructed album, with the songs flowing beautifully together there is an element that perhaps she is playing it slightly safe using a consistent sound that could have been expanded on and taken on a more adventurous journey.
This can be particularly seen on songs such as ‘Pretty Ugly’ that is suitably fierce and intense that makes anyone sit up and pay attention. It is a stand out track because it combines a lot of elements both musically and vocally that capture and hold the listener’s attention from start to finish.
For the most part, it is a Euro pop sound that plays to her strengths and will be of great comfort to her fans. Songs such as ‘Eurosummer’ and album opener ‘Midnight Sun’ really lean into this in particular, which while offering plenty of fun also just lack a little of emotional depth that you would hope for from an album that does have elements of pop to it.
This being said, there is a glimpse of vulnerability and sheer focus on vocals on the gorgeous sounding ‘Saturns Return’ that has a wonderful ethereal quality to it that is really hard to resist. Meanwhile, album closer ‘Puss Puss’ has a playful quality to it that makes for a perfect album closer.
Elsewhere, ‘Hot & Sexy’ and ‘The Ambition’ could have been a lot stronger if Larsson’s vocals came through a lot better. These tracks just feel a little bit too strained and trying to hard.
Overall though as an album, ‘Midnight Sun’ provides plenty to have fun with – but it would be interesting to see what she could do on a more emotionally exposed record.
By Emma Clarendon
Midnight Sun is available to buy and listen to now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️