Zara Larsson Should Be More Famous

The name Zara Larsson may sound unfamiliar, but chances are, you have heard her music in passing. Whether scrolling online through TikTok, or stumbling through a bar, Larsson has been tucked behind the curtain of main girl pop-stardom for years. Now with the release of her fifth album, Midnight Sun, she’s ready for the limelight. 

Midnight Sun is a Y2K fanatic’s dream. Set against the backdrop of a tropical Hawaiian beach, the album’s aesthetic mirrors the viral 2024 TikTok trend where Larsson's song, “Symphony”, went viral for its use in TikTok edits—all of which featured tropical blue waters, animated dolphins, and overlaid satirical texts. 

The ten-track, 31-minute run offers listeners a taste of fresh pop. My only qualm with Larsson is choosing not to release this project sooner—especially given the 2025 drought  where we were deprived of any summer anthems. Every song on Midnight Sun has the potential to be a summer hit, each track capturing Larsson’s originality—a quality recently lacking in a synth-dominated, Antonoff world. 

“Eurosummer” is set to the beat of an accordion and drums, balancing a funky production while modeling itself off a popular European sound, remaining contemporary. My personal favorite, “Puss Puss” centers around saying goodbye, but instead of saying “kiss kiss,” you say “puss puss.” The song is comically enjoyable, and if given the chance, Larsson could easily dominate internet culture. Even the title track, “Midnight Sun”, features Larsson’s powerful vocals, another facet of her talent, recently boosted by internet virality. 

As the current opener for Tate McRae's 2025 Miss Possessive Tour, Larsson has gained exposure, breathing new life into her music and fandom. It seems the internet has finally taken notice of Larsson’s talents, with endless viral tweets and videos discussing Larsson's strong vocals and ability to succeed in choreography–a rarity among her pop peers.

I find satisfaction in witnessing Larsson receive credit where credit is due. Having worked in the music industry for over fifteen years—she quite literally got her start at ten years old in 2008—the now twenty-seven-year-old has evolved in her talents, and deserves to be taken as seriously as Chappell Roan or Olivia Rodrigo. 

My hope from this recent bout of acclaim will translate into positive metrics for Larsson’s music, especially in light of her latest studio album’s release this past week. I also wish to see a world where Larsson is given the budget and freedom that rivals a mainstream pop girl. 

Having already curated a sharp image through her status as a pop-indie darling, imagine a world where Larsson has the budget to expand her cinematic, aquatic universe. Only time will tell. If anything, Larsson has proven her hunger to succeed in the pop world, and from aesthetics to vocals to online persona, she is the full package. 

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