Zara Larsson Shines Bright on ‘Midnight Sun: Girls Trip’

“Said by 20, I’d be fillin’ up stadiums,” Zara Larsson admits on ‘Saturn’s Return’, one of the standout reflective moments from her fifth studio album, Midnight Sun. “Didn’t happen, so I changed the deadline.” That balance of ambition, honesty, and resilience runs throughout the Swedish pop star’s shimmering dance pop project, which received a modest chart response in several regions following its release last September. Still, not long after the album dropped, Larsson slowly began rebuilding momentum after years of releasing underrated singles and near breakthrough moments, including tracks like 2019’s ‘Don’t Worry Bout Me’, 2023’s ‘Can’t Tame Her’, and overlooked gems such as ‘All The Time’ and ‘Love Me Land’.

By the end of the year, things started shifting in a much bigger way. As the euphoric title track ‘Midnight Sun’ gained traction on streaming platforms and her decade old smash ‘Lush Life’ returned to the charts, Larsson jokingly declared herself “out of the Khia asylum”. The reference to pop culture slang for artists considered irrelevant or forgotten showed a more self aware and humorous side of Larsson that fans had not always seen publicly before. While she has always stood firmly by her beliefs, including turning down a Eurovision performance in 2024 over Israel’s involvement in the contest, this new era has highlighted a looser and more playful confidence.

After spending most of her life working toward pop stardom since winning the Swedish talent show Talang at just 10 years old, Larsson clearly has no plans to slow down now. Instead, she is doubling down on her resurgence with Midnight Sun: Girls Trip, a deluxe version of the original album that includes brand new remixes of every song. Each updated version features collaborations with female artists, giving Larsson the opportunity to spotlight both her creative instincts and her strong sense of musical community.

Earlier this year, Larsson helped fuel her comeback further by appearing on a remix of PinkPantheress’ drum and bass track ‘Stateside’, making it feel especially fitting that PinkPantheress now appears on and co produces a remix of ‘Midnight Sun’. The updated version leans harder into the breakbeat energy of the original while incorporating a nostalgic sample from DJ Fresh’s 2008 club anthem ‘Gold Dust’. Not every remix reaches the same level creatively, however. Despite new additions from Shakira and extra synth elements, the refreshed version of ‘Eurosummer’ does not quite capture the same infectious energy that made the original stand out.

Still, the majority of Girls Trip succeeds in offering exciting new perspectives on the album. Tyla brings a smooth and seductive presence to ‘Hot & Sexy’, while Robyn injects playful attitude into ‘Puss Puss’ with lines like, “I can get you off in a whole ‘nother language.” Toronto producer Bambii transforms ‘The Ambition’, now featuring Madison Beer, into a vibrant tropical house track bursting with atmosphere. Meanwhile, the six minute rework of ‘Saturn’s Return’ featuring co writer Helena Gao delivers sweeping production and emotional depth that recalls the spirit of Madonna’s Ray of Light era.

Combined with the already undeniable charm and energy of the original album, Midnight Sun: Girls Trip feels like a worthwhile extension of Zara Larsson’s evolving comeback story. If her recent momentum continues, the so called “Khia asylum” may soon be nothing more than a distant memory disappearing in her rear view mirror.

Details

• Record label: Sommer House / Epic
• Release date: May 1, 2026