After more than ten years since their initial collaboration, Zara Larsson and MNEK have come together again, with the British artist serving as a co-creator for the Swedish star's fourth album. The pair previously merged Zara's R&B-influenced vocal prowess with intricate EDM in their 2015 hit ‘Never Forget You’, and they continue this trend on ‘Midnight Sun’, crafting a bold, electronic pop future. The title track stands out as audacious and limitless, showcasing a wide array of electronica, dance, Scandi-pop, and R&B, resulting in a vibrant collection of sounds. Its innovative, lush vitality solidifies Zara as an often-overlooked genre standout; a Main Pop Girl who has diligently worked behind the scenes to create a smoother path for her dance-pop successors. “Puss puss / ’97 on the number plate,” she asserts on the post-pop Brazilian funk piece ‘Hot and Sexy’, embodying the album's confident, maximalist party-girl vibe; later, ‘Eurosummer’ delivers precisely what its name implies, while the lead single ‘Pretty Ugly’ blends hip hop with a raw cheerleader-like energy reminiscent of the Pussycat Dolls. Zara remains true to her Scandi roots as well: “I wanted to write about a Swedish summer where the sun never goes down,” she has expressed in recent promotional material. Additionally, ‘The Ambition’ offers a bubbly reflection on fame and love; the playful ‘Puss Puss’ is complemented by hyperpop synths; and the airy alt-pop track ‘Saturn’s Return’ emerges in the album's center as a fascinating exploration into new territory. Throughout, ‘Midnight Sun’ radiates with vibrant, pop perfection, bolstered by MNEK’s nostalgic production and the dance-meets-Scandi-pop future that Zara has passionately cultivated.
The Black Country indie band Chartreuse created ‘Bless You & Be Well’ by fully embracing their instruments, trusting their instincts, and expanding their hearts more than ever.
runo plum radiates a captivating warmth in “Lemon Garland,” a nostalgic and enchanting reflection filled with longing, closeness, and the tender beauty of companionship. In conversation with Atwood Magazine, the Minneapolis singer/songwriter shares her thoughts on solitude, desire, and the fragile connections of friendship, providing insight into the developing artistry that has established her as one of the most intriguing new voices in indie folk.
Combining emotion with pure strength.
“This song captures that moment when you choose to let go of concern for who’s observing, and instead, just dance with complete abandon.”
Completely sunlit, vibrantly crafted pop music.