We Having Summer In January with Zara’s Midnight Sun Still Cruising

Swedish pop star Zara Larsson has long been known for crafting catchy, bold pop anthems — but with “Midnight Sun”, she channels something deeper and more personal than ever before. Released on 13 June 2025 as the second single and title track from her Midnight Sun album, the song was co-written by Larsson alongside Helena Gao and longtime collaborators MNEK and producers Margo XS and Zhone. It’s an electro-pop gem built on shimmering synths, emotional warmth, and a universal longing for never-ending summer nights.

More Than a Summer Song — It’s a Mood

At its core, “Midnight Sun” evokes the surreal feeling of summer in Scandinavia — particularly in Sweden — where the sun barely sets and the night feels endless. Zara has explained that the track is inspired by those long, light-soaked nights of her youth: cruising with friends, feeling free, and embracing life’s most luminous moments. It isn’t just about sunshine; it’s about the energy and freedom that come with it — a celebration of being alive.

Lyrics like:

“No nightmares when you can still see the light…”
“It’s the midnight sun, kissed skin under the red sky…”

capture that sense of endless possibility — nights that feel too good to end and moments you wish you could bottle up forever.

Sound and Style: Bright, Euphoric, Unapologetically Pop

Musically, the song blends Zara’s trademark pop sensibilities with elements of dance and trance-like textures, creating a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s built to make you move — but also to make you feel. Critics and fans alike have described it as a shimmering anthem that pairs heartfelt lyrics with expansive production, embodying both joy and introspection.

Unlike the harder-edged energy of its sister single “Pretty Ugly”, “Midnight Sun” delivers warmth and an emotional glow that taps into something almost communal — the universal desire to hold onto the best nights of our lives.

Behind the Song: Personal and Cultural Roots

Zara has said that “Midnight Sun” feels uniquely hers — shaped by her Swedish heritage and personal memories. The concept of a sun that never sets is more than a poetic image: it’s a lived experience from Larsson’s upbringing and a cultural touchstone she wanted to bring into global pop. There’s a deep sense of nostalgia here, but also an energizing optimism — as if saying, “Summer isn’t over yet.”

Impact and Recognition

In Sweden, the song charted in the top 10, underlining its immediate popularity with listeners. Internationally, “Midnight Sun” marked a new chapter for Zara — one rooted in emotional honesty and global pop appeal. The track even earned her a nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording at the Grammys, a milestone recognition of her evolving artistry.

Why “Midnight Sun” Matters

“Midnight Sun” isn’t just another summer pop single — it’s a state of mind. It captures the joy of living in the moment, embracing light even when darkness threatens to creep in, and celebrating life’s most effervescent experiences. For Zara Larsson, this song marks not only a creative high point but an invitation for listeners worldwide to bask in the beauty of the night — even when the sun never truly sets.