I’ve been a diehard fan of Zara Larsson for around a decade now, and in those ten years she has done genuinely nothing but release hit after hit. While I was streaming and beaming with pride at her sensational artistic development, it seemed that most of the world was yet to tune in and experience the pure bliss that is pressing play on a Zara Larsson song. However, with the release of her sensational fifth album ‘Midnight Sun’, everyone is waking up and realising what they’ve been missing out on for a hot minute! But before ‘Midnight Sun’, there was a steady string of albums and singles that seemed to be ignored by most listeners, and now that she’s in the spotlight and on everyone’s mind and playlists it seems like a perfect opportunity to talk about some of those songs that are still a little too under the radar for my liking.
Of course, the Swedish popstar has had her fair share of hits, such as ‘Lush Life’, ‘Ain’t My Fault’, and ‘Symphony’, but it seemed like the success of each of these records didn’t do as much for her career as they could’ve. They were featured on her second album and major international debut, ‘So Good’, which was met with some critical acclaim and birthed other tracks that I still loop religiously, but even their billions of streams couldn’t help her become more than another voice you heard occasionally on the radio. It’s impossible to give just one reason as to what went wrong considering the songs were catchy and her voice sounded like a little slice of heaven, but I think that it was mainly just a mix of lacking a clear, unique musical identity and the oversaturation of dance-pop at the time. Don’t get me wrong, I love the genre! But it was hard being a young girl amongst a sea of duplicates trying to win everybody’s hearts with the same stuff as your competitors, and unfortunately for Zara she was one of the ones who was left just a little bit outside of the spotlight. Not quite gone or forgotten, but not quite there yet either. She kept on pumping out singles and albums in the following years, and although I was feasting on what she was serving each and every time a new song dropped, it seemed as if I was alone in doing so.
While sales and success dwindled with each new release, one thing only got better: the quality of her music. Whether it was a single, an EP, or a full-length studio album, she always gave it her all in terms of vocals and production no matter her level of success at the time, and for that I will always thank her. Clearly it paid off, as ‘Midnight Sun’ is charting all across the world, has the highest critic score for a female album in 2025, and her upcoming tour is selling out left right and centre ever since videos of her opening for Tate McRae went viral on X and TikTok. So, in the hopes of sprinkling some of that success onto her other lesser-known songs, I’ve decided to give you all a few to try out so you can really understand the musical genius of Sweden’s best invention since IKEA.
For the first two songs, I’m taking it all the way back to 2017. We already know that her album ‘So Good’ spawned some of the most successful songs of her career, but it’s also home to two of her most underrated tracks. The first goes by the name of ‘Only You’ and was released as the final single during the album’s promotion. The song touches on themes like sexual chemistry, self-fulfilment, and the overall joy of pleasure. While it didn’t exactly perform well on the charts, this song definitely left its mark on the arts. I think that what makes it so good (pun intended) is its raw and vulnerable nature in all ways; its production is simpler and more stripped-back than its peers, her vocals are raw yet clean, and the lyrics discuss things that most are too shy to bring up. Its vulnerability makes it even stronger, and even though its laid-back sound may have caused it to get lost amongst a sea of energetic pop anthems on the album it belongs to, it’s the perfect calm amongst the storm that is ‘So Good’. And carrying on that calm and collected sound is the second song from this album that I wish did better, ‘One Mississippi’. Again, touching on subjects some may find hard to talk about, the song discusses the difficulties and complexity of toxic relationships — how they can feel so good in one moment, and then fall apart just as quick as they were built up. This song’s vulnerability reflects a different yet just as honest side of Zara, and its lyrics discuss something that is still so important today. Musically, it’s genius. The industrial kicks and shimmery synths contrast the poignant piano perfectly, and the struggle of loving someone so imperfect is evident in every aspect of this song. The fact that it’s practically unknown to this day feels so, so wrong, because this is a serious hit. If you’re a fan of more melancholy-pop, then these two songs are for you.
Another song I can’t believe is so unknown is her 2020 should-be-club-classic ‘Love Me Land’, the second single from her third album ‘Poster Girl’. While it performed moderately well on charts across Europe and New Zealand, the song left far too little of an impact for my liking. It only charted in Moldova after 2020, and that is nowhere near enough appreciation for me. Discussing topics like romantic and sexual compatibility, love so real that it makes you doubt everything you thought you knew about it, and the bliss that comes with a fiery romance, ‘Love Me Land’ combines Zara’s existing lyrical identity with a refined version of her classic dance-pop sound. More mature than her earlier releases, this song’s bassline makes you want to make out with someone on the dancefloor, and the beat makes you want to dance until you can’t feel your feet anymore. I think that what makes it so unbelievable that this song is still so under the radar is the fact that it’s oozing with appeal for all audiences. Pop girlies, dance enthusiasts, orchestral enjoyers, and pretty much anyone else can find something to like about this song, and I hope that they all do soon. Better late than never!
The final track that I want to bring everyone’s attention to is a 2023 song called ‘Memory Lane’. Released as the lead single from her Swedish-themed holiday EP ‘Honor the Light’, the song understandably only charted in Sweden. While promoted less than her previous releases, the song is, honestly, one of her best. She utilises those vulnerable lyrical skills of hers to give us the most honest version of herself in this wintery Nordic pop track and takes us along on a journey of reflection: looking back at her life, friends, highlights, and regrets. The song has a beautifully sentimental guitar riff throughout, and once again the overall phenomenal production proves that, despite her success staying somewhat stagnant, the quality of her music only increased. And as the weather gets a little cooler and the days get shorter, this cosy track is perfect for warming up to the cold winter ahead.
I could keep going, but I think I’ve mentioned enough songs from all eras of her discography to inspire you all to dive a little deeper into the Zara Larsson catalogue. Whether you want to dance, cry, or cling onto summer a little longer, there’s a song or two for you. So, if you hear something you like, then make sure to explore further and also keep up with her new releases, because your new favourite song might just be a Zara Larsson hit!
