Zara Larsson has always possessed an intuitive grasp of pop architecture, but her latest creative pivot suggests a move toward something far more enduring. With the release of the remix album for her project Midnight Sun, Larsson has invited a diverse array of collaborators to reinterpret her work, ranging from pop contemporaries like PinkPantheress to experimental visionaries.
Among the standout tracks is the remix of “Saturn’s Return,” which features the ambient mastermind Malibu—whose 2025 work was widely acclaimed—alongside frequent collaborator Helena Gao. The result is an expansive, six-minute odyssey that trades traditional pop structures for a lush, reverb-soaked soundscape reminiscent of the psychedelic textures found on Madonna’s Ray Of Light.
Malibu’s influence is palpable, providing a sonic foundation that allows Larsson and Gao to explore themes of existential discovery. Gao’s contribution, particularly her soaring falsetto on the guest verse, adds a layer of vulnerability that perfectly complements the track’s ethereal production. As the song progresses, it dissolves into a dense, immersive sound bath of vocal layers and deep, resonant bass.
By tapping an artist like Malibu, who is primarily celebrated within experimental circles, Zara Larsson is making a bold statement about her artistic trajectory. She is clearly moving away from the constraints of standard top-40 hitmaking, opting instead for a more deliberate, world-building approach. Whether through the imagery of Swedish fjords or the inclusion of deep-cut collaborators, Larsson is proving that her creative vision is as expansive as the music she is now producing.
