top of page
Isabel Mays

Album Review: "VENUS" - Zara Larsson


Photo: Paul Edwards


Zara Larsson is an artist whom I've always enjoyed getting to listen to. Recently, she released her newest album, Venus. This album was amazing to listen to, and I can genuinely say that I enjoyed every single song on this list. Ranging from sad and moody melodies, to psychedelic dance-pop masterpieces, this album has something for everyone to enjoy.


Track List

Can't Tame Her

More Than This Was

On My Love

Ammunition

None Of These Guys

You Love Who You Love

End Of Time

Nothing

Escape

Soundtrack

Venus

The Healing


Zara Larsson has been releasing music since 2012, when she released her EP, Uncover. Since then, she has went on to release six EP's and four studio albums! And as for her biggest hits, "Never Forget You" and "Ain't My Fault" are both absolutely stellar examples! Larsson has been recognized for her music on numerous occasions! She's won multiple Grammis awards, which is the Sweden equivalent of the Grammys. And she has even gotten to work with some music icons, including David Guetta, Clean Bandit, and Lil Yachty. Zara Larsson continues to prove that playing around with different music styles could lead to a unique final product, and I think Venus is the perfect example of that.


Can't Tame Her

"Can't Tame Her" is easily one of my favorite songs on this album, and I think set up the general vibe for the rest of the track list very well. The lyrics were so fun to listen to, and tells the story of Larsson, who refuses to feel tied down by expectations set upon her, and she just wants to live her life as if she were living in her own world. It's an empowering message, encouraging listeners to set upon their own path and to not worry about what anyone else thinks.


More Than This Was

This is one of the sadder songs on this album, and that's all thanks to the beautifully written lyrics. The lyrics delve into the regret and longing one feels at the end of a relationship, and how it could lead a person to wonder "what could've been." Usually with songs centering around this kind of topic, they are slow and moody, really wanting to tug at your heartstrings. But I think the upbeat energy of this song paired well with the lyrics, so I enjoyed it.


On My Love

This song had an almost nostalgic feel to it, and reminded me a lot of a previous collaboration Larsson did with Clean Bandit for his 2017 hit, "Symphony." "On My Love," as well as many other songs on this album, include dance-pop and EDM elements. This song is heavily influenced by these and made me feel like I had somehow joined a rave in my own bedroom. The song centers around the theme of a strong, genuine love connection, and how dedication in a relationship can only make you stronger.


Ammunition

This song, while I couldn't relate from a romantic standpoint, I think could translate to any kind of relationship. From the first verse, you can start to see how this relationship likely has some negative impact on Larsson. "You know my situation, why you actin' like you can't be patient?" is a lyric that suggests her partner is insensitive, and unwilling to consider her feelings. I can relate as I have had multiple friends show insensitivity to me during my times of need. It's frustrating, but who wants to surround themselves with that kind of energy anyway?


Photo: Paul Edwards


None Of These Guys

If you need an anthem to show off how awesome your partner is, then this is the song for you! The lyrics for "None Of These Guys" explore how Larsson feels her partner is superior to everyone else's. She sings about how compared to her partner, other guys are either too short or too tall, they lack a decent personality, and they fail to validate Larsson. Overall, I think this was easily one of my favorite songs on this album.


You Love Who You Love

There have unfortunately been many times where I've had to step in and tell my friend that their partner isn't good for them. And in the song "You Love Who You Love," we get to explore that narrative. Usually, if you're in some kind of toxic relationship, you fail to realize the various red flags until someone else has to point them out. And in this song, Larsson is stepping in to help a friend involved in this situation. And the lyrics translate so well. "Girl, give him up, I'm tellin' you as a friend / What he's putting you through is too much / I told you enough, but you don't wanna listen / You just tell me you love who you love."


End Of Time

Sometimes when starting a new relationship, you fall head over heels very fast. Sometimes, so fast that many may think you "insane," as Larsson sings various times in "End Of Time." And when you're in a relationship this strong and deep, it's easy to see how it could change your entire outlook on your life. Whether it's love at first sight, or it's a love that grows over time, a relationship that strong is hard to tear down. I loved this song, it was so fun to listen to.


Nothing

Unfortunately, many of us understand this feeling. The feeling where you're trying to have a conversation where you aren't being taken seriously or just outright ignored. "Nothing" is one of the sadder, more gutwrenching songs on this album, and I think does a great job of exploring this situation. I think this was just a beautiful song to listen to, as Larsson has some awesome runs and almost angelic hums with the instrumental.


Escape

Compared to the last song, "Escape" is a sweet song about seeking comfort in the arms of a lover. We all know how stressed our jobs and daily lives make us. In "Escape," Larsson sings about how she can escape the stress and unwind with her partner, seemingly forgetting about the world around them. I think this is a great message, and really goes to show how much love and trust Larsson must have for her partner.


Soundtrack

I don't know about y'all, but I can think of multiple songs that remind me of my loved ones. "Soundtrack" is a nostalgia-driven song that explores the theme of Larsson thinking back on past relationships, and the soundtracks that told the stories of their lives. She references multiple hits by some easily recognizable artists, including "Born to Die" by Lana Del Ray and "Something In The Way She Moves" by James Taylor. I love how moody and reflective this song is, it immediately pulled me into Larsson's headspace.


Photo: Paul Edwards


Venus

We now find ourselves at the titular track, "Venus." This song itself is so stunning to listen to, it makes me feel like I'm floating through outer space. Which, honestly, makes perfect sense if you think about it. "Venus" is a song about Larsson expressing her love for her partner. The planet Venus is known by many to be one known for its beauty and powerful brightness, which could translate to how Larsson views her partner as a warm and bright presence.


The Healing

"The Healing" is arguably one of the most raw, tear-jerking songs on this album. The lyrics explore past relationships, and how they may impact current ones. Larsson sings of the pain and fear associated with the end of a toxic relationship, and how it left her emotionally destroyed. I think this is the most raw and real song on this album, and could hear every ounce of emotion she poured into writing these lyrics. It was absolutely beautiful.


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It had been a while since I had gotten to sit down and listen to one of Larsson's albums, but I think this one was extremely well-made and produced. I also have not listened to much EDM or dance-pop, so the fact that I enjoyed this as much as I did says a lot. I can't wait to listen to it again!


Written By Isabel Mays



*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

bottom of page