Zara Larsson realizes what will never be on latest single, “Crush”
Zara Larsson, best known for her singles “Lush Life” and “Ain’t My Fault” (not to mention lending her voice to the MNEK and Clean Bandit collabs “Never Forget You” and “Symphony” respectively), returns with “Crush”. The song serves as the third single off the Swedish native’s upcoming fifth album, “Midnight Sun” (scheduled to be released on September 26, 2025 through Epic Records and Larsson’s own label, Sommer House). “Crush” follows the two previously-released singles: the cheerleader-esq. "Pretty Ugly" and the breezy title track.
The song immediately transported me back in time to the sugary goodness of 90s-early 00s pop stars and boy bands galore. Definitely influences of Max Marin-esq. Euro pop throughout the track. Sonically, the track also reminded me of “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne.
Over a skittering beat, Larsson recalls in the first verse, “Talkin' to you gives me butterflies / Wanna text you all the time / I can't help that I feel like this / Talkin' to you, stayin' up all night”. But her feelings are dashed as Larsson suddenly recalls she has someone waiting at home, “Yeah, he knows somethin' ain't right / But it's innocent 'til we kiss”.
The pop star knows it’s wrong (“In the grey zone of morality / Feelin' dangerous when you're callin' me / Somethin' 'bout the secrecy of us”), but loves the rush. In the back of her mind -at the same time, the singer worries she’ll lose her man back home to this mysterious new person (“Then it hits me like reality / I can't lose him to a fantasy / It ain't heartbreak, but it still hurts enough”).
The verse gives way to a frantic chorus as a devastated Larsson realizes that she can’t - and never will - be with this mystery person as she wails, “Oh, baby, I'm crushed (Crush) / It will never be us. That's why they call it a crush (Crush). It will never be love (Crush)”. Having the word “crush” repeated in the chorus gives the track a resentful bite to it. As if driving the message home.
The second verse finds the Swedish native avoiding mystery person’s calls (“It's been a while / Since I hit you back”), deciding it’s best to cut off all contact with said mysterious newcomer (“Me and him, we had a chat / And I think it's best I don't reply”).
In the bridge, the singer questions, “What's the need for destruction? / This might get ugly, you will ruin my life” (perhaps a subtle nod to Larsson’s own song, “Ruin My Life”?). She continues to ponder, “Tell me, why do I crave your attention? / I got someone at home who treats me right”.
Larsson then repeats the word “crush” over the foot-stomping beat in a unique melisma. The song seems to take on a slightly darker tone. The bridge suddenly - and seamlessly - merges back into the happy-go-lucky (despite its sad content) explosive chorus.
Right where Larsson left off. She never misses a beat.
Listen to “Crush” here!