Suki Waterhouse released her highly anticipated album “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” on Sept. 13. The album features 18 tracks highlighting Waterhouse’s sultry yet raspy voice paired with her signature dreamy indie pop rhythms.
Waterhouse’s music has gained attention in the past two years after trending social media use of her 2017 song “Moves.” She also opened for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Waterhouse’s hometown of London on Aug. 17.
“Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” explores the crossroads of a destined-to-fail, finite relationship, wanting to give and be loved and the euphoria of finding happiness. The album jumps back and forth between dance hits, ballads and coffee house vibes — which is refreshing, given that the album has a few too many tracks.
The long queue of songs causes some of the messages and unique audio to be lost in the mix. “To Love,” which was released in June 2023 but added to the end of this album, highlights her life with her partner, Robert Pattinson. Though a touching song, it should’ve stayed with its original EP and left the love songs to other tracks in the album like “My Fun.”
The album begins with “Gateway Drug,” which builds its way up into a powerful melody with the addition of more guitar and vocal layers. Waterhouse establishes the mood of her narrative with “To Get You,” a discussion about the positives and negatives of surrendering things in a relationship.
The real star of this album is either “OMG” or “Supersad.” In “OMG,” Waterhouse paints a picture of becoming so dependent on her former partner that she began to lose herself. Though she deeply loves this person, she realizes that she needs to be her own person.
Likewise, “Supersad” beautifully showcases that even if it feels like the end of the world, there will be happier times. Waterhouse picks herself up throughout, as it is a motivating song about reclaiming personal strength.
If any of these songs can truly be considered a memoir, it’s “Model, Actress, Whatever,” in which Waterhouse sings about her life aspirations and how she has been able to accomplish them. She reflects on how she started out as a model at 16 and transitioned her way into acting and singing.
Now a devoted mother, Waterhouse sings, “All of my dreams came true … Call me a model, an actress, whatever. Other half of my baby, we stay together.” She recognizes in the song parts of her life will never be known to the public, but her private stories are what make her the person she is.
While it’s going to take me a few listens to separate the songs and fully find interest in each track, Waterhouse brings listeners into many relationship situations that ask new questions about the word “forever.”
“Memoir of a Sparklemuffin.” Photo courtesy of Newsday.