Suki Waterhouse is a model, entrepreneur, and actress, famously known for playing in many suessful shows such as the most recent, “Daisy Jones & The Six” released in 2023. However, in the past few years, the actress has dipped her toes into the music industry, reintroducing herself to a new audience with her debut studio album, “I Can’t Let Go” in 2022. Then, through her hit single, “Good Looking”, the English singer-songwriter has claimed the hearts of fans worldwide, garnering millions of monthly listeners located most notably in the United States, Indonesia, and Great Britain. Recently, Suki Waterhouse has returned with her second studio album titled, “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” released on September 13, 2024.
Suki Waterhouse’s inspiration for the album came from a colorful, dancing little arachnid she had discovered one night. This spider, known as the sparklemuffin, would lead Waterhouse to infatuation, as she felt a sense of connection with them. This new fascination prompted her to title her album, “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin”.
This lengthy album spans 18 songs, around 53 minutes, and depicts her heartache as she embarks on her search for true love. Although this album is exceptionally long and may seem a little too extensive for some, I think Suki Waterhouse effectively captures the listener’s attention with the intimate collage of her thoughts and emotions.
“Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” is kickstarted with a blend of indie pop and rock elements in “Gateway Drug”. The track sparks with heavy guitar riffs and crashing drums that collide in a bang of energy. Layered with Suki Waterhouse’s melancholic, nearly haunting voice, “Gateway Drug” immediately sets a moody atmosphere fitting for the album.
Deeper into the album lies, “My Fun”, one of my personal favorites of the album. Incorporating a little garage rock into her music, Suki Waterhouse delivers an addicting beat and playful swing in the song. Here, Waterhouse takes a different approach, exploring the brighter, happier side found in love. “My Fun” is almost like a breath of fresh air; it gives listeners a chance to breathe between the gloomier atmospheres of the songs around it.
“Model, Actress, Whatever” is also one of those songs in the album that sticks out to me. The song swoons the listeners with Suki Waterhouse’s honeyed voice that glides over the satisfying, acoustic guitar melody. “Model, Actress, Whatever” delves into the themes of identity as it reflects her experience going into the music industry. “All of my dreams came true, the bigger the ocean, the deeper the blue, call me a model, an actress, whatever.”
“Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” is finally closed off with, “To Love”, a track that examines the attained love Suki Waterhouse has been yearning for. It explores the challenges of loving, yet ends in a hopeful tone that ends the album on a fulfilling note.
Suki Waterhouse will go on tour across locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Sparklemuffin Tour 2024 will start September 28 in Denver, Colorado, and stretch to December 21, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster. More information can be found at https://sukiwaterhouse.tv/
“Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music.