Review
Suki Waterhouse’s Memoir of a Sparklemuffin (2024) shows her diving into indie-pop with a colorful, playful edge while tackling love, fame, and personal identity. Named after a vividly patterned Australian spider, the album is as eclectic as its title implies, with tracks weaving through pop-rock, folk, and dream-pop, showcasing her growth and ambition since her debut. Collaborations with industry talents like Brad Cook (Bon Iver) and Greg Gonzalez (Cigarettes After Sex) add depth, although at times the range of styles makes the album feel like a bit of a genre shuffle.
Tracks like “Supersad” bring a nostalgic, mall-scene vibe reminiscent of Clueless or Legally Blonde, capturing the quirky appeal Waterhouse is known for. “Model, Actress, Whatever” stands out as a confessional anthem, with Waterhouse confronting the labels placed on her with anthemic vulnerability, while “Faded” and “Lullaby” introduce softer, acoustic-driven moments that reveal her lyrical skill in navigating themes of love and loss.
There are playful, biting songs too, like “Lawsuit,” where she celebrates karma coming around to those who’ve wronged her. Meanwhile, “OMG” brings upbeat energy with heartache-tinged lyrics, blending lighthearted production with weightier emotional undercurrents. This dynamic is a constant across the album—there’s a sense of pop fantasy interspersed with deeply personal moments that give it heart, even if the variety makes it feel slightly overstuffed.
Overall, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin is a vibrant collection that shows Waterhouse’s artistic versatility. While the project sometimes feels scattered, her charm and relatable themes resonate, making it an engaging listen for fans of dreamy pop with a touch of edge. - Callie
