Suki Waterhouse has dropped two exquisite new singles ahead of her hotly anticipated upcoming album, which is as yet untitled.
Both tracks are nostalgic for a past love, but differ completely in tone, once again showcasing Waterhouse’s stylistic versatility.
‘My Fun’ is an upbeat, celebratory track, as the singer fondly recalls a joyful, exciting relationship. The unnamed lover is depicted as a great partner, with Waterhouse reflecting: “You make me laugh, you bless my sneeze”, and sighing “God, it feels good to find someone / Who loves me like I love my fun”. Waterhouse’s velvety, drawn-out vocals imbue the track with a folky feeling, perfectly complementing its summery vibes. The funky bassline rhythm of the guitar, with the occasional lively interruption from the woodwind, solidifies the song as a perfect summer hit, a delightful departure from the singer’s usual musical releases.
In contrast, ‘Faded’ is a softer, more wistful ballad, looking back at a declining romance with regret. The slower tempo and sorrowful vocals depict Waterhouse’s heartbreak at the fading essence of her lover, lamenting “You never should have changed your ways and faded / The colours you painted were perfectly simple”. The singer regrets her unrealistic expectations in the relationship, singing pensively “We were gonna stay together”, only to brutally confront her own naivety: “It’s hard to imagine being so fucking naive”. The pared-down instrumentals, with the slower guitar that fades into the background once Waterhouse reaches the chorus, create a mournful, dreamy atmosphere. The guitar aptly fades from the track as Waterhouse sings the closing lines “faded away”, mimicking the close of the relationship she is singing about. The track is emotionally beautiful, blending effortlessly into Waterhouse’s previous discography.
Both songs also came with visualisers, directed by Seoul-based animator Callum Scott-Dyson. ‘My Fun’ is a saturated and vibrant video, whilst the ‘Faded’ visualiser consists of a more washed-out and melancholy palette, reflecting the contrasting moods of each track.
Both tracks are stunning to listen to and grow on you more and more with every listen. Waterhouse manages to keep experimenting with her musical style, whilst still retaining the ethereal, vocally angelic quality that she is loved for.
Words by Emily Nutbean
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