Maude Latour Takes Us on the Journey of a Lifetime With Debut Album 'Sugar Water'
Pop prophet Maude Latour has been training for most of her life. Having built an intricate world for her music from the start of her career, today’s debut studio album, Sugar Water is the fully realized version of years of soul searching through song. But don’t worry, Latour is not done searching and will never be.
“My debut album is about growing up and learning how to lose things, people, and love— all parts of getting older," shares Latour. This album is an attempt at trying to hold onto the sweetness of this short life while it is still happening. It’s my most existential, deepest thoughts coated in pop music. I hope it takes you on the journey of a lifetime.”
The story begins with “Officially Mine” a track that brings high energy and blissful optimism front and center. It’s the peak of Latour’s signature electro-pop flair and engaging flow, possessing the bubbling electricity of a budding crush. The following tracks are two out of three previously released singles, leaving the rest of the album in completely uncharted territory. Latour wields this power by immersing listeners in a maze of love, loss, and reflection on her upbringing and the future she’s paving for herself.
“Whirlpool” and the title track are a one-two punch of Latour’s more experimental side, emphasizing the curious nature of Sugar Water. She experiences the unstable effects of growing up while remaining at ease, knowing it’s all part of the plan. In the emotional “Comedown” an epic ode to first loves and a standout moment on the album, Latour’s forced to stare at her past self and understand how it’s led her here. After “Comedown,” the focus shifts from nostalgia to moving forward. “Summer of Love,” which Latour revealed was a strong contender to be the album’s opening track, signifies this redirection. It’s a sweet confidence boost, bringing back the contagious energy of earlier tracks. Latour sings of a whirlwind summer romance, one that feels like a rebirth without the pressure of permanence.
In the ethereal “Save Me”, a Dido-inspired album highlight, Latour lets down her defenses in a way she rarely has before. The music of Latour has always been about everyone’s own ability to let the magic of the world push them forward, even in the toughest times. In “Save Me,” our heroine is so in love that she’s able to admit she might need a little help picking herself up from time to time. It’s a beautiful moment, one that doesn’t only stand out on the album but amongst Latour’s entire discography.
The final stretch of Sugar Water is as sentimental as it is cinematic. Its climax begins with “Cosmic Superstar Girl,” a pure synth-pop breakup epic where Latour relives the end of the relationship and fantasizes on her ex’s version of the aftermath. The track’s otherworldly bridge is a career highlight, so strong it lives up to Lorde’s Melodrama.
Following behind is the existential “7 (interlude),” This shimmering letter to a past lover isn’t even about romance at all. It’s a song about Latour’s connection with the passage of time and her appreciation for every moment, resulting in a rare interlude that embodies the essence of the album. In a moving act of passion laced in every word, she sings “Baby, if it really is goodbye / Can I just tell you that I had the time of my life?”
In the penultimate track, “Infinite Roses,” Latour rediscovers the beauty in everything after a mind-numbing heartbreak. Known for her celebration of the power of female friendship, fans will be pleased with this beautiful pop dedication to the eye-opening ability of having a fun day with friends. The final track on Sugar Water completely denies structure and expectations. “Bloom” is a metaphor-filled love poem set to a tender, slightly dissonant piano melody. In this closer, Latour drives home her love for the small details in life and her belief in their significance. It reminds listeners to observe their surroundings and fall in love with what they see, simply because it’s real enough to experience.
Whether it's because of her meticulous attention to detail or her pure ability to captivate through song, listening to Sugar Water feels like a front-row seat to your own life, described through Maude Latour’s eyes. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a long-time fan, the palpable connection Latour has with her audience and her music is undeniable. To say this is an impressive debut would be an understatement and we look forward to witnessing the path this rising star is paving for herself.
Listen to Sugar Water below:
