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It’s been over a year since Maude Latour released her debut album Sugar Water, but for her tight-knit fanbase, it feels like no time has passed. Today, she gifts fans a new side of the Sugar Water universe – 5 new tracks that expand on the album’s initial journey and completes the story by offering both insight into the original album process and hindsight now that the record has been out for some time. The politically and emotionally charged “Miss America” and perfect breakup anthem “TickTickBoom” only scratch the surface of what these deluxe tracks have to offer fans who aren’t quite ready to let go of this extra special record.

Maude Latour’s debut album encapsulated all that her music has explored over the years; love, loss, existentialism, and the confusing nature growing up, while finding the beauty in it all. If you take it literally, the record details falling in love while acknowledging the fact that it’s impossible to know if it’s forever. In Sugar Water’s deluxe tracks, Latour still manages to find the beauty in an unraveling relationship instead of a budding one. 

“TickTickBoom” is ethereal pop perfection, with emotionally charged vocals and sharp songwriting about the messiness of breaking up when you’re not 100% sure about it being the right decision. In classic Maude Latour fashion, it balances the heaviness of the subject matter with a sense of hope from its enchanting production and addictive melodies. It’s followed by “XOXO,” the ultimate post-breakup smash made for dancing rather than crying. Maude always manages to find the most creatively kitschy ways to describe feelings through song, and the concept of “XO-ing” might be her best one yet. To “XO” is to kiss your ex out of familiarity, in the phase where it still feels natural. Although it’s a sad concept at its core, the song is anything but. It’s flirty, fun, messy, and explosive – the perfect cathartic release after a confusing breakup. 

The third deluxe Sugar Water track is called “Maps,” a destiny driven confessional that was initially cut from the standard album. Maude shared with fans that she hasn’t stopped thinking about it, hence its addition to the deluxe version. After hearing the absolutely gorgeous, cinematic track, we can clearly hear why “Maps” made its way out of the Sugar Water reject pile and into our ears. It’s layered and epic in every way, the perfect addition to her expansive discography. Next is “Miss America,” a track the rising pop princess released earlier this year after previewing it during her headline tour across North America. Including it in the deluxe feels full circle, as its message of unshakeable love only grows more important during our current political climate. 

Finally, we have “Sailor 99,” the final release of the Sugar Water era. It’s the perfect way to complete such a layered record, with a song so uniquely Maude Latour that continues to push the boundaries of her uninhibited artistry. Maude’s lower register sets the tone of this experimental pop smash as she sings about sailing off into the sunset to close this chapter. During her deluxe pop-up show in NYC this week, she shared that the track is about how “even if something is ending, we’re going down forever with it.” Ending the Sugar Water era with an otherworldly track that blends so many different sounds and is ultimately up to interpretation, could not be more on brand for Maude Latour. 

It’s bittersweet that such a beloved era is coming to an end for one of our favorite rising pop stars, but we’ll let the music lead the way for whatever adventure Maude Latour takes us on next. Only one thing is certain, and it’s that Sugar Water is forever. 

Listen to Sugar Water deluxe now: