Image Credits: Photo takes by Miles Aldridge and Natalia Traxel – Album copyright owned by © 2026 Confidence River, Inc., under exclusive license to Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc. via Spotify
After releasing a 30-track deluxe album in 2025, Suki Waterhouse releasing another album in 2026 was an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise. Dealing with themes of motherhood, nostalgia and love, “Loveland” represents the good and the bad sides of coming of age, making it the perfect album for back-to-school season and all of the transitions that come with it.
Track-by-Track Review
Suki Waterhouse released the album’s opening track, “Back in Love,” as a single in March, which instantly became a hit on her Spotify top ten. As a powerful anthem about self-discovery, she couldn’t have picked a more appropriate opening track. Following up with similar themes, “Any Man,” one of my favorites, is perfect for a feminine rage playlist. The beginning of the chorus, “I can make any man fall / It’s a criminal kind of mind control,” represents the epitome of feminine rage and empowerment (Genius).
“Happy With It” is much gentler and slower than its predecessors, embodying a sadder tone. You might not guess it from the song title, but Suki evaluates her own happiness in “Happy With It,” questioning whether she is happy at all. I don’t know much about the meaning behind the song, but it seems like she is reflecting on a time when she was unhappy before she had the self-empowering character arc exemplified in “Back in Love” and “Any Man.”
Besides romance and self-love, “Loveland” portrays other types of love, such as appreciation for a place that feels like home. The fourth track, “Notting Hill,” is a nostalgic love letter to London. Though Suki grew up in Chiswick, a district in West London, she lived in Notting Hill in her twenties, so the song serves as an appreciative ode to the neighborhood. As someone who grew up in West London, “Notting Hill” struck a chord with me, reminding me of my distant home.
Next, “Teardrops” would fit well in an indie coming-of-age movie. Something about the beat feels nostalgic to me, so I’ve had this song on repeat as this new school year started. In contrast, however, “When I Get Drunk (I Want You Boy)” is about a powerful yet toxic attraction. Though the instrumentals feel romantic, the lyrics reflect an intense, problematic relationship. While it likely reflects unhappy memories, I see this song as part of Suki’s journey of self-empowerment, and I appreciate how “Loveland” exemplifies all moments of her coming of age.
Similar to “Teardrops,” “Jukebox” returns to the happier, carefree side of coming of age. However, the next track, “Seasons,” is more retrospective. It would also fit well in a coming-of-age film because it reflects on the feeling of loneliness persisting as the seasons change, something to which I’m sure many of us can relate.
Next up is “Tiny Raisin,” which was also released as a single before the album. In a Variety interview, Suki describes the upbeat “Tiny Raisin” as “postpartum angst, but with lots of love in there too.” Although I like the next track, “Almost,” I don’t listen to it as much as other tracks on “Loveland.” It’s another sad song with a slow beat, so if you liked “Seasons,” you’ll likely enjoy “Almost.”
With similar vibes to “Teardrops” and “Jukebox,” “Puppy Dog Eyes” is another upbeat coming-of-age song, although it reflects feeling overwhelmed in a relationship. Seriously, I would love to see a coming-of-age film with Suki Waterhouse songs on the soundtrack.
Following “Puppy Dog Eyes” is “Morals,” a song about the natural jealousy that comes with being married to a celebrity. In this case, Suki is referring to her husband, Robert Pattinson, both of whom are well-known actors with hectic work schedules. Additionally, “Morals” includes a pleasant surprise for Daisy Jones & The Six fans – Mick Fleetwood, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, the band that inspired Daisy Jones, plays the drums.
As the album wraps up, “Loveland” and “Weirdo” circle back to the album’s central muse, Robert Pattinson. “Loveland” reflects on Suki learning to balance the nostalgia of her youth with her desire to settle down with her family. Meanwhile, “Weirdo” is about Suki missing Robert when they are separated. Though I love the entire album, these last two are my favorites.
Bonus Tracks Version
On Jul. 14, Suki Waterhouse released “Loveland (Bonus Tracks Version),” which included one additional track, “18.” Circling back to the coming-of-age theme, “18” reflects on the confusing yet thrilling feeling of becoming an adult. I would’ve loved this song as a freshman in college, but no matter where you are in your college journey, I’m sure almost everyone can resonate with the confusing feeling of being 18, which is why this song feels seasonally appropriate as we embark on this new semester.
Album Review
I rarely rate albums this high, but “Loveland,” my favorite album of the summer, is a 9.5-10/10. I appreciate how Suki represented the full spectrum of emotions that come with aging, especially under a spotlight. Even two months after the album’s release, I still have it on repeat.
Charlotte Ruth is a fourth-year English major with minors in Creative Writing and Italian Studies. CR1009174@wcupa.edu