‘A GENERATIONAL TALENT THAT DESERVES TO BE CONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE GREATEST’ | SAM FENDER IS BACK WITH ‘PEOPLE WATCHING’
ALBUM REVIEW | ‘PEOPLE WATCHING’ – SAM FENDER By Keira Knox
After releasing his debut album, ‘Hypersonic Missiles,’ six years ago, Sam Fender has achieved an extraordinary degree of success, propelling him into the spotlight. Fender appears to gain confidence in his musical skills with every release, his third album is no different. A thoughtful and frequently poignant album, ‘People Watching’ takes the achievements of his previous albums and offers them a fresh perspective and sound.
Fender finds himself at a metaphorical impasse in ‘People Watching.’ With the familiar potent artistry we have often witnessed, the raw and informal lyrical delights look ahead and outlines his goals. Anthemic choruses, a large-scale production, and frank social critique have become something fans have become quickly accustomed to from Fender; ‘People Watching’ will not disappoint.
The title track ‘People Watching’ is a powerful way to start the album. Fender immediately demonstrates why he has earned a position at the top of the music industry. ‘People Watching’ sets the tone for a very promising track selection. Fender has a remarkable talent for discussing weighty subjects in his music without making them seem bleak or excessive; he infuses all of his lyrics with real-life experiences and authentic emotions.
Stand-out track ‘Nostalgia’s Lie’ features suave saxophones, outstanding musical compositions, and all the typical aches of lyrical rebellion that stem from the source of his creative endeavours. Along with the tasteful addition of supporting vocals, Fender gives us our first taste of a new musical flavour. Fender handles being in over his head in both his personal and professional life in ‘Chin Up’ with his trademark flair and drive to be positive. This song is driven by acoustic guitar rhythms, with a deep bass sound that lingers behind the verses. A true underdog from this album, the chorus is energising and inspiring and features a stunning production by Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs.
The simplicity of earlier releases like ‘Wild Long Lie’ and ‘Arm’s Length’ gives them power, producing beautiful melodies that perfectly complement his profound poetic lyrics. Sam Fender showcases his love of melody and rhythm with these tracks. The main inspiration behind these songs is to present a simple truth in a beautiful uncomplicated manner. With his third album, Fender showcases why he is one of, if not the best, songwriter the UK has produced in decades.
“I’m not preaching, I’m just talking” is how ‘Crumbling Empire’ addresses some of the clear problems facing our nation, while ‘A Little Bit Closer’ depicts a devastating truth surrounding anxiety and panic attacks. With a slower rhythm, more intricately produced instrumentals, and haunting backing vocals by Brooke Bentham, the tracks aids Fender in comprehending the message in the lyrics. Fender strives for a relatable pathway through the music he writes to ensure the listener will entirely obtain the underlying meaning of his compositions.
Instrumentation and production are fundamental to the creation of any album; with ‘People Watching’ Fender and his phenomenal band have given team work a whole new meaning. Over the course of two years, Fender worked with bandmates Dean Thompson and Joe Atkinson to produce the record, first in 2023 with producer Markus Dravs and then earlier in 2024 with Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs. Such a collaborative process sees Brooke Bentham introduced on backing vocals, Dru Michael’s pulsating drumbeats ripple below the surface, and Johnny Davis’ saxophones are the beating heart of all of Fender’s compositions.
‘Rein Me In’ and ‘TV Dinner’ stand out as audacious highlights. With its darker edge, transparency, and prevailing fears, ‘TV Dinner’ is a lyrical return to social justice; whereas ‘Rein Me In’ boasts some of the album’s most intricate melodies. Fender definitely abides by the adage “save the best till last,” reserving his most passionate work to close out the album. ‘Remember My Name’ is a masterfully written track; the brass and orchestral accompaniments heighten the poignant nature of this poetic examination. It is an entirely fresh and distinctive showcase of Fender’s unwavering skill.
Fender wears his heart on his sleeve in ‘People Watching’, displaying a candour that is uncommon in such a competitive field. With his powerful lyrics, Fender gives people a voice who might otherwise feel unable to articulate what they are experiencing. He leverages his position to write songs that are essential to the times we live in today. A generational talent that deserves to be considered one of the greatest.
Author
