A powerful and emotive portrayal of an audio autobiography...
Sam Fender’s third studio album, ‘People Watching’, was seamlessly introduced with its heartland rock title track. Released in late 2024, the album sees Fender maintain his natural talent for social critique, which he explored in his earlier works ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ and ‘Seventeen Going Under’. However, he embraces a sense of nostalgia as he reflects on his upbringing in North Shields.
The second track, ‘Nostalgia’s Lie’, stands out on the album. It begins with orchestral strings that transition into acoustic guitar strums reminiscent of The Cranberries, enveloping the listener in a nostalgic atmosphere as the lyrics reveal Fender’s complex relationship with his hometown. The song expresses a deep longing for the innocence of childhood, highlighted in lines such as: “These streets break my heart / There’s yearning for all my friends who’ve died / Those were the days when we all had nothing.”
‘Crumbling Empire’ represents a significant shift from Fender's earlier work. With its twangy, electric bass guitar and steady rhythm set by synths and echoing vocals, the track bears similarities to Lloyd Cole’s ‘No Blue Skies’, partly due to Fender’s lower vocal tones and later electric riffs reminiscent of The Blue Nile’s ‘Hats’ album. Lyrically, ‘Crumbling Empire’ critiques the capitalistic oppression faced by the working class in the areas where Fender grew up, drawing on his grandfather’s experiences in the “rail yard” and referencing his stepfather who “drove a tank for the crown” – a tribute to the burdens of classism and poverty that worsened during Thatcher’s time in office in the ‘80s.
‘Chin Up’ echoes the early sound of Stereophonics, tackling themes of mental health, a topic Fender has previously delved into on ‘Seventeen Going Under’. Accompanied by a symphonic backdrop, the song's uplifting mantra injects vitality into the album’s occasionally somber mood. The orchestral elements return in the Americana-influenced ‘A Little Bit Closer’ and in ‘Rein Me In’, an encouraging folk tune that reflects on contrasts from Fender’s childhood. ‘Remember My Name’ is an emotional tribute to Fender’s grandmother, who is currently battling dementia – serving as a pivotal moment in an album that deeply explores emotional themes. This haunting, poignant homage to memory and lifelong connections is underscored by somber brass tones, reminiscent of a war memorial song.
As the title suggests, Fender takes a step back from his personal experiences in ‘People Watching’, adding a new layer to his already impressive body of work. Nonetheless, this album encapsulates the quintessential Sam Fender experience – a heartfelt, authentic exploration of the everyday and extraordinary individuals and places that have shaped his life.
8/10
Enjoy this? Explore more: Blossoms, Inhaler, Royel Otis
Words: Robin Murray
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Sam Fender’s third studio album, ‘People Watching’, was launched seamlessly with the heartland rock title song. Released in late 2024, ‘People