Sam Fender showcases his strongest lyricism in ‘People Watching’

Breaking onto the music scene in 2017 with ‘Play God’ and ‘Greasy Spoon’, Sam Fender made a name for himself for his observant lyricism and catchy riffs. His debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, released in 2019, was a triumph, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the singer-songwriter truly had his breakthrough with his sophomore album, Seventeen Going Under, seeing him clutch a range of awards, including multiple BRIT Awards and an Ivor Novello Award.

The success of Seventeen Going Under, however, was not only embodied through awards but also crowds, as Fender headlined dates at Finsbury Park and his native St James’ Park in Newcastle, playing to sold-out crowds across the country.

The release of the eponymous single, ‘People Watching’, in November 2024 conjured excitement for Fender’s latest project, releasing four years after the success of his sophomore album.

The opening tracks, ‘People Watching’ and ‘Nostalgia’s Lie’, do not stray away from the traditional Fender sound

However, the album was certainly worth the wait, as Fender is back at his lyrically strongest. The opening tracks, ‘People Watching’ and ‘Nostalgia’s Lie’, do not stray away from the traditional Fender sound, with blasting saxophone sections and choruses which are perfect for any sold-out stadium crowd.

Indeed, the qualities of a typical Fender song are not lost on ‘Chin Up’ either. The singer-songwriter incorporates what he does best: zooming in on the experiences of ordinary people. Proudly from the working-class area of North Shields, Fender is never frightened to speak on behalf of the people that he was surrounded by growing up, creating a sense of realism through his lyrics that is difficult for many artists. “Chin up I’m dancing to the rhythm of it/ Sometimes it’s healthier to wallow in it,” sings Fender.

‘Crumbling Empire’ serves as a more political commentary on the state of the country, with the lyrics paired with evolving instrumentation that keeps you hooked.

‘Wild Long Lie’ sees the album’s tempo slow down, with a sound similar sonically to earlier releases ‘Wild Grey Ocean’ and ‘Hold Out’. Meanwhile, ‘Arm’s Length’ is stripped back with a simpler melody, as Fender questions ‘do you have to know me, know me/ inside out?” followed by an electric guitar riff. There is a raw and authentic quality to the track, embodied through the conversations that bookend it. The raw nature of People Watching’s fifth song is also discussed by Fender: “[The song] originally came from one of those magic moments where you’re just messing around, a song literally falls out of the sky.”

The second half of the album is more experimental sonically, yet there is a charm about it which makes each track unmistakeably crafted by the Newcastle native

This slower tempo doesn’t last for too long, though, as it picks up with ‘A Little Bit Closer’. The track adds a new element to Fender’s discography with the layering of the male and female vocals. The second half of the album is more experimental sonically, yet there is a charm about it which makes each track unmistakeably crafted by the Newcastle native.

Following this, ‘TV Dinner’ takes on a different and angrier angle, with a sound that wouldn’t be lost on Fontaines D.C.’s Romance. Fender’s vocals are almost haunting as he questions, “Am I up to this?” This haunting sound is continued through to the final instrumental break, where a combination of bass guitar and drums take centre stage, which differs from the usual saxophone that permeates Seventeen Going Under, bringing an almost eerie finish to the track.

On a different note, ‘Rein Me In’ offers a more upbeat melody, with the inspiration of Bruce Springsteen’s discography clear as the soothing saxophone underneath the main melody, courtesy of Johnny ‘Blue Hat’ Davis, is the star of the track.

However, it is on the final track of People Watching that we see a different side to Fender. ‘Remember My Name’ is an ode to the singer-songwriter’s grandparents, as he takes on a personal perspective of his Grandad, who looked after his Grandmother when she was suffering from dementia. The personal piece moves away from the usual guitar melody and typical alt-rock features as Fender’s vocals are accompanied by a brass line. Fender’s isolated vocals singing “I pray you remember my name” are a moving way to end his triumph of a third album.

People Watching showcases quite possibly Fender’s strongest lyricism to date as he weaves his way through topics that hit close to home for so many. With the subversion of his usual sound near the end of the album, the Geordie singer-songwriter has left it wide open for which direction his fourth project will move.

This summer sees Fender headline dates across the country, including London Stadium and St James’ Park.

Recommended Listening: ‘Nostalgia’s Lie’, ‘Arm’s Length’, ‘Rein Me In’

★★★★★

Listen to People Watching here: