Sam Fender – People Watching

With his Geordie twang and knack for storytelling, with People Watching, Sam Fender has created an album for the history books. The title track sets the nostalgic tone for the record as Fender reminisces walking to and from the care home of someone close to him. Similar to his earlier success of Seventeen Going Under, the catchy track sounds upbeat and happy, but the lyrics tell a different story. This album urges listeners to do the same, and carefully observe the state of the world around them.

Fender has trademarked himself as a musician who can create something magical through unexpected instruments. While People Watching features Sam’s beloved saxophone, songs such as Arm’s Length and Little Bit Closer use the simple harmonica remarkably. Obviously, the most powerful instrument on the album is Fender’s vocals, which capture pure emotion through every lyric, particularly in the album’s closing ballad, Remember My Name, dedicated to his grandparents.

In true Fender fashion, the “Geordie Springsteen” creates stellar sound and stellar lyrics, mainly regarding social and political issues. The album's artwork by the late Tish Murtha, a photographer who captured the life of marginalised communities and the working class in Newcastle, gives an early insight into the topics to expect across People Watching; Chin Up focuses on trying to remain positive in a collapsing society, while Crumbling Empire tackles privatisation and homelessness.

Every song on People Watching is carefully crafted to remain with the listener. The bittersweet lyrics intertwined with catchy heartland rock and seamless vocals make this album Fender’s best yet.

Listen to: Arm’s Length, TV Dinner, Remember My Name