Sam Fender - People Watching
Humour me, make my day
I'll tell you stories, kiss your face
And I'll pray you'll remember my name
Sam Fender is back with his third studio album, People Watching. He debuted in 2019 with Hypersonic Missiles, further cementing his status as a skilled and promising newcomer with Seventeen Going Under. But now comes the big challenge—his third album, following the success of his debut and the praise for his sophomore release. Many artists struggle with this stage, either stagnating, fearing growth, or going off the rails entirely. But Fender approaches People Watching with confidence and artistic maturity, striving to remain both honest and authentic. This combination is likely what has allowed him to create a record that solidifies his place among the strongest singer-songwriters of his generation.
As the title suggests, People Watching encourages us to see the world through Fender’s eyes. The album brings together stories of different individuals, each dealing with their own struggles and triumphs, but united by the simple truth that everyone has a story to tell. This ability to weave deeply human narratives is what makes Fender’s songwriting so compelling, reinforcing comparisons to Bruce Springsteen. Like Springsteen, Fender possesses a rare gift—he takes deeply personal experiences and transforms them into simple and universally relatable anthems. His lyrics explore themes like love, self-acceptance, political disillusionment, growing up, the growing distance between us and our younger selves and families, and the overwhelming uncertainty that comes with adulthood.
But People Watching isn’t about theatrical drama or pain. It carries an undercurrent of hope, an understanding that even in our mistakes and missteps, there’s something to be learned, and that’s essentially what makes us who we are. Fender’s North Shields upbringing shines through in his authenticity, making his words feel incredibly relatable. Even when he talks about his fame and how everything is “not the same as it was” now that he’s famous and wealthy, you can easily understand the parallel to our own lives, transitioning into adulthood with a different perspective from our family or younger selves. He never attempts to glamorize hardship but instead embraces the messy, unpredictable nature of life, reminding us that growth often comes through some tough or, at times, stupid experiences.
Musically, the album is an all killer, no filler case, with every track serving a purpose across its 48-minute runtime. Standout songs include the title track “People Watching”, the introspective “Wild Long Lie”, the anthemic “Chin Up”, the emotionally charged “TV Dinner”, and the closing song “Remember My Name”. The latter, inspired by the life and passing of Fender’s grandparents, brings the album’s themes full circle.
People Watching is a reminder that no matter how different we may seem, we are all searching for something—happiness, meaning, or simply connection. And even if you find yourself being watched rather than watching, that alone means you’re not alone.
8.4/10
