Sam Fender, the acclaimed British musician, has unveiled his third studio album titled People Watching, following his successful predecessors Hypersonic Missiles (2019) and Seventeen Going Under (2021). The album, which showcases Fender’s reflections on the struggles of working-class life in his hometown of North Shields, delves deeper into the personal and societal turmoil he grapples with amid the pressures of fame.

Fender, now 30 years old, has been noted for his keen observations and emotionally resonant lyrics, and his latest work is no exception. The lead single, also titled “People Watching,” continues the expansive musical themes established in his previous album, characterised by influences reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen. The album features a variety of musical styles, including rootsy fingerpicking in tracks like “Wild Long Lie” and a light-hearted duet with singer Brooke Bentham, titled “Arm’s Length.”

However, the tone of the album shifts towards a stark exploration of life’s challenges and the isolating nature of celebrity. The opener, “Chin Up,” highlights the plight of new parents struggling to afford heating, encapsulating the stark realities faced by many in Fender’s community. Another standout track, “TV Dinner,” takes a critical aim at the music industry, addressing the commodification of hardship where “industry vultures” are depicted as “fetishis[ing] struggling.”

People Watching ultimately paints a portrait of loneliness experienced by a man who, while achieving fame, feels an increasing disconnect from the very community that shaped him. Throughout the album, Fender navigates these complex emotions and social commentaries, presenting a body of work that is both reflective and critical. This latest offering positions Fender as a songwriter capable of addressing life’s darker aspects while discovering moments of brilliance within them.

Source: Noah Wire Services