Sam Fender – People Watching: Album Review

By Micha Thompson on 25th February 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

Sam Fender makes his return with his new album, following the release of 2021’s highly-acclaimed Seventeen Going Under. Does album three hit the mark?

Release Date: 21th February 2025

Label: Polydor Records

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital

PEOPLE WATCHING

People Watching is the highly anticipated third album from North-Shield’s finest: Sam Fender. His debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, hit the Official Albums Chart at #1 in the UK. In addition, his sophomore album, Seventeen Going Under, also debuted at #1 in the UK’s Official Albums Chart. Fender is no stranger to success.

People Watching opens with the title track. Produced with Joe Atkinson (Me and The Dog, Angel in Lothian…) and Dean Thompson (Sam’s guitarist), the energetic single opens People Watching. It sets a high bar for the rest of the album. Sam released this track in November 2024 as the lead single from the album and it’s had fans eager for the upcoming album. The song’s catchy beat allows both the vocals and instrumentals to shine, gradually building to the powerful chorus. There is also a feel of the driving rock you would associate with Bruce Springsteen or The War On Drugs.

A PERSONAL FAVOURITE

Little Bit Closer is a personal favourite from the album. It seamlessly blends vocals from both Sam Fender and Brooke Bentham, creating the perfect sound. The track explores themes of anxiety and panic attacks, with a rhythm that slows down to match the emotional weight of the lyrics.

I can’t live under the notion
That there’s no reason at all
For all this beauty in motion
I don’t buy the deities spoke of
But in love, there’s something to hold
And I get a little bit closer to it

TV Dinner is a dark piano ballad anthem. It stands as a social message for the divide between celebrity culture and poverty. With fast-paced, impassioned vocals and sharp lyricism, Fender channels his anger and frustration. The track concludes with a long instrumental, offering listeners to reflect on the powerful message portrayed through the lyrics.

They frenzy to befriend me
But I know ye, you’ll sell me
You’ll sell me, you’d kill me

A DEEPLY PERSONAL RECORD

To close his deeply personal yet relatable third album, Sam leaves a lasting impression with the final track: Remember My Name. Released as a single, the track ends the album in a reflective state, with orchestral brass arrangements from Easington Colliery Band. Remember My Name is dedicated to his late grandparents and is written from the perspective of Fender’s grandfather, caring for his grandmother who struggled with dementia. This emotional single serves as a beautiful ending to People Watching.

To thеm, it’s a council house, to me, it’s a home
And a homе that you made where the grandkids could play
But it’s never the same without you.

People Watching shows Fender in a different light, taking a more personal and relatable approach to his sound. He dives into personal and societal themes, offering a closer and more vulnerable glimpse into his life while addressing other issues which are widely relatable. The album incorporates a newer sound to his music, with different instruments such as the trumpets alongside Sam’s raw vocals. Fender’s heartfelt lyrics are complemented by instruments, creating a powerful and emotive overall sound.

Sam Fender sets off on a summer UK tour to promote the album. He will headline BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool, and play his own headline show at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester. Fender also plays three sold out shows at St. James’ Park on home turf as well. It is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for the singer.

You can view all his tour dates here.

Listen to the beautiful Remember My Name from Sam Fender, below.