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Sam Fender’s ‘People Watching’: Geordie Springsteen Goes Global with Emotional Depth

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SAM FENDER: People Watching (Polydor)

Verdict: Soul-baring rock anthems

Sam Fender, a beloved hometown figure, is making a name for himself globally. Known as the “Geordie Springsteen” after achieving commercial success in 2019, he drew inspiration from the raw experiences of life in his hometown North Shields on his debut album, Hypersonic Missiles. His second release, Seventeen Going Under, shifted his lyrics to focus more on personal introspection.

His heartfelt style, which has been successful on the UK music charts, has reaped rewards that extend far beyond the shores of the River Tyne.

He’s shortlisted for two BRIT awards next weekend – to go with the brace he picked up in 2022.

After that, he embarks on a sold-out European tour starting in Paris, followed by a trip to the U.S. for the Coachella Festival in April. In the United Kingdom, his performances are already filling massive arenas.

The third studio release from him, titled “People Watching”, expands his musical range while still showcasing his talent for raw emotional expression and intricate portraits of characters. This fusion of classic heartland rock and contemporary electronics was created in collaboration with Markus Dravs, a renowned British producer known for catapulting Coldplay and Mumford & Sons to global stardom, as well as Adam Granduciel, an American music artist recognized for his skill in crafting moody, expansive soundscapes.

Using a 30-year-old Fender’s guitar and piano, complemented by Granduciel’s swift, sparkling synthesizers, and the gravelly saxophone melodies of Johnny ‘Bluehat’ Davis, the music creates a deeply layered canvas for his incisive, insightful songwriting.

In a song titled “Crumbling Empire,” he compares the deterioration seen in the North East’s industries to a rundown Detroit neighborhood he recently visited during his U.S. tour. However, he wisely refrains from lecturing his fans, acknowledging that even pop stars, regardless of their origins, should not assume such a role. Instead, through song, he expresses more of a conversation: “I’m not preaching, I’m just talking,” he sings, emphasizing he no longer walks in the shoes he once did.

He clarifies that he’ll invariably find himself penning about Newcastle. Despite having relocated, he spends an abundance of time there catching up with friends who are now settling down, buying homes, starting families, and getting married. Although his life has significantly changed, he remains deeply connected to this place as it is his hometown.

In other songs, such as “Chin Up” and “TV Dinner,” he contrasts the extravagant wellness trends of today with the harsh realities faced by his friends battling unemployment and drug issues. Meanwhile, “TV Dinner,” sung in a high-pitched voice, is a sharp critique of celebrity culture and its detrimental effects on young stars like Amy Winehouse. He muses, “She was merely a child.” Now they adore her, but back then, they exploited her.

In addition, there are some private instances as well. On the melancholic guitar ballad “Nostalgia’s Deception,” he cautions against idealizing the past, while the rock song “Arm’s Distance” delves into the intrusive attention that accompanies fame and his reluctance to share deep emotions with a romantic interest.

The album starts and ends with its strongest tracks. Kicking off the record, the lead track serves as a tribute to Fender’s late friend and mentor Annie Orwin, who nurtured his artistic aspirations through her community drama group (‘I’ll keep you in my heart until the day I pass away,’ he sings). Lastly, the final song is a poignant ballad dedicated to his deceased grandparents (‘Life is not the same without you’).

Two highly personal songs, they strike a universal chord.

Today is the release of People Watching. This summer, Sam Fender will perform at London Stadium on June 6th, and in St. James’ Park, Newcastle, on June 12th, 14th, and 15th. Additionally, you can catch him at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester, on August 16th, the Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh, on August 22nd, and Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast, on August 28th. This summer also offers opportunities for tickets to concerts, theatre shows, football matches, and family outings.

 

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2025-02-21 03:25

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