Music News Blitz album review and rating: People Watching - Sam Fender

Release date: February 21, 2025

Label: Polydor Records

Genre: Alternative

Album rating: 8/10

Geordie sensation Sam Fender has graced us once again with his third studio LP titled ‘People Watching’, writes Music News Blitz’s Elliot Cox.

Fans have been absolutely ‘clammin’ for more material from Sam Fender since the critically-acclaimed ‘Seventeen Going Under’ record three years prior.

Following the release of the previous record, it certainly seemed like Sam was someone who music fans could relate to on a broader scale - with the theme of the entire album centering around growing up in British towns up and down the country.

It felt like something the youth of the country needed - blending anthems and mature songwriting into a wonderful concoction of sound.

Sonically, the album both stays true to Sam’s signature sound as well as experimenting with different ideas.

Honing in on roots

The new album comes once again from the acclaimed Polydor record label, with Sam choosing to hone in even further on his hometown roots than previous records.

With producers such as Adam Granduciel from ‘The War On Drugs’ and Markus Dravs - who has notable honours from the likes of Coldplay and Wolf Alice - the songs flow into one another seamlessly at times, especially from the opening track into ‘Nostalgia’s Lie’.

It would be entirely fair to say that, for the most part, the themes of this album are a repeat of what we have seen previously from Fender; however, it seems like he takes a much more appropriate position given his fame and success.

The working-class nature of the standout track ‘Wild Long Lie’ explores drug-use and drinking culture, which is something that exists no matter your social standing - yet Sam still finds a way to make it relatable to his audience without seeming disingenuous.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Meet the Music News Blitz team part one: Best gigs, worst gigs and Festival bucket lists

Perfectly paced

The song itself is a delight to listen to; it’s paced perfectly with the sound of the guitar at the beginning - scratching the brain in a way only someone like Sam can do.

Sam’s lyricism remains intelligent but easy to dissect.

Take this lyric for instance: “It’s that time of the year again, when your past comes home, and everybody I’ve ever known wants it large”.

Whether willingly or subconsciously, these words speak to you instantly and worm their way into your brain.

Moody atmosphere

Sam steps out of his comfort zone in a big way with songs like ‘TV Dinner’ - creating a moody atmosphere while almost rapping over the music.

Lyrics such as “Like Winehouse she was just a bairn, they love her now but bled her then” conjure memories of ‘Poundshop Kardashians’.

The themes that surround that song - while being entirely different from a musical and production standpoint - act as the darker, more eerie older brother of the former song.

The album closer ‘Remember My Name’ is for sure a tear-jerker, but that does not do it justice at all.

Unique work

It’s obvious that it is the most unique piece of work he has ever produced, with the orchestral elements fuelling what is already a deeply emotional piece.

This song is best listened to with the music video, which tells the true story of Sam’s grandparents, dementia diagnosis, and how the disease affects families.

Overall, the album is the most mature work Sam has produced to date.

The melodies, lyrics, production and themes are all more refined than anything he has released to date.

Lack of anthems

The only potential criticism would be the lack of trademark anthemic songs.

Put simply, it’s hard to imagine throngs of ecstatic concertgoers singing most of the tracks in joyous union.

Again, the most complete song on this album has to be ‘Wild Long Lie’.

The instant classic contains all the quintessential Sam Fender elements his fans know and love - while offering something fresh and iterative.

The entire album is a fantastic piece of music that takes pride of place in his already outstanding catalogue of work.

READ NEXT: Welcome to Music News Blitz - your home of music news, reviews and playlists