SAM FENDER’S PEOPLE WATCHING MAY JUST BE HIS FINEST HOUR.
Being no stranger to writing hit songs, Sam Fender has absolutely nailed his third studio album - bringing levels of maturity, emotion and instrumentation that arguably exceed his previous works.
Looking back at his discography, Fender has become a household name in the indie genre. With songs on his debut album Hypersonic Missiles (2019) being sung at unbelievable volumes around arenas, and his sophomore record Seventeen Going Under (2021) propelling him to international fame - Sam Fender is a star that just keeps shining brighter, even when you think he can’t shine anymore.
Whilst he’s been vocal of the influence Bruce Springsteen has had on his work, People Watching (2025) feels like Fender is finally cementing his sound as his own, one that is only known as his. The record as a whole feels way more experimental than any of his previous works. Experimental in the sense of honestly creating music for himself, ignoring the popular scene and pouring his heart and soul into a body of work that couldn’t be created by anyone else but him.
Title track People Watching feels almost cinematic, as if the lights have gone dim in the cinema and the beginning of a coming-of-age film is just starting. It feels wildly nostalgic as a track, whilst also being moving and anthemic. It's the kind of song you can wind your window down on a hot summer's day to - wholesome, cyclical and joyous. What more could you ask for in the lead single of a record? People Watching might just become one of the most iconic indie singles of the 2020s.
Working through the record, minimalism seems to be lending itself perfectly the stylistic choices Fender has made with his album. Second single, Wild Long Lie is a great example of this - with explicitly straight-forward lyricism partnered with a beautifully melodic guitar riff that carries Fender’s words perfectly. Furthermore, the simplicity of Arm’s Length is reminiscent of the sound of The War On Drugs, most likely down to the immense production of the record (Adam Granduciel).
However, the diamond of the record takes shape as Crumbling Empire - being arguably one of his greatest tracks to date, with a sound and maturity we’ve all been awaiting yet maybe not felt thus far. The song undoubtedly stands out against the record, however the level of quality on show throughout the entirety of the album is not overshadowed. Mimicking the sounds of that of Bob Dylan, fifth and final single Little Bit Closer is a deeply passionate and emotional track that whilst being a powerhouse, acts as the halfway line in the record. Repeating the mantra-like lyrics ‘I get a little bit closer’ - the track progresses beautifully and reminds us just of the quality that is Sam Fender and his wonderfully talented band.
Throughout the entirety of his three records, Fender has continuously showed his enjoyment for an emotional, piano ballad closing his albums - with People Watching being no stranger to this. Instead of his usual choice of the ivories - Fender opts for a gut-wrenchingly, ominous brass section taking the lead for his final offering of the album. The track feels cinematic in a sense, each word Fender sings almost paints the scenes and memories he’s recalling. Building up to a spine-chilling crescendo - displaying the insane power Fender holds within his vocals and lyricism, Remember My Name couldn’t be a more fitting album closer if it tried to be.