Sam Fender’s versatile third album, People Watching, bursts out of the recording studio on February 21, 2025, via Capitol Records to satiate dopamine-deprived souls.
A native of North Shields, England, Singer-songwriter Sam Fender rolled up his sleeves alongside his bandmates in a collaborative effort to synthesize epic tunes inspired by the encumbering weighty circumstances in life that generationally challenge the inner vision and ignite inner evolution. Highly anticipated, the album is a follow-up to 2021’s Seventeen Going Under and can be spotted on all digital platforms as well as vinyl and CD formats. Furthermore, The People Watching Tour will roll out at the beginning of spring and continue to gain traction till the end of summer.
Dissecting the title, people watching is a very relatable pastime and is a favored pastime engaged by many, whether it be walking down the street or watching a milling crowd in the mall in search of the latest version of ‘I got to have this’ eye candy that beckons with a shoulder-tapping artful window display. People’s eyes are inextricably glued to the amateur runway exhibition of human diversity in mannerisms and tastes in clothes.
So, what makes Fender’s People Watching a horseshoe ringer? Simple, it offers eleven tantalizing stories in lyrical form that offer a unique sonic lens by which to view the innards of the mind’s soul. The maze of life may be intricate to navigate, and each story reflects an individual’s inner grit and indefatigable spirit to overcome obstacles. Fender uses not only his own experiences but also those of those around him. As the digital stylus beams onto the bandwidth groove, we enter a storyland of angst and redemption.
From the very first note, Fender flexes those vocal cords and showcases his evolving musical agility that reaches upwards and touches the stratosphere. With that in mind, People Watching, by turns, energetic and melancholy, reflects the ups and downs experienced in life. The soundtracks are like light switches, shedding light into the darkness that keeps people immersed in a gloomy mindset. Having reached a level of maturity and shed the mantle of invincibility of youth, he expresses a vulnerability beyond his years.
As Fender’s vocals take flight skyward on hummingbird wings, there are some memorable 360-degree aerial trails of melodies. For example, “Remember My Name” is a soulful plea for recognition of identity – a trip down memory lane towards a younger self devoid of all the encrusted societal trappings that obstruct the mind’s eye to what truly matters. A catchy tune with throaty vocals that seem to traverse the veils of time. It is a spirited tune that can leave an involuntary wet trail coursing down one’s face.
Then, the alluring “Little Bit Closer” flies open like a whirlwind of musical notes, expanding out like a sonic wave with pulchritudinous vocals floating on top, rising upwards in a circular motion. This introspective and liquid piece questions the tenets of religion and instead focuses on the empowering impact that love has on the soul in all its nuances. This song’s melody insinuates and embeds itself right to the site of the soul.
This is while “TV Dinner” is a rebellious anthemic number that summarizes all the forces that torment one’s soul. Here, a mantric recitation of ‘No one gets into my space’ is a head-pounding affirmation of boundaries. You have to remove yourself from the outside world to regain control of yourself. The beat penetrates the disorder of the mind, and the words take root and incite a ‘mental revolution.’
The rest of People Watching is a luminous journey into the indefatigable human soul. It has a very introspective quality that resonates with everyone. Whenever the wheel of fortune is not in your favor, this album offers a melodic sanctuary for your woes. You will find yourself refreshed as if you stepped outside and got soaked in the gentle rain. This is why Cryptic Rock gives People Watching 5 out of 5 stars.
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