Sam Fender / “People Watching” / Single Review ★★★★☆

One modern-day indie rocker who consistently delivers is Sam Fender. Up he rocks again with his new song, “People Watching”. Out on the 18th of November, this track has quickly become yet another anthem from the North Shields-born lad.

The Music

“People Watching” follows on from where Sam Fender left off with his highly-acclaimed 2021 album, “Seventeen Going Under”. It has an 80s sound and it follows a similar pattern to his last releases with catchy fast-driven drum rhythms, ear-pleasing guitar riffs, dreamy synth lines and of course stadium-filling sax!

Meaning (My Perspective)

Framed by the process of people-watching, this song catches a trip through personal introspection, nostalgia, and sadness. Sam Fender in the opening verse sees strangers on the walk home and experiences both jealousy and sorrow. Seeing others offers a little break from self-focus and loneliness, suggesting a need for connection and a past when life seemed more hopeful. Recalling young memories, singing fiercely, dreaming boldly brings a mixed-feeling ache. These memories have a dismal quality since Sam now feels demoralised and depressed by the hard facts of life.

Described on a return home following seven years and marked by a heart-wrenching experience with a loved one in a failing care facility, the second verse emphasises this reflective tone. Sams’ endeavour to provide solace among trying conditions exposes their love and commitment even in a neglected area. The song looks at issues of love and grief as well as how time affects young people and aspirations. The chorus emphasises, meanwhile, the idea of running—both physically and metaphorically—as individuals hurry through life, lost in routines. This “treadmill” of existence stands in strong contrast to Sam’s introspective trip, in which every observation highlights the difference between the idealistic young and the demanding present.

Listen

You can take a listen to “People Watching” by Sam Fender here. Also, be sure to let us know your thoughts on this release by commenting in the comment section beneath this article.

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Becky Anderson

Journalist at Contact Me

Becky, a passionate music enthusiast, embarked on her journey into music journalism in 2018. Beyond her love for melodies and rhythms, Becky finds solace in the written word, often immersing herself in the pages of books. Yet, her heart truly sings when she's with her close-knit circle of friends, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories. In her articles, Becky's devotion to music shines through, as she introduces readers to fresh, soul-stirring sounds while adding her unique voice to the ever-evolving world of music journalism.

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