People Watching – Sam Fender (Vinyl 12" LP)
Released on 21 February 2025, People Watching is Sam Fender’s third studio album, following Hypersonic Missiles (2019) and Seventeen Going Under (2021). Co‑produced by Fender alongside Markus Dravs and Adam Granduciel (of The War on Drugs), this heartland-pop-rock record solidifies his voice as a storytelling torchbearer for working‑class Britain. Recorded in London and Los Angeles, it balances arena-sized production with intimate lyrical observations rooted in his North Shields upbringing
Key Highlights
- Opening title track “People Watching” is a standout single, offering reflective storytelling inspired by Fender’s late mentor Annie Orwin
- Tracks like “Crumbling Empire” and “TV Dinner” delve into social realism and personal vulnerability, blending energetic guitar with lyrical depth
- “Remember My Name” closes the album with a tender tribute to his grandparents, featuring the Easington Colliery Band for regional authenticity.
- Heartland rock with piano, saxophones, strings and echo of Springsteen–War on Drugs fusion
- Debuted at No 1 on the UK Albums Chart with 107 k units sold - best first-week for a British artist since Harry Styles
Tracklisting
Side A
1. People Watching
2. Nostalgia’s Lie
3. Chin Up
4. Wild Long Lie
5. Arm’s Length
Side B
6. Crumbling Empire
7. Little Bit Closer
8. Rein Me In
9. TV Dinner
10. Something Heavy
11. Remember My Name
Fun Fact
The album cover features a photograph by the late Tish Murtha, acclaimed for her documentary work on working‑class life in Newcastle
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- Audio‑visual depth: Gatefold edition preserves warm, layered instrumentation - from rock bombast to intimate brass - ideal on vinyl.
- Cultural resonance: A critically acclaimed snapshot of post‑industrial British life with lyrical and musical breadth
- Collector appeal: Includes limited variants (e.g. Blue‑yolk, picture disc) and official studio‑quality pressing
- Artist progression: Shows Fender evolving while maintaining authenticity - perfect for both new listeners and longtime fans
People Watching captures the sweep of everyday lives with heart and honesty. This vinyl pressing offers both sonic ambition and emotional clarity - a vital addition to any serious collection.