Sam Fender: A Musical Savant

[@trumsolon]

Nice to see Justin dig Sam so much. I think he's one of the best artists right now. Great songs and lyrics.

[@craigmsmithmd]

Yeah - this reaction to this song is really great.

[@Plankyoutube]

He's lame

[@whyisntitpossible404]

I think he's a great lyricist and I do love a good many of his songs. However, my one issue with him is that a lot of his songs sound quite similar. Based on what I've heard from him so far, it seems like he's not really challenging himself to take new routes in music, or to evolve his sound. Also, some of his songs have a few lead guitar or sax doodles, but rarely ever a full-blown solo, and I think it'd be really cool if they occasionally did. Sorry for the essay

[@youngdylan5083]

@@whyisntitpossible404No need to apologise for what is absolutely apparent with Fender, I think he’s found his musical niche, it’s working as the mainstream are loving it. He’s still very young and plenty of time for musical evolution and experimentation.

[@ivermektin6874]

I think he's overrated and heavily overmarketed.

[@micklee2552]

The love child of War On Drugs and Springsteen. Love it and look forward to his new album.

[@rknrlgrl6146]

I agree, immediately thought Springsteen.

[@jpsilverplaylists]

Yeah I also thought it had a Springsteen-esque quality to it! Very cool track

[@jimclawley9117]

Yep it’s kind of like Harmonia’s Dream

[@youngdylan5083]

@@jimclawley9117What a song harmonias dream is!

[@kat19805]

Sounds also very The Killers

[@DaddyOgr3]

Everything Sam has released has been stellar, magical at times, and it holds up on repeated listenings as good as anyone else’s best material. Just magnificent.

[@Voreten]

Sam has released two albums full of better heartachingly beautiful songs that most artists could only wish to release one of in their lifetime and he's gearing up for a third. He's absolutely insane.

[@mdenison2567]

absolutely love it. Anyone else get real strong Don Henley Boys of Summer vibes?

[@jubileedx]

Yes! 100% homage to BoS

[@hansmolders1066]

I was just about to say that👍

[@bridgetdeptford3901]

So was I as I listened this morning 🎶🎶

[@MrPichichi78]

Very much so. Almost a bit too reminiscent actually..

[@joemooney8344]

I seen a few bits about how Sam and his band have been big into Tom Petty for a while and I believe Mike Campbell played on Boys of Summer. Can definitely hear the similarities

[@structuremania9092]

Saw Wunderhorse supporting Sam last week for the second time. Best duo all year, so glad you enjoy both.

[@TandDband]

What a great song, thanks for sharing Justin! Really got a ‘boys of summer’ flavour in there. This will be a classic - well done once again Sam Fender 👏

[@stevephen]

Love how Justin's videos are also guitar lessons/history. Really adds an extra appreciation for what the artist is trying to do. Thanks

[@mahon257]

This is one of those rare songs, that gets better and better, with every listen. A proper beauty.

[@ianngalbraith]

Adam Granduciel has an amazing ear and having him be involved with this record is very exciting. You can hear his touches on that first single. Lots of hope for the record as a whole.

[@flaigus]

I absolutely adore the bridge of this song, it’s a beautiful lyric, the soaring strings all punctured by an emotive guitar lick. Absolutely fab

[@cherryclarke303]

I had the privilege of watching him live for the second time a week ago ..... immensely talented as is the rest of his band and they put an amazing gig on.....definitely one to watch

[@GernickKuik]

Also, this is a great song with a very Killers-y/Brandon Flowers chorus. Thanks for introducing me to this song.

[@dougrippe33]

This kid is absolutely amazing and a true breath of fresh air to the music industry. I know it’s harder to break through in the US market, but I hope he keeps it up and gets his well deserved due.

[@jrchanning]

Sam Fender's first two albums were incredible, brilliant singer and songwriter, really looking forward to #3 😄

[@marksanderson8827]

Brilliantly done JH. Splendidly pulling the nails out one by one on the deconstruction. Bravo Sir

[@karin5831]

crying rn: I'm sick and overly sentimental. SF makes me cry at the best of times, his lyrics are so heart wrenching. Thanks for this review 🧡

[@LFCliid]

I went to see him recently in Manchester and I admittedly didn’t know much about him or his music apart from a couple of passing hits and the fact he’s a geordie. My gf is a fan so that’s why we went. So glad I went. Feel privileged to have seen him live! I’m 40 and haven’t bothered with much music beyond 00’s as it’s been a bit crap tbh… but Sam Fender, he is different class. Look forward to following his music/career, I’ve already got lost in the KZbin rabbit hole. Given me hope of more new artists catching my attention too.

[@AndyMurry-b8s]

Check out the War on Drugs man. I’m 44 and same as you I hadn’t really found anyone new for many many years, was still listening to stuff from years ago and obviously still do but coming across Sam Fender a few years ago and then the War on Drugs not long after that (after reading that they are one of his biggest influences), it’s given me a new lease of life musically! To find out that the they worked together on this latest album is just amazing, match made in heaven obviously. I saw him in London last week on the 12th Dec, a few days after you saw him in Manchester I think… it was brilliant. Glad you enjoyed it! YNWA

[@freeseguitar-np4mh]

I remember seeing Sam doing a lockdown stream in his conservatory, just him and a guitar that wouldn’t hold tune, and his raw talent and emotional connection, he’s the real deal❤

[@adamcrawford1346]

I love it when I here something new being played on radio and you just go wow, who is that. That’s Sam Fender for me. I love his sound and song writing. Thanks Justin for the video. Sam’s got a kind of Mark knoplfer diversity to just write great music and not be pigeon holed. The production is great also.

[@lesliehutchins326]

I’m crying. 😢This is a gorgeous song! Thank you, Justin for turning me onto yet get another fantastic musician!😻👍💕🎄

[@poetsdreamsatc]

Really enjoy these videos. I love your take on each video and you always introduce me to great artists and songs. Now a new fan of Sam Fender. Thank you from USA 🇺🇸

[@AmyMantis]

Sam Fender is my favorite "new" artist. I came across him in late 2018 and got to see him at Rough Trade in Brooklyn, which is like a 200-cap room. Amazing then, amazing now. Can't wait for more!

[@ashleyscracemusic]

For me, Fender is like a reincarnation of Springsteen and Jackson Browne, which isn't a bad spot to be in. Fairly basic song structures, but paired with excellent observational and introspective lyrics, which together makes something superb. Can definitely hear The War on Drugs influence on this one (who themselves owe a lot to Springsteen and Browne, among others).

[@HouseholdDog]

Sounds more like Aztec Camera to me.

[@paulie.walnuts2838]

I have never really liked or listened to Springsteen and the first thing that I thought was that it sounds alot like it.

[@DomEnoch13]

First person I’ve seen comment on the Jackson Browne inspiration. I have never heard Sam talk about him before but he’s definitely vocal about his love for Springsteen, TWOD (he said Lost in The Dream was on repeat whilst he was making his first album), and I’ve heard him cite Mike Scott from the waterboys so I wonder if it’s just a coincidence that he has that Jackson Browne working class driving sound? I’m sure he’s heard of him especially now having worked with Adam G

[@youngdylan5083]

@@DomEnoch13Late for the sky! What a song!

[@DomEnoch13]

@@youngdylan5083 that song is such a good example of his mastery when it comes to mixing guitar and piano without either instrument being overpowered by the other. The piano is much more simple than the guitar yet it remains in the foreground of the song, I’d say he might be the best when it comes to that particular style. I saw him play it live in St Kilda in either 2017 or 2018, was an amazing show.

[@loveless3578]

Adam Granduciel is a musical genius, so him calling Sam Fender a savant is a huge compliment. Edited to say: The video is a perfect expression of the level of grief this song is about. The world seems jumpy, chaotic and disorienting after you lose someone you really care for. It's just another day for everyone else. All you can do is watch the world pass by and try to process.

[@starzgarden5553]

Sam Fender - one of the best song writers out there today, period

[@johnnypasho]

Thank you for introducing me to Sam. Instant fan!

[@fayehendra4508]

Definitely reminiscent of Don Henley 's Boys of Summer as others have said. also reminds me of Ben Howard

[@brandnewday6709]

I get The Killers vibe with Springsteen on this.

[@neighbourhoodmusician]

Sam Fender is pretty special. As a middle class Sussex millenial, he makes me feel nostalgic for growing up as a working class lad in Newcastle 😆. Would be interesting to see him break out of the 'epic screaming distant saxophone' bridge dynamic though.

[@Cubey15]

I LOVE the saxophone … how dare u. 😂

[@thumpertoon76]

Sax to start with is a beautiful instrument and one of Tynesides greatest songs by Dire Straits (Local Hero) is made by the sax, sax has a lot of love on Tyneside and to add Johnny is a belting sax player aswell

[@hestonblumenthal4263]

Great great song! Really looking forward to his new album and as a massive fan of the war on drugs too, excited to see them together at St James Park next year!

[@sandrahaight7278]

From every aspect imaginable this is truly beautiful. Thank you Justin

[@morriggee]

Thanks for covering, found a new artist and loving it. Also reminds me of Don Henley in the way he’s singing 🥰

[@clairepickin5928]

This was such a faintastic analysis of a great song. Pointing out that there can be comfort in some things staying the same,. when a devastating loss happens. This is particularly pertinent for me at the moment and makes me understand some things a little better. I'm going to be listening to this song a lot....

[@vickiswanton5489]

I'm in awe of how you can hear something and replicate it on your acoustic guitar. I was privileged to see Sam Fender at the O2 last week. He is SO SO good live. An amazing talent and seems like a genuinely lovely chap too. I'd love to see you two collaborate on something.

[@ridethelightning7979]

Sam Fender is incredible. Saw him live last week at the O2. Phenomenal show.

[@Angelicus-p5p]

🍾⛄🎄🎉 A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!!!

[@spaycehoppa]

Saw Sam a couple of weeks ago. He just gets better and better. His new stuff is definitely my favourite. Can’t wait for the album

[@michlidx]

Ello Justin… love Sam Fender, what a voice! ❤ Really want to see him live next year. PS nothing compares to the way you said my name at your live show “Michelle Liddiaaaaard!” Love it!!! ❤ I had laryngitis at the time and couldn’t sing Cher for you - sorry about that! 😊

[@pelicanb58]

Been waiting for this - really appreciate how he showcases the forlorn vocal duelling against the upbeat instrumentation, however the chord progression/sequence is strongly grounded by the piano throughout. Agree its a beautiful production and a great leap forward for Sam and the band!

[@AnAverageReader07]

Adore Sam, feels like a once in a generation talent. I think the first song i ever heard was The Dying Light, it was soon after one of my friends from my home town had died and it literally shook my soul.

[@babylon_bob]

So glad Sam Fender is getting the plaudits he deserves he is utterly excellent from Lyrics, Guitar work to being just a normal bloody guy!

[@Wrecktoid]

There’s definitely Waterboys vocal stylings from both acts, which I love! Mike Scott is a genius!

[@shazza175]

I agree, absolutely love Sam Fender! So much so that at 48 years old I started my own little Fender cover band just so I can satisfyingly belt out those cathartic tunes on the regular! (yes the teens in my life ask me if I am having a mid-life crisis 🤣) Thanks for another great breakdown Justin! You are the best!

[@pearcethornley]

Recently over the past year got back up and running on my guitar after picking it up and just messing with it, to actually practicing and playing live. I love it when you pick the guitar up, find the root, and then go on. I’ve been trying to do it for random tracks and have gotten better. But you are so good. 😂 love watching you man.

[@willrothwell9221]

Saw Sam last week in London. Great show, and this song felt like an anthem already. What a songwriter 👌

[@mleg7104]

I think what he's saying by "I people watch on the way back home" isn't a reassuring observation of life continuing. More a detached observation that the world and people are continuing with their mundane lives, oblivious to the devastating loss he's in shock over

[@danielarellano0404]

I love this one so much! Killers mixed w Bruce Springsteen vibes. Thanks for discovering this song for me

[@antonyjuniper4410]

What a nice guy! Love these videos 😁

[@kimoxholmnilsson]

'People Watching' is such a great song. Sounds timeless already.

[@frankowalker4662]

For some reason this song reminds me of Don Henley's The Boys Of Summer.

[@PamK36]

I can hear that

[@mikeydflyingtoaster]

I didn't have to look down far to see if anyone else had spotted it too! Personally, I think it's far too derivative of Boys of Summer

[@frankowalker4662]

@@mikeydflyingtoaster I've just re-listened to Boys of Summer, (not heard it for quite a while), it's virtually identicle. LOL.

[@bridgetdeptford3901]

Yeah, Sam had better watch out, Don will be after him 😉

[@elainemackie1431]

This is a brilliant song. You hear the influence of the war on drugs - who are by the way phenomenal

[@GernickKuik]

SIr, you are rocking that glorious shirt.

[@jamiericcardo6698]

I had tickets to his Glasgow show that got cancelled. So gutted, especially with Wunderhorse supporting. Hope the heals up well

[@federation9]

Great episode and a bit of boys of summer production, definitely!

[@michaelbertrandobrien]

I didnt hear Led Zeppelin and Dire Straits as much as that song "Boys of Summer." 🎵🎶🎵 I can tell you my love for you will still be strong after the boys of summer have gone 🎶🎵🎶

[@greggfairley7971]

Also heard Boys of Summer vibe !!

[@vacuumzzzz]

Yeah. Deffo sounds like Boys of Summer

[@diegocorral7468]

The Eagles Boys of Summer vibes.

[@AdventuresinVanDiesel]

Had the same thought

[@markthespark6240]

Don Henley solo - not Eagles

[@AdventuresinVanDiesel]

@@markthespark6240 tomato tomato

[@jefyhunt6219]

100% this!

[@philipduttonlescorlett]

Great breakdown of a great track!

[@JoeDiducaPhotography]

Sam Fender is fantastic. He is the Springsteen of the current age. My Dad was his managers therapist for a while!

[@seandrew7837]

‘His manager’s therapist’ Hmmmm…. Ok.

[@FerventRebutter]

@@seandrew7837 Exactly. How many degrees of separation until it's just not interesting anymore.

[@brendansait2137]

He’s one of the smartest singer song writers in decades. He’s on another level.

[@rightywizard]

"I've got a dead head sticker on a cadilac"

[@FF_1872]

Brilliant as always Justin.

[@jayabee]

I get the Dire Straits vibe. It's like you said, the upbeat sort of pace paired with this very thoughtful, as you say, study of grief

[@ramuhchoramuhcho4591]

I became a fan of Sam Fender with Hypersonic Missiles and Will We Talk back in 2019. I managed to see him support The Killers in London in 2022. However, the crowd weren’t being nice to him. I was hoping to see him in Leeds but I didn’t even get anything, never knew the pre sales happened. For his stadium tour I had a hold of 2 tickets for Newcastle but released them as I had to think about the total expense unfortunately. I love People Watching. Probably one of the best songs of the year.

[@SST9589]

Ain’t nobody on the road Nobody on the beach I feel it in the air The summers out of reach

[@jpsilverplaylists]

Yeah that is a very beautiful song, very nicely done. I like it

[@diiillly]

love the waterboys reference!

[@buddyellfyre1238]

"people watching" is such a belter!

[@djuengst2000]

Nice Justin, I was getting the boss vibes from this one but all around great track😊

[@jonmcdevitt]

It's great. It's reminding me of Boys of Summer, but it's great.

[@Musiklife.9049]

Thanks Justin, love a bit of Sam and band

[@andyjm7122]

I'm loving Sam's work so much.

[@brianpalay2]

I've been listening to him for a few years. He's so good.

[@michaelmulhall5007]

Has gone up a level with people watching

[@richardhall485]

Love Sam Fender. Seems a genuine fella too.

[@jacobsisland1129]

He’s just as good live as well, this man and band truly are the real deal, best artist we’ve produced in 20 years

[@eweng903]

When you think about it, 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' is essentially a three-chord ostinato. I don’t think Sam Fender would be classified as having savant syndrome, but there’s no denying he’s a highly talented British soft rocker with two number-one albums in the UK. Instead of calling Fender the Newcastle Springsteen, it seems more fitting to say that Justin Hawkins is the Lowestoft Mercury.

[@vanessalisa77]

Have loved Sam since I first heard ‘that sound’ in 2019.. I also love the war on drugs and this sounds SO much like them. Nice song

[@juliaclayton261]

Love Sam, saw him at castle fields bowl Manchester last year, super young artist who has put his stamp on the music industry …. BUT more importantly Mr Hawkins and the band were totally faaab last week at Rough Trade Liverpool.. can’t wait for my signed vinyl and the new album 😃😃

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Was waiting for the debut of the Justin Hawkins Sax !

[@AlisonHardisty]

Def giving me Springsteen vibes with the sax etc. Beautiful

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

Don't let the bellsendery?

[@lesliehutchins326]

Handsome today? OH HELL YES!😻🎄👍

[@morecklgust]

I feel like you were pointing that at me... I just love that Sam Fender.

[@rtk9000]

Fender is the real deal

[@TheSouthernDarkling]

Justin looks great in black🖤🖤🖤

[@tracywilliamson4275]

Justin looks great in everything!

[@TheSouthernDarkling]

@tracywilliamson4275 he sho do, child. He sho do.

[@tracywilliamson4275]

@@TheSouthernDarkling Too bad I'm 11 and a half years older than Justin....but then again, he's also excellent eye candy! It works for me! LOL love the accent! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Thanks for the best laugh I've had this week!❤️🎄🌟🦇🎋

[@anetakibanaki6350]

​@@tracywilliamson4275 I hear you😂7 years older here. And he could wear a potato sack and would still be totally stylish and cool.

[@xeode]

sounds like boys of summer by don henley 😁

[@paulgreenhaff8748]

Definitely channeling The War on Drugs - not surprising I guess. However, Sam’s a breath of fresh air in the era of non-band pop music. He’s a major talent!

[@chloe9179]

Wild Long Lie and Me And The Dog are also amazing you should check them out too. He released them recently as a pre album EP

[@ImBackFromCali]

Love that Sam’s getting the plaudits! I think you’ll also like Dea Matrona - albeit rather different. Girl band who are sensational live and very classic rock oriented, I’d suggest that they’re a blend of a lot of bands; heart, fleetwood Mac, artic monkeys, Greta van Fleet, Queen, Led Zeppelin, White Stripes to name but a few! Link to their album here: kzbin.info/aero/OLAK5uy_lvvY8cg6CaJv91UKhrSCVIK9AfgRoJe48&si=R3OlimadHLKzhVPv

[@robotdog7146]

was meant to be seeing him today in newcastle, extremely unfortunate about the circumstances, email sent earlier saying dates wont be rearranged either :(

[@RobTaylor-cs3bz]

Hey Justin. I know you are a big Paul McCartney fan, and so am I. Have you ever thought of exposing the younger people on your channel to his live album "Wings Over America" from 1976?

[@seanpower1595]

Wouldn’t it be cool to get a acoustic version of Christmas time here on rides again?🎄

[@jonwoodmass2849]

Sammy boy is just like his father Alan who was in a band with my father, who was called on Air in the 80s. Shields boy. Wish he would get in contact as i used to play tag with his big bro on stage. ❤

[@eweng903]

UK Christmas single chart has arrived, bringing a sprinkle of glam rock magic to the season. This year, timeless festive favorites Wizzard jingle in at 28 with 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday', while Slade sleighs in right behind at 30 with 'Merry Xmas Everybody'. Adding a modern twist to the holiday cheer, Sam Ryder's star shines brightly again at 94. Though The Darkness didn’t illuminate the charts this year, there’s always a flicker of hope for ’25. Until then, fans can celebrate the exciting news that glam rock will shine even brighter next year. Steel Panther and The Darkness are set to join forces for a dazzling showcase at Donington, bridging the Atlantic with their flamboyant, festival-ready flair. Glam rockers, unite-things can only get better.

[@Jamesftd]

This song will stand with the best of them as a timeless classic, Sam has distilled the sound of The Waterboys and Dire Straits in a genuine way, not like all of his contemporaries who blatently rip off bands and just shrug when caught.

[@DavidWood-r8k]

Great show.

[@Binger-fy3gc]

Justin high AF!! Love it.

[@Fitzcaraldo00]

Yup the war on drugs! Great tune

[@suneyeintuition4315]

Best thumbnail. 😂

[@Shelleysnail]

Sam Who? Guess I’ve been hiding under a rock for a while. This is going on my playlist for sure.