The first rock act to win the Critics’ Choice prize at the Brits in its 11-year history, Geordie singer Sam Fender worships Bruce Springsteen and shares his ability to empathise with emotional frailties, describe everyday dramas too often overlooked by songwriters and wrap it all up into bloody massive four-minute anthems.
Fender is already progressing superbly. Past singles such as the catchy Friday Fighting are omitted to make room for the sinuous groove of Two People, while White Privilege adds a Billy Joel flamboyance. Call Me Lover is the only straightforward ballad here, and even that has a sublime chorus.
With the self-belief of a veteran, once heard you’ll feel like you’ve known Fender’s talent for years. All this and an eye-catching “Cornetto-coloured” vinyl edition, too.
8/10
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John Earls
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