REVIEW: SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER BY SAM FENDER

Local Newcastle hero, Sam Fender looks to score his second UK number one album on Friday as ‘Seventeen Going Under’ rockets straight to the number one spot since dropping last week.

To land the #1 spot he’ll need to beat artists such as Drake and many more heavy hitters. However, if any album is worthy of the number one it’s ‘Seventeen Going Under’.

The title track sets the album off for an absolute rollercoaster of a ride filled with some big beats and some acoustic classics. ‘Seventeen Going Under’ shows off the incredibly brave and unique sound of Sam Fenders vocals which compliments the backing track down to a tee. The North-Shields singer-songwriter has spoke about Bruce ‘The Boss’ Springsteen being his main influence and you can definitely see that during the song.

Tracks such as ‘Good Company’, ‘The Dying Light’ and ‘Last To Make Home’ add great balance to the overall album. Slow and steady ballads that add beauty and vulnerability which provides an easy listen.

An honourable mention has to be given to ‘Spit Of You’ which included British actor Stephen Graham in the music video. The track demonstrates a broken down relationship between father and son. This is one you can really grasp the way Sam Fender is able to paint a picture through lyrics - which is a lost art these days.

What makes this album and Fender so great is that his lyrics are relevant as of now. The tunes shows his frustrations at the current political climate. Sam Fender stated that he has left wing views, but the left had also “alienated their grassroots supporters”.

The contrast between guitar and Saxophone throughout ‘Seventeen Going Under’ is brilliant. It separates itself from the overly used indie concept that sticks around - A true masterpiece from Sam Fender.

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