Just when we thought Sam Fender had already levelled up, he’s only gone and won the Mercury Prize, dropped a collab with actual Elton John, and announced a deluxe edition of his third album People Watching. No big deal.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a full-circle moment. From playing pubs in North Shields to being crowned one of the UK’s most vital voices, Sam’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, but this week officially cemented him as part of British music’s modern canon.
The 2025 Mercury Prize nod isn’t just a shiny new addition to Sam’s mantelpiece, it’s recognition of an album that felt like everyone’s inner monologue. Gritty yet cinematic, People Watching has soundtracked everything from lonely train rides to sweaty festival moments this year. It was raw, reflective, and razor-sharp, exactly the kind of record the Mercury Prize was made for.
With over 100,000 UK sales in week one (yep, you read that right), it’s the fastest-selling album by a British solo act since 2022. Stadiums followed. London Stadium sold out. Sam Fender became the voice of a generation that grew up on Britpop but needed someone to actually say something.
Dropping 5th December, the deluxe version of People Watching is not just a repackage, it’s basically a mini album in itself. We’re getting eight extra tracks, including three brand new ones: Talk To You (feat. Elton John), Fortuna’s Wheel, and The Treadmill. Also onboard is “Rein Me In” with Olivia Dean, previously only available digitally. Add in the vinyl-only tracks from his Me and The Dog RSD EP, and suddenly, December’s looking a lot less bleak.
“Talk To You” is the kind of song that only happens when two musical minds properly get each other. Fender wrote it about the emotional ruins of a long-term relationship, “losing your best friend”, as he puts it. Heavy stuff. Add Elton’s signature piano in the mix and you’ve got a ballad that’s going to absolutely end us.
It’s been a long time coming. Elton’s supported Sam from early on, and the mutual respect is real. As Elton put it: “I truly love Sam. He’s been a friend for many, many years and it’s incredible to see him grow into being a truly world class artist.” Get a tissue.
With the deluxe edition giving fans a final 2025 gift, Sam says he’ll be turning his focus to writing the next album. If People Watching was about us, our chaos, our quiet moments, our constant people-pleasing, then whatever comes next is likely to go even deeper.
People Watching Deluxe Additional Tracklisting:
- I’m Always On Stage
- Talk To You (feat. Elton John)
- Fortuna’s Wheel
- Rein Me In (with Olivia Dean)
- Me and The Dog
- Tyrants
- The Treadmill
- Empty Spaces
And with Elton John and Olivia Dean already on the guest list, we’re expecting the next chapter of the Sam Fender story to be even bolder.
Sam Fender isn’t just watching people anymore, he’s become one of the most important ones to watch. December’s deluxe release is more than a fan bonus; it’s a celebration of how far he’s come, and a hint at where he’s heading.
Pre-order the deluxe album if you fancy ending the year on a high (or at least, a beautifully sad piano note).
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