“Saying that somebody’s the voice of a generation – I’m not, honestly. I’m an idiot. I’m just writing about my experiences and the experiences of people I know, and people attach such weight to it.” The words of this year’s Mercury Prize, Sam Fender. The incredibly modest words of Sam Fender, so I am not going to suggest he is the voice of a generation, but what I am going to suggest is that the album that deservedly won him the prize, People Watching, is a genuine rock and roll classic and that anyone who claims to love rock and roll should own (not stream).
The lad from North Shields, if not the voice of a generation (and I think he is), then, unquestionably is in my view, a generational talent.
The music in itself is fantastic but where Fender leaves others behind is with the lyrics. His stories ring true, coming from the heart as they always do. Don’t compare him to Bruce Springsteen, or call him ‘our’ Springsteen, because that’s just silly but do recognise him as an equal to The Boss because that’s just what he is going to be.
While People Watching is not my album of the year – and the world will need to wait until early December to find out what is (I hope you can stand the excitement) – I am thrilled that the Mercury Prize is heading up to North Shields. Fender has achieved the almost impossible, by creating a stellar, ground-breaking album that is also hugely popular. The Mercury Prize, which has been criticised, wrongly I feel, for rewarding more obscure acts got it right tonight.
The lad is on the verge of greatness. I am so happy for him.
