Mick Jagger is in awe of Sam Fender's musical mastery, hailing his album 'People Watching' as an “excellent” work that's left the Rolling Stones frontman grinning from ear to ear. As he gears up for the release of The Rolling Stones’ forthcoming album ‘Foreign Tongues’, Jagger has been sharing his recent listening habits – and Fender is firmly at the top of his playlist.
Jagger's a self-confessed Fender fanboy, crediting him with creating those “Sam Fender moments” that get under your skin. And it’s no surprise why – 'People Watching' is a stunning album that won over critics and fans alike when it dropped in February 2025. With its Mercury Prize win under its belt and four-star review from NME, this one's an absolute cracker.
But what really sets Fender apart, according to Jagger, is his songwriting prowess. Those strong choruses and lyrics that pack a punch? “They’re interesting,” says the veteran rocker – and they're also reflective of Fender’s own life experiences, painting vivid pictures with every line. And let's not forget those collaborations – like the one with Olivia Dean on 'Crumbling Empire', which shows off Fender's more pop-oriented side.
Jagger's praise for Fender doesn't stop there, though. He's also keen to highlight the evolution in his lyrical themes, moving beyond that initial working-class narrative and exploring new depths. It’s a bold move – but one that's paid off, if Jagger is anything to go by.
Of course, 'People Watching' isn't Fender's only game-changer: his 2021 album ‘Seventeen Going Under’ was a critically-acclaimed success in its own right. And let’s not forget that £25,000 Mercury Prize prize money – which he generously donated to the Music Venue Trust.
Jagger’s comments come as The Rolling Stones prepare for the release of 'Foreign Tongues' on 10th July – and it's set to be a big one, with collaborations from Paul McCartney and Robert Smith of The Cure. You can get a behind-the-scenes look at its creation in their six-part podcast series, ‘Speaking In Tongues’.