Sunday Sounds: May 10, 2020, “Hypersonic Missiles”

Posted On May 10, 2020

Samantha Colleran, May 2020

I’m going to be completely honest with you, I get a lot of my music taste and recommendations from other artists I love. So when Louis (Tomlinson) tweeted about listening to a song by a guy named Sam Fender I figured he was worth checking out. To say I was blown away by Sam’s sound and strong musical messages would be an understatement. His album Hypersonic Missiles is one that covers a wide range of topics, but today we’ll be focusing on the opening track of the same name. 

“Hypersonic Missiles” musically is a nod to an 80s inspired sound. Jam packed with catchy guitar riffs, saxophones, and a strong British accent shining through on vocals, we hear a new, modern twist on the beloved British rock sound. Lyrically, it goes much deeper than just an 80s inspired sound. Speaking about the song, Fender said he read the term ‘hypersonic missiles’ in a newspaper and got inspired to write a song. Referring to it as an “unorthodox love song,” the lyrics focus on a narrator who is “so blissfully unaware of everything” going on in the world, he doesn’t know how he can make a change. Although it’s clear that the world is ending, the narrator and the one he loves will enjoy their time on Earth despite the negatives, “And when the bombs drop, darling/ Can you say that you’ve lived your life?” 

There’s so much to say about Sam’s music, but at the same time I can’t comment anymore, I just need you all to hear for yourself how incredible he is. The leading title track can be found below, but please, please take the time to listen to the rest of the Hypersonic Missiles album. It’s worth the listen. Let me know your thoughts on Sam Fender!