Sam Fender is one of the most acclaimed and successful singer-songwriters in the UK today. His debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, topped the charts in 2019, and his second album, Seventeen Going Under, followed suit in 2021. He has also won a Brit Award, an Ivor Novello Award, and numerous other accolades for his music. He now has a net worth of $4 million since 2023.

But what are the songs that inspire and influence him? What are the tunes that he listens to when he needs a boost, a break, or a blast from the past? In this article, we will explore Sam Fender’s 10 favourite songs of all time, based on his interviews and playlists. We will also look at why he loves these songs, how they relate to his own music, and what they reveal about his personality and taste.

1. The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony

One of Fender’s all-time favourite songs is Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve, the Britpop indie rock anthem that samples an orchestral version of The Rolling Stones’ The Last Time. Fender has said that he loves the song’s “epic” sound and its “poetic” lyrics about life’s struggles and joys. He has also praised Richard Ashcroft’s vocal performance and charisma, calling him “one of the greatest frontmen ever”.

Fender has covered Bitter Sweet Symphony several times live, including at the Brit Awards 2020, where he performed it with Ashcroft himself. He has also said that the Song Influenced his own track Saturday, which features a similar string arrangement and a sweeping chorus.

2. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

Another song that Fender considers a masterpiece is Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, the grunge classic that defined a generation. Fender has said that he was blown away by the song’s “raw power” and “angst” when he first heard it as a teenager. He has also credited Kurt Cobain as one of his musical heroes and role models.

Fender has performed Smells Like Teen Spirit several times live, including at Glastonbury 2019, where he dedicated it to his late friend who had introduced him to Nirvana. He has also said that the song inspired his own track Play God, which deals with themes of oppression and rebellion.

3. Guns N’ Roses – Welcome To The Jungle

A song that Fender loves for its “energy” and “attitude” is Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N’ Roses, the hard rock hit that showcases Axl Rose’s vocal range and Slash’s guitar skills. Fender has said that he admires the song’s “brilliant” production and its “catchy” hooks. He has also named Slash as one of his favourite guitarists of all time.

Fender has played Welcome To The Jungle several times live, including at Reading Festival 2019, where he joined Foo Fighters on stage for a surprise rendition. He has also said that the song influenced his own track Will We Talk?, which features a similar guitar riff and a fast-paced tempo.

4. Steely Dan – The Caves Of Altamira

A song that Fender appreciates for its “musicality” and “sophistication” is The Caves Of Altamira by Steely Dan, the jazz-rock fusion that references prehistoric cave paintings. Fender has said that he respects the song’s “complexity” and its “clever” lyrics. He has also cited Steely Dan as one of his favourite bands of all time.

Fender has not covered The Caves Of Altamira live, but he has included it in some of his playlists. He has also said that the song influenced his own track The Borders, which features a similar saxophone solo and a rich instrumentation.

5. Led Zeppelin – Houses Of The Holy

A song that Fender enjoys for its “groove” and “fun” is Houses Of The Holy by Led Zeppelin, the rock-and-roll tune that pays tribute to their fans. Fender has said that he likes the song’s “rhythm” and its “cheeky” lyrics. He has also mentioned Led Zeppelin as one of his biggest influences as a musician.

Fender has not covered Houses Of The Holy live, but he has included it in some of his playlists. He has also said that the song influenced his own track Hypersonic Missiles, which features a similar guitar tone and a catchy chorus.

6. Sam & Dave – Hold On, I’m Comin’

A song that Fender admires for its “soul” and “vibe” is Hold On, I’m Comin’ by Sam & Dave, the R&B classic that showcases their vocal harmonies and Isaac Hayes’ production. Fender has said that he loves the song’s “feel-good” factor and its “simple” message. He has also expressed his fondness for soul music in general.

Fender has not covered Hold On, I’m Comin’ live, but he has included it in some of his playlists. He has also said that the song influenced his own track Getting Started, which features a similar horn section and a positive theme.

7. The Spencer Davis Group – I’m A Man

A song that Fender digs for its “swagger” and “coolness” is I’m A Man by The Spencer Davis Group, the blues-rock number that features Steve Winwood’s vocals and organ. Fender has said that he likes the song’s “confidence” and its “riff”. He has also mentioned Steve Winwood as one of his favourite singers of all time.

Fender has not covered I’m A Man live, but he has included it in some of his playlists. He has also said that the song influenced his own track Spit Of You, which features a similar organ sound and a defiant attitude.

8. Tom Petty – Free Fallin’

A song that Fender cherishes for its “nostalgia” and “beauty” is Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty, the folk-rock ballad that depicts life in Los Angeles. Fender has said that he loves the song’s “melody” and its “storytelling”. He has also praised Tom Petty as one of his favourite songwriters of all time.

Fender has covered Free Fallin’ several times live, including at BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in 2019, where he performed it with a full band. He has also said that the song influenced his own track Seventeen Going Under, which features a similar acoustic guitar and a personal narrative.

9. Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run

A song that Fender idolizes for its “epicness” and “passion” is Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen, the rock anthem that captures the spirit of American youth. Fender has said that he adores the song’s “drama” and its “lyrical genius”. He has also acknowledged Bruce Springsteen as his biggest inspiration as a musician.

Fender has covered Born To Run several times live, including at BBC Radio 2’s Live In Hyde Park in 2019, where he performed it with a full band and a saxophone player. He has also said that the song influenced his own track The Dying Light, which features a similar piano intro and a grand finale.

10. Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone

A song that Fender reveres for its “impact” and “relevance” is Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan, the folk-rock masterpiece that changed the course of popular music. Fender has said that he respects the song’s “innovation” and its “social commentary”. He has also cited Bob Dylan as one of his favourite artists of all time.

Fender has not covered Like A Rolling Stone live, but he has included it in some of his playlists. He has also said that the song influenced his own track White Privilege, which features a similar organ sound and a critical perspective.

The Bottom Line

Sam Fender’s 10 favourite songs of all time reveal a lot about his musical taste, influences, and aspirations. They show that he is a fan of rock music in all its forms, from hard rock to folk rock to indie rock. They also show that he is drawn to songs that have strong melodies, lyrics, and emotions. They also show that he is not afraid to experiment with different genres, styles, and sounds in his own music.

Sam Fender is one of the most exciting and talented musicians in the UK today. His songs are honest, powerful, and catchy. His voice is distinctive, expressive, and versatile. His performances are energetic, charismatic, and captivating. His albums are diverse, cohesive, and impressive. He is a true artist who deserves all the praise and recognition he gets.

The post Top 10 Songs That Sam Fender Picked His Favourites appeared first on Rock Informer.