Seventeen Going Under
by
Seventeen Going Under Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 53 Ratings

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  • Summary: The second full-length release for the British indie rock singer-songwriter was produced by Bramwell Bronte.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The Guardian
    Oct 7, 2021
    100
    Seventeen Going Under is an album rooted in 2021 that, in spirit at least, seems to look back 40-something years, to the brief early 80s period when Top of the Pops played host to the Specials and the Jam. The result is really powerful.
  2. PopMatters
    Oct 22, 2021
    90
    His thoughtful truisms and sonorous songwriting arm them with the required soundtrack. To quote the man who started it all, “The great challenge of adulthood is holding onto your idealism after you lose your innocence.” No one has risen to this challenge with such success, humility, and brilliance as has Sam Fender.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Nov 24, 2021
    90
    Seventeen Going Under is powerful, essential stuff, a coming of age album that speaks to the human experience in the here and now. Its creator is absolutely the real deal.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 7, 2021
    80
    His debut album ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ scratched gently at the surface of a songwriter of real detail and skill, but second time around he digs real deep for a wiser, weightier record stuffed with sax-soaked rock epics that touch on life and death, love and heartbreak, rage and regret.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 7, 2021
    80
    The record is truly a fine piece of artistry that has the power to hypnotise the listener into questioning their inner demons.
  6. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 7, 2021
    80
    Seventeen Going Under would benefit from more such restraint, to really bring out the vulnerability and sensitivity underpinning Fender’s oeuvre. It is not much of a criticism to note that he doesn’t have the dynamic range of his musical hero yet. Fender may not be ready to take on the mantle of the Boss, but he’s a worthy apprentice.
  7. Pitchfork
    Oct 13, 2021
    66
    While Seventeen Going Under excels when Fender looks inward, the intimacy is disrupted by scattered political musings.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. omateusm
    Oct 10, 2021
    10
    More mature and cohesive than the first album. Sam deserves more recognition.
  2. Jhos
    Oct 8, 2021
    10
    Sam Fender traz nesses novo trabalho mais do que esperávamos, ele consegue sempre nos surpreender com seu talento. O álbum tá ótimo, aSam Fender traz nesses novo trabalho mais do que esperávamos, ele consegue sempre nos surpreender com seu talento. O álbum tá ótimo, a evolução das faixas são incríveis, com certeza eu iria em uma apresentação ao vivo se não morasse tão longe.… Expand
  4. cinnamongirl97
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    I wish Sam Fender got the same recognition as overrated mediocre singers like H*rry Styl*s. Sam is a great song-writer who writes about soI wish Sam Fender got the same recognition as overrated mediocre singers like H*rry Styl*s. Sam is a great song-writer who writes about so many different topics, brings awareness to social issues. He makes ART. I enjoyed this album even more than his debut, he keeps improving himself. Love you Sam!… Expand
  5. ShinyV
    Oct 10, 2021
    10
    I truly believe that Sam has a "Born to Run" level album in him, and if what he's given us in the very best bits of this album are anyI truly believe that Sam has a "Born to Run" level album in him, and if what he's given us in the very best bits of this album are any indication, and if he continues to make a B-line towards his true potential, his next could be one of the greatest rock albums in modern history. This album, however, would still be up there. As an aside, it's a shame that Angel in Lothian didn't make the standard edition. It may be one of the best songs he'll ever write and anyone who holds that it's his best song yet will hear no argument from me. It should be a concert staple for decades to come.… Expand
  6. MKUltra7
    Jul 17, 2022
    10
    This is an instant Classic by Sam Fender. He's one of the most talented artists in Britain right now.
  7. ray32
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Love the composition of the instruments! I enjoyed the album just like his debut one!
  8. plebtunes
    Oct 25, 2021
    8
    This album is a snapshot of Sam Fender's life in North Shields at the age of seventeen; with references to working class struggles as well asThis album is a snapshot of Sam Fender's life in North Shields at the age of seventeen; with references to working class struggles as well as personal insecurities. Whilst this album has some great moments with the phenomenal "Spit Of You", it does turn rather dull during the second-half. I'd probably need some more time with it. However, Sam Fender is definitely an artist to look out for: he's very self-aware and paints his insecurities so vividly that they resonate with yours.… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best Album of 2021
81
#81 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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