Song Stories: Sam Fender: Hypersonic Missiles

The song that got us into this mess. The famous words uttered by Sam Fender just before him and his band launch into Hypersonic Missiles. It's also the first song, on the first album I ever reviewed for Beyond the Grooves so it's also the song that got me into this mess!

Released in 2019 as the lead single from his debut album, the song captures Fender's raw, authentic voice as he tackles issues that feel all too real in today’s world. As well as questioning his position in the world. The song was written amidst a backdrop of escalating global tensions, particularly around nuclear weapons and political uncertainty. The term “hypersonic missiles” refers to real-world weapons, capable of travelling faster than the speed of sound and evading traditional defense systems. 

In the song however, this is used as a metaphor for a sense of fer and catastrophe. That is present all around us, that we are often in the dark with. 

In an interview, Fender said the song is “an unorthodox love song,” using the image of hypersonic missiles to reflect the absurdity of modern life. While the world teeters on destruction, he chooses to focus on love and life’s fleeting beauty. A song full of observations and also contradictions Fender touches on themes of media saturation, environmental destruction, political instability, and personal disillusionment. His sharp, observational style can be heard in lines like, “Kids in Gaza are bombed and I'm just out of it,” reflecting a detached, almost helpless attitude in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

The song has resonated with listeners and has become an anthem for a disillusioned generation. when no one really knows the answers with Sam at least we've got someone asking the right questions.

With Hypersonic Missiles, Sam Fender went from playing smaller venues to filling arenas in just a matter of months. The single paved the way for the success of his debut album of the same name, which went on to earn widespread critical acclaim. The album topped charts, and Fender quickly became a household name in the UK, collecting awards such as the Critics’ Choice Award at the BRITs and widespread recognition as one of the hottest new talents in rock.

Since then Sam has won a Brit, sold out two nights at Newcastles St James Park and headlined Reading & Leeds. The mad thing is, he's just getting started.