Elton John and Sam Fender might seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance, but their recent collaboration on the single "Talk To You" has proven to be a natural meeting of musical minds. The song, which will debut on the deluxe edition of Fender’s third album, People Watching, is already generating buzz ahead of its December 5 release. For fans of both artists, this is a moment to savor: a celebrated legend lending his expertise to a rising star, with both musicians bringing their own unique histories to the table.
Sam Fender, now 31 years old, recorded "Talk To You" during the sessions for People Watching. Yet, as fate would have it, the track didn’t make the initial cut for the standard album. Fender has since expressed regret about that decision. According to American Songwriter, he admitted that the song was important to him, and he wished he had found space for it on the original release. Instead, listeners will find it on the expanded edition, where it stands out as a testament to Fender’s evolving artistry.
At its core, "Talk To You" is a deeply personal work. The lyrics open with Fender reflecting on the end of a long relationship, his words tinged with regret and longing. In one particularly poignant verse, he lays bare his own flaws, confessing to infidelity but refusing to let his troubled past serve as an excuse. The line, "When my face is all changed from the cruelty of age, I’ll still miss you. In a dream, you forgave me, and I almost did it myself, till I woke back up," captures the song’s bittersweet soul. It’s a moment many listeners might recognize—an aching for forgiveness that lingers even as life moves on.
As the song progresses, Fender’s lyrics shift from confession to hope. He expresses a desire to learn from his mistakes and to find someone as kind as his former partner, all the while struggling under the weight of guilt. The lines, "I wanna hurt with you, hurt with somebody who understands, have the strength to truly like myself, and have the love to take someone’s hand," reveal a longing for both connection and self-acceptance. It’s not just about regret; it’s about growing, too.
But what really sets "Talk To You" apart is the presence of Elton John at the piano. The collaboration came about, as Fender explained on John’s Apple Music podcast Rocket Hour, because the song’s piano riff was simply beyond his own abilities. He needed someone with more experience, and who better than Elton John? The two have been friends for years, and John jumped at the chance to contribute. "It was so much fun to come and play on one of your songs, because we’ve been friends for a long, long time," John shared during their conversation.
John’s piano work adds a layer of sophistication and warmth to the song, elevating it beyond a simple ballad. His touch is unmistakable, yet he never overshadows Fender’s voice or message. Instead, the collaboration feels like a meeting of equals—one artist helping another bring a vision to life. According to American Songwriter, Fender was delighted with the result, and John’s enthusiasm was equally evident. This wasn’t just a guest appearance; it was a true creative partnership.
Their conversation on Rocket Hour also revealed more about Fender’s current creative state. With a surplus of songs left over from the People Watching sessions, Fender is already looking ahead to his next album. John, ever the seasoned professional, encouraged this momentum. "There’s nothing wrong with going straight in and doing another record. That’s what we used to do all the time," John said. "When one record was finished, the other one was coming out. That’s the way to do it. If you’ve got a lot of songs, just get them down." It’s advice that speaks to the heart of artistic productivity—don’t let inspiration go to waste.
People Watching itself is a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling. Co-produced by Fender, Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs, Markus Dravs, Dean Thompson, and Joe Atkinson, the album seamlessly blends heartland rock, post-Britpop, and rock influences. The result is a collection of songs that feel both familiar and new, with Fender’s distinctive voice breathing life into every track. As American Songwriter notes, the older genres Fender reimagines sound fresh in his hands, and nowhere is this more apparent than on "Talk To You."
The album’s themes are consistent with the introspective mood of "Talk To You." Throughout People Watching, Fender sketches characters inspired by the people he’s met, using their stories—and his own—to explore questions of identity, regret, and hope. It’s an album about looking back and moving forward, about learning from the past while keeping an eye on what’s next. And with John’s contribution, the deluxe edition promises to push these ideas even further.
For Elton John, the collaboration is just one more chapter in a storied career, but it’s clear that he finds joy in supporting younger artists like Fender. His willingness to lend his talents—and his wisdom—speaks volumes about his commitment to music as a living, evolving art form. For Fender, working with John is both an honor and a learning experience, a chance to connect with a legend while forging his own path.
As December 5 approaches, anticipation for the deluxe edition of People Watching is building. Fans are eager to hear how John’s piano playing enhances Fender’s introspective songwriting, and whether "Talk To You" will become a new favorite in either artist’s repertoire. Regardless of where the song lands on the charts, its emotional honesty and collaborative spirit are sure to resonate with listeners.
In the end, "Talk To You" is more than just a song; it’s a meeting point between two generations of musicians, each bringing their own experiences and talents to the table. It’s about regret, hope, and the healing power of music. And for anyone who’s ever wished for a second chance, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to keep talking—and keep listening.
