Hello Reader,
Welcome back. How’s your week been?
Today, we’re going to delve into English folk/punk singer-songwriter, Frank Turner. Full disclosure: Frank Turner’s an artist I have immense respect for. Having been to a handful of his live shows here in various venues in the Midwest. I owned a handful of his albums which sounded perfect coming through the vintage Pioneer stereo receiver and Klipsch floor speakers I had at the time. A setup I spent time creating and was proud of.
Frank Turner became one of my favorite live acts to see because of the consistently amazing experience you feel at his shows. The choruses that Turner and his band, The Sleeping Souls, have created are engaging and at times power pop and punk melodies have you singing back, sweating while you dance. Turner’s lyrics are therapeutic, defiant and intelligent. They are also vulnerable and honest as well. All of this creates a welcoming atmosphere and inclusive experience for everyone present. Thus, I’ve recommended seeing Turner live to friends who had never seen him before, and they came away impressed. He’s an artist I can’t recommend enough seeing at least once in your lifetime.
By April 2011, Turner had played over 1,000 shows. Before the end of 2016, he played his 2,000th show. And as of February 2025, he’ll have played over 3,000 shows so it’s quite easy to find a show near you. Adding even more to his resume, Turner won Best Live Act and Hardest Working Artist at the 2011 AIM (Association of Independent (UK) Music Awards).
Turner’s been making solo music since 2005 and even with that extensive touring, his discography is immense. Nine studio albums released to critical praise and acclaim including, Sleep Is for the Week (2007), Love Ire & Song (2008), Poetry of the Deed (2009), England Keep My Bones (2011), Tape Deck Heart (2013), Positive Songs for Negative People (2015), Be More Kind (2018), No Man’s Land (2019), and FTHC (2022). The great split album West Coast vs. Wessex (2020) with legendary US Punk band NOFX featured each band covering the other’s songs. In addition to those studio albums, and several live albums, Turner has also released the following eight EPs: Campfire Punkrock EP (2006), The Real Damage EP (2007), a split record with John Snodgrass titled Buddies EP (2010), Rock & Roll EP (2010), Losing Days EP (2013), Polaroid Picture EP (2014), Mittens EP (2016), and Don’t Worry EP (2019).
In early 2017, it was announced that Turner was to start his own 4-day festival celebrating live music and community called ‘Lost Evenings’. The festival has been held every year since except 2020.
And now, comes Turner’s 10th solo album, Undefeated out for your listening pleasure on Friday May 3rd via Xtra Mile Recordings. A reflective and present Turner stated, “There are no clichés about the difficult 10th album, so in some ways, that’s a liberating statement. But at the same time, I have a duty to justify writing and releasing a 10th album. That’s a lot of records for anybody. Also, I’m 42. Which is not a sexy, rock’n’roll age. But all through my career, I’ve been interested in writers like Loudon Wainwright III or The Hold Steady, people who write about adulthood, essentially.”
Giving credit where it’s due. Undefeated album credits:
- Frank Turner on lead vocals, guitar. He’s also the songwriter and producer.
- Ben Lloyd on guitar.
- Tarrant Anderson on bass guitar.
- Callum Green on drums.
- Matt Nasir on piano.
And now for some hype for your ears!
Listen up. The first anthem on the album, “Do One”:
(All credits and rights to Frank Turner)
Through the looking glass of time, “Ceasefire”:
(All credits and rights to Frank Turner)
The lyric video for the foot stomping, catchy “Girl from the Record Shop”:
(All credits and rights to Frank Turner)
The defiant lesson that is complete with earworm chorus, “No Thank You For The Music”:
(All credits and rights to Frank Turner)
A talented group, the “Show People”:
(All credits and rights to Frank Turner)
Overall, Undefeated is another excellent album from Frank Turner. Within this album, you’ll find the homages to musicians past and present you’ve come to expect from Turner project, and a litany of literary and cultural references within most of the songs as well. I hope that they were cathartic for Turner to write and perform as they were to hearing him sing them. It seems like Frank got a lot off his chest in this album. The album showcases lyrics that often were told from the perspective of teenage years, and there’s a lot of nostalgia without undying and unrequited love for the past as there’s plenty of present and growth too. He’s at his perhaps most reflective on this album. Turner’s songs resonate with those who both are looking for it, and those who didn’t realize they needed to hear it. Melodies blend perfectly with the vocals every song and the flow from song to song is succinctly. Fabulous compositions once again from anthems to more subdued ballads. The album features the expected passionate vocals from Turner, and great musicianship from The Sleeping Souls once again. To me the album fits well within his solo discography, near the top.
The album opener, “Do One” begins with acoustic guitar strumming to start the melody until the band kicks with ferocity. Turner’s vocal delivery starts off in spoken word style then becomes anthemic. The lyrics are resolute, at times comforting and validating and written in a way to be a message to those who might be at a fork in the road.
“Never Mind the Back Problems” is a rollicking melody that reminds the listener of Celtic punk music after the brief, but incredibly funky noise intro. Turner’s vocal delivery pace paired with the swift delivery is not trying to be a cover of Celtic punk, but rather an homage to the style. The lyrics validate Turner’s love for the punk genre, the scene and recall some show memories fondly.
The intro effect of a clock ticking created by piano is a brilliant effect as the listener is transported back in time within the song “Ceasefire” with Turner’s present-day lyrics that talk to his 15-year-old self. The melody is made fuller with a driving drumbeat, different and still excellently played piano chords and loud guitars that pair well with Turner’s vocal delivery. A song several have written, but it seems only few have done quite as well.
The lyrics in “Girl from the Record Shop” tell of growing excitement towards vinyl and record collection, spending time in a record store and what might be a crush. It’s a modern punk melody through and through, drums and guitars and Turner’s vocal delivery constantly charging forward. It’s a great jaunt that’s guaranteed to have you bobbing your head and should have you dancing and singing along.
“Pandemic PTSD” examines Turner’s thoughts and feelings about the past few years through a series of anecdotes, lyrics that reassure and one’s state of mind. It is truly a shared experience for most. The drums and piano really anchor the melody and the guitars kick in with flourish to take the melody up a level. The lyrics are some of Turner’s best to this point on the album, and amongst the best on the album overall.
The next song, “Letters” kicks off with a charging rock melody. Piano, rollicking drums and guitars to start the melody as Turner delivers his opening vocals. The melody has several twists and turns, quieter and louder parts allowing Turner’s passionate vocals to shine. The lyrics use present day cognizance and acceptance to examine a seemingly bittersweet relationship that happened in his younger days. The relationship comes across as unfinished business. It’s another well composed and executed song by the band.
“East Finchley” opens with drum flourishes before the melody slows allowing Turner to deliver solemn vocals on top of a solemn melody. The lyrics are similar to the previous song, in that they are looking back at a previous relationship. This song features a more platonic, far less romantic relationship in teenage years.
The next song, “No Thank You for the Music” is launched out of the gate from the start in the best ways. The driving drumbeat and propulsive guitars move the song forward so well. Turner’s punk delivered vocals match the assertive lyrics that after time for reflection have reached a conclusion that will not be swayed from. The refrain is an earworm that is difficult to get out of your head. The result is a song that is contempt in the best ways and segue ways to the next song effortlessly.
If you listen to “The Leaders” and you’re not taken back to fellow English-based legends Billy Bragg and Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, please listen again. If you’re unfamiliar with those two exquisite artists, I highly suggest you explore their discographies. The melody is a feel-good time. It is a guitar heavy alternative style genre that has element of reggae rock. You even get some harmonica. The lyrics build in message and serve as a call to arms, ending in a positive note.
The next song, “International Hide and Seek Champions” features a driving drumbeat and guitars in true rock music fashion. The song ends on a fantastic guitar solo. Turner’s vocal delivery pairs well with the melody once again. The lyrics tell of a strong desire to start anew elsewhere, fitting of the title and the line about one of the finest examples of that, DB Cooper.
“Show People” begins with some twang that is led by an electric guitar. The melody then builds upon itself with a lively guitars and drumbeat. This song is broadly a tour homage to me, more specifically a song to all entertainers. The song title starts off as a phrase to describe people, then gains confidence and becomes an assured phrase of action through Turner’s witty and astute lyrics and vocals. The song title is echoed to lovely choral effect via backing vocals.
The following song, “On My Way” features a stripped-down melody of acoustic guitar strumming, and Turner’s closely delivered to the mic, vocals. Whereas past songs, described failed love and relationships, these lyrics are a present-day love song. They describe accepting a great physical distance between Turner and his wife but the desire and love shines through, motivating him.
“Somewhere Inbetween” has Turner exploring, reflective. There’s a lot of doubt, some imposter syndrome. The melody is less stripped down than the previous song, but it’s easy going enough to allow Turner’s vocals to take over. There’s a lot of piano, a synth sounding beat, and consistent drums throughout the song. Near the end, the melody takes off when Turner is not singing.
The titular song and the song to close the album, “Undefeated” is a beautiful piano based melody that has flourishes of brass and soft drums at times. Turner’s at times, strained vocals perfectly pair with lyrics of acceptance. The lyrics are fitting for Turner’s age as he looks back, and also his life as a musician. That being said, the lyrics also give defiance, reassurance and credence to a different perspective to the title than the sports centric connotation. Triumphant, resilient. Ending on a perfect note.
Undefeated gets 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drops from me. It is an excellent album. As mentioned previously, it would slide in amongst his better solo albums. And it also rates highly among all 2024 new album releases. It should be in that range all year long. Frank Turner has a way with words and conveys his emotions and thoughts down well in song with a balanced melody. He and The Sleeping Souls know how to write compositions that allow all to stand out. There’s great sonic quality to this album. I recommend it highly as it is worth adding to your collection in any format. I know I’ll add it to vinyl first.
Undefeated Track listing (song length)
- Do One (2:21)
- Never Mind the Back Problems (1:27)
- Ceasefire (5:06)
- Girl from the Record Shop (1:46)
- Pandemic PTSD (3:14)
- Letters (3:13)
- East Finchley (4:32)
- No Thank You for the Music (3:49)
- The Leaders (1:27)
- International Hide and Seek Champions (2:25)
- Show People (3:43)
- On My Way (3:16)
- Somewhere Inbetween (4:47)
- Undefeated (4:25)
Total runtime: 45:31
I’ll always advocate that you take the time to listen to every album in its entirety. This process is less than an hour from start to finish. Along the way, you’ll discover your own favorite songs without the influence or bias of others. After a few listens on my own, the songs that are highlighted in green font above are my favorite songs on this album.
Turner’s comprehensive site featuring his discography, merch and socials can be found right here!
Thank you for reading and supporting good music.
Until next time,
Alex
