Frank Turner has released his highly anticipated tenth album, Undefeated. Released through Xtra Mile Recordings, the album is the follow-up to 2022’s FTHC, which gained the singer songwriter his first UK #1 album.
The inaugural glimpse of the album came with ‘Do One’ – an infectiously catchy track about standing firm against negativity – that reflects Frank’s artistic growth while remaining faithful to his unique style. Serving as a fitting introduction, ‘Do One’ sets the stage for the emotionally stirring themes that Frank explores across the album’s fourteen tracks.
While Undefeated presents a stark contrast to its predecessor, it still delivers a wealth of material with a vibrant, energetic essence. Tracks like the punky ‘Never Mind The Back Problems,’ ‘No Thank You For The Music,’ and the blistering ‘International Hide and Seek Champion’ are more than capable of igniting mosh pits at future live shows. Frank’s exclusive Record Store Day 2024 release and already a fan favourite, ‘Girl at the Record Shop’ is a high-energy romp that highlights how places can heighten emotion – a theme that Frank revisits once more on the contemplative ‘East Finchley,’ which alludes to an underground station in London that evokes distant memories for him.
With its infectious hook and poignant lyrics delving into regret amid lost connections, ‘Letters’ emerges as one of the two standout tracks on the album, alongside ‘Ceasefire’. In a display of vulnerability, ‘Ceasefire’ sees Frank conversing with his fifteen-year-old self. Compelling you to hit repeat, the reflective piece features a rising melody that builds up to a dramatic climax, showcasing Frank’s prowess as a songwriter.
Undefeated sees Frank seamlessly transport us back to his acoustic-tinged days of Sleep Is For The Week and Love Ire & Song. The gentle ‘On My Way’ for example showcases a stripped back elegance, embracing simplicity to its fullest extent – and the same can be said about the lengthy title track, until the band erupt as the triumphant number comes to a close. Renowned for his mastery of words, regardless of the genre, Frank consistently delivers a plethora of genius lyrics. From navigating the complexities of living through unprecedented times in ‘Pandemic PTSD’ to chronicling the highs and lows of pursuing a creative career path in ‘Show People’, Frank has undeniably cemented his reputation with Undefeated.
Ten solo albums deep, Frank continues to craft music that deeply resonates with audiences. As an artist who has ventured into various genres over his career, Undefeated sees him continue to cater to a diverse range of listeners – and effortlessly so too.
As always, Frank’s as busy and ever. After heading to North America later this month, he has a series of UK headline shows to return to before he jets off to Canada for the seventh instalment of Lost Evenings in September. Head over to his website to see where he’s playing near you.