Photo Credit: Alicia Woods

Frank Turner – ‘Undefeated’: less aggressive, just as reflective.

Following on from his first UK #1 Album, FTHC, today is the day that Frank Turner returns with his highly anticipated tenth solo album, Undefeated. Produced and written entirely by himself, the album showcases a real and raw reflection of life; with a hint of punk, rock, and anger in true ‘Frank Turner’ style.

The promotional run-up to this album has given us singles more akin to the aggression (or lack thereof) of 2013’s ‘Tape Deck Heart‘, Turner’s fifth solo album, with singles ‘No Thank You For The Music‘ and ‘Do One‘ being the heaviest of the bunch. Running with the theme of getting in touch with his Tape Deck Heart Era, Turner has opted for a more nostalgic sound with ‘Letters‘, reminiscing on how he’s ‘tired of just making do, [and] tired of just muddling through’. The parallelism between ‘The Way I Tend To Be‘ and ‘Letters‘ is uncanny, with Letters portraying maturity and reflection, as opposed to more aggression and resentment in his earlier work. ‘Girl From The Record Shop‘ is a nostalgic ode to love towards musical foundation classics, with honourable mentions to ‘The Supremes’ and ‘Four Tops’.

Since moving away from political anthems after ‘Thatcher F*cked The Kids‘, the 42-year-old has opted for a more subtle dig at the ruin and strain that Tory leadership has put on the UK in recent years. In ‘Pandemic PTSD‘ and ‘The Leaders‘, despite the upbeat and cheery melodies of the two, the lyrics portray Turner’s realness and resonance, and his resentment towards Tory politics. Sequentially, the punk-rocker has given us a relatable and raw account of the after-effects and the stress caused by both Covid-19 and the Tories.

Approaching the end of the album, we see Frank expose both his vulnerability and strength in ‘Somewhere Inbetween‘. Consoling to many, this gentle and touching ballad details just how difficult life can be when you don’t know who you are, or where you’re meant to be. Moving onto the perfect closure to the album, the titular track Undefeated feels like the final destination on the journey to survival. Having overcome the challenges and obstacles that life has thrown at him, Turner has made it out of the other side independent, undefeated and content.

With overruling themes of defiance, resilience, and rawness throughout ‘Undefeated‘; Turner has proved that, after over 20 years in the game, he is still at his best. With slightly less aggression coming through in this album than those in his hard-core days, there is no less reflection; although, this may not be a preference for some of his earlier fans. Overall, this is yet another triumphant album from Frank Turner, who does in-fact remain Undefeated.

Words by Alicia Woods

‘Undefeated‘ is available physically and digitally HERE.

FRANK TURNER recently sold out his UK tour, scheduled for July this year. His 3000th live performance is set to take place at London’s Alexandra Palace in February 2025.