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CHET FAKER
‘A LOVE FOR STRANGERS’
Album Review

(19th January 2026)

Review by George Knight

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‘A LOVE FOR STRANGERS’ – out February 2026 PRE-ORDER HERE

“THIS TIME FOR REAL” LISTEN HERE

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Chet Faker is back with his spin on modern music- blending genres and instruments to create his long awaited album ‘A Love For Strangers’ Chet Faker is back with a long awaited project titled ‘A Love For Strangers’. His first album since 2021 brings together influences from jazz, house to an indie/soul mix and creates an extremely well produced, emotionally reflective and compelling piece from back to front. He stated before his parents influenced his music, citing his Mums Motown records and his Dads “chilled out Ibiza” tracks. This piece of work feels like the birth of both these influences combined, creating a soundtrack to dance to, reflect on and be warmed by.

Chet, whose real name Nick Murphy, is  is a vocalist, songwriter and producer from Melbourne who was first pushed into the public limelight with a cover of Blackstreet’s ‘No Diggity’ which went viral in 2011. Shortly after he released his debut EP, ‘Thinking in Textures’ in 2012 and followed it up with a critically acclaimed debut studio album, ‘Built on Glass’ in 2014- which won several ARIA awards. Since then, Chet has played all across the world and his newest, boldest work to date is set to be released on 13th February, 2026.

‘A Love for strangers’ is highly anticipated, with a strong, eagerly awaiting fan base and critics listening closely- this may be his career defining piece. With that being said, Chet delivers a raw account of his feelings and perspectives on his life at the moment with themes of love, transparency and reflectiveness being vibrant throughout. Simultaneously, he harmonises keys, strings, synths, saxophones  and natural ambience to create a thoroughly collective piece of work. It is genre eclectic, taking sounds from jazz, house, Motown, soul and gospel to surround the deep cutting lyrics and emotional honesty throughout the album. His roots are on show, but he is expanding them, bringing diverse inspirations and uniquely making them create a concise and balanced sound which carries through and becomes a harmonious atmosphere, tone and noise.

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The album beings with ‘Over You’ which opens with keys and strings and breaks into a jazz inspired house track. It is reminiscent of the past and shapes the sound of the album as a whole, but also the opening 4 tracks. The strong vocals joined with the chorus create a mood for the rest of the album. To remember, to be honest with oneself but be able to dance free from the past with hopes of the future being brighter.

The same could be said about the next two songs, ‘1000 Ways’ and ‘Far Side Of The Moon’ which join a similar tone of remembrance, forgiveness and vulnerability. The combination of house beats, piano chords and harmonies make the unguarded lyricism more digestible, for both the audience and Chet. The first three tracks, all superbly written, although slightly similar in style, start the album off to a secure start only to be followed up by one of the highlights of the album- ‘This Time For Real’.

Released as part of his single, ‘Can You Swim?’, ‘This Time For Real’ takes a more indie genre style. It offers a groovy guitar rhythm along with introspective lyrics and a catchy chorus which combines with harmonies to blend together and make a great song. Expect to hear it on the radio with it being perfectly suited for driving on a summers night or dancing in the kitchen with your family. It takes the listener to a different mood, celebratory rather than reflective, which is still authentic yet pushing Chet’s ability to evolve as a songwriter. The melody gives the potential to dance, sing or just be involved which is extremely welcoming and different to those more sombre suited songs. In a world of melancholy and rage, a song which sounds so communal and fun spirited is greatly needed.

The next song, which was the title of the single ‘Can You Swim?’, is slower and more traditional in songwriting, especially with the piano and almost gospel esq. harmonies which brings the listener back to that communal essence within his work. Through the beautifully played piano, the soft singing and soul inspired harmonies, this songs creates the feeling that he’s facing his problems with those around him- asking, receiving, providing and gaining help rather than facing it on his own. It is another standout song on the album which goes from strength to strength, drawing on multi-genre inspirations and perfectly produced to create a harmonious blend.

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Track 6, ‘Remember me’ mixes strings, keys and this albums house beat undertones with a confident saxophone string that becomes  levelled out into a relaxing, jazz inspired performance with some of Chet’s best vocals to date. Beginning with him mumbling/humming to coming out in full voice provides the listener with the belief that it takes time to process and talk about things considered difficult.

In my opinion, his next song ‘Inefficient Love’ is his best on the album. It showcases Chet’s natural songwriting ability, highlights his singing, lyrics and chords that blend together to create a relaxing, reflective song. It is more of a traditional acoustic/pop song which builds then ebbs then flows. The recording is almost muffled on purpose to create a more authentic, raw piece of music. It. Is a song you could play on repeat for hours and would not surprise me if it became one of his most popular. Also released on the single, once played it will only grow and to hear it live- would be once heard, the only way to hear it again. Harmonising with himself, his ability to make music that moves the audience was never in doubt.

Track 8 is a placeholder of ambience and noises mixed together to bring the album together as a whole. Whereas, track nine, ‘The Thing About Nothing’ with his only feature- aLex vs aLex- is a soothing pop track with slow, resonating melodies and deep-felt lyrics. ‘OH NO OH NO’ is next up and feels as if it sums up the whole project in just under two minutes. It is upbeat, feels collective, and reminds me of what indie music should sound like. With clear jazz undertones, it unites an east coast beach song with a funky, smooth saxophone melody and becomes although the second shortest song on the album- one of the most memorable. Chet is evolving in taste, production and ability, moving forward to create a new, fresh sound that I hope he explores more.

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Image credit: Sarah Eiseman

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His penultimate song on the album, ‘A Level Of Light’, remains within theme of the first few songs specifically and the album as a whole. A slow, minimalist house beat overlapped with Chet’s signature vocals and piano chords. The synth builds the track and adds to the indie/neo-soul atmosphere the whole album creates. Yet, with the drop, it feels almost Fred Again like, adding the synth and quiet jungle esq. drums it could even be described similarly to liquid DnB. Overall, its a great addition to such a strong album, showcasing the ever-evolving music landscape and multi-genre artists.

Finally comes ‘Just My Hallelujah’ which finishes the album in a heart-felt, strong willed song which combines gospel features to end the album on a note of harmony and tranquility. Chet’s songwriting and vocals stand out in this track in particular, with the outside noise simply being shut out, and leaving Chet himself to navigate his place with the harmony of the backing singers. Beyond being his most introspective song of the album, it shows him facing the world with others rather than alone. Although the album focuses on Chet, this final song says that without those around him, none of it would have been possible.

This newest work combines so many genres and influences to create a coherent, well-produced album that shows musically and personally-Chet is evolving. With many avenues still yet to open, Chet has a future curating and exploring any musical adventure he takes us on. Listen to the album, ‘A Love For Strangers’, which releases February 13th, with a link to tickets of his upcoming world tour here.

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Follow CHET FAKER
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X
YouTube – Spotify – Apple Music

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Press Release 12th January 2025 (below) HERE

CHET FAKER
announces Brisbane and
Sydney headline shows
– MARCH 2026

New album
A LOVE FOR STRANGERS
out next month

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AMNPLIFY – DB