The fact that Sam’s voice is so evocative makes this let down all the more heartbreaking.įinally, we come to “Lay Me Down”, which easily becomes one of, if not, the favorite song on the album. “Not In That Way” is a slow guitar ballad that perfectly depicts the conflicting feelings we feel when we fall in love with a person who doesn’t feel the same way. Sam’s ability to be vulnerable and let fans into the depths of his yearning and desires is what makes the album work and is one of his greatest strengths.Īs we near the end of the album, listeners feel perpetually stuck “In the Lonely Hour” as things don’t seem to be going well for our hero and his quest for love. The album breathes on as Sam uses his whispery falsetto to tell the one he loves that they are his “Life Support”. The song says, “We both have demons, that we can’t stand. But, he makes it absolutely clear that the other man is no match for him, as he loves not only her, but also her imperfections. Like in previous songs, it seems that Sam has a bit of competition for the love that he is pursuing. “Like I Can” speeds up the flow of the album. “I’ve Told You Know” might not be a single (yet), but it is sure to become an album favorite as Sam shows of his writing ability, weaving a story of a reluctant lover questioning his slowness to give his all to a person who has proved their love to him. “I’m Not the Only One” submerges listeners into a place of insecurity as Sam admits that though his lover says she loves him, he knows that he is not the only one and it torments him.

Next comes “Leave Your Lover”, which is not much of a change of pace, but as Sam flirts with the higher regions of his register we are completely ready to leave, even our favorite artist, to stick with Sam Smith’s unique voice and enticing lyrics. And honestly, after a song like that, it’s hard to believe any listener would not stay listening to the rest of the album. The second is his smash single “Stay With Me”, where Sam Smith takes his listeners to church by pleading his lover to stay with him. The first being “Good Thing”, where the Sam showcases the sultry vocals that fans across the world have fallen in love with all over. He immediately follows this energetic up-tempo song with two ballads. This is easy enough to glean, as love is the primary focus of the album.

The chorus professes that he is in the industry for the love. The album begins with his high-powered single “Money On My Mind”, which works as an intro to not only his album, but also his approach to music.

With production and co-writing help from Fraser T Smith (a Grammy-award winning producer and songwriter for artist like Cee-Lo, Adele, and Britney Spears), Sam Smith has created a project that is evocative and memorable. The 2014 Brit Awards “Critics Choice” winner does more than impress in his debut, but makes a statement. It is sure to have a new generation of music listeners swaying, dancing, and singing. Sam’s phenomenal voice, irresistible falsetto, and writing gift makes for a unique blend of soul and pop that has echoes of gospel influence. Sam Smith is London’s latest offering and his debut project “In the Lonely Hour” breathes new life into the soul music genre. We may have no idea what London is feeding their emerging artists, but soul music and talent is alive and well in the UK and we are forever indebted to England for sending artists like Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Ed Sheeran across the pond.

Sam smith in the lonely hour album m4a