The dominance of stripped-down backdrops - some with merely piano, acoustic guitar, and conservative strings - is somewhat surprising. Much more about mourning than movement here, Smith is bold for not attempting to capitalize on the Disclosure and Naughty Boy hits. Deep sorrow informs most of the material. Those three solo singles are here, along with seven new songs that tend to cast Smith as a heartbroken balladeer. They preceded the release of In the Lonely Hour, the singer and songwriter's debut album. "Money on My Mind," an upbeat statement of purpose more about the soul than the heart, and "Stay with Me," a torch song with a gospel-inspired chorus, were Smith's second and third solo singles. It was quickly eclipsed by a lead role on Naughty Boy's "La La La," a breakbeat-driven tearjerker that went to number one in the U.K. Early 2013 brought their debut solo single, "Lay Me Down" - an aching singer/songwriter-soul throwback that scraped the U.K. Smith grew up listening to R&B giants Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston, but their first impression was unique, not merely for the richness of their voice, but its resoundingly expressive yet naturally delivered manner - on a level most singers can't match with maximum effort. hit in 2012, introduced Sam Smith, a London-born vocalist with a deeply emotive voice. A MUST LISTEN IN MY BOOK.Disclosure's loping dance-pop single "Latch," a number 11 U.K. In The Lonely Hour is incredibly irresistible and perfect for anyone who has ever gotten their heart broken.
His endless yearning and hopeless eagerness are so pure. Every story of love that Smith carries the listener on is vivid and relatable. His uninhibited willingness to pour his all into the music is commendable. Smith does not only rely on his stupidly amazing vocal abilities, but it is the writing and his openness that is so touching and heart wrenching. After multiple listens, I have also realized that the song could also be a calling to his true love to eventually make it to him. The song is surprisingly carefree and a bit conflicting for the listeners who are now emotionally invested. The album ends where the journey somewhat began and even through all the anger and depression Smith endured, he goes back to asking the one person he loves to come back. This honest conversation Smith has is so familiar and simple melodically, but the contrasting vocal textures Smith plays with is breathtaking.
It has taken Smith about two-thirds of the album to finally admit the truth to both himself and the one he loves. My absolutely favorite song off the album is “Not In That Way”. “I’m Not the Only One” is the first turning point in the album and Smith’s struggle to find love where he picks himself back up. The growl Smith has in his lower range, as heard in “I’m Not the Only One” and “I’ve Told You Now” are gorgeous. As someone who has spent months listening to his EPs in anticipation of this LP, I was most surprised by the anger in many of his songs. Most of In The Lonely Hour escalates to an explosive emotional climax that is so controlled you can hear the guitarist’s fingers moving along the fretboard.
From begging a one night stand to stay the night to the one he loves to leave his lover, “Leave Your Lover” is apparent of Smith’s hopeless romantic beliefs. The song then builds to add a resounding and powerful gospel chorus that is guarantee to give anyone goosebumps. With lyrics such as “This ain’t love it’s clear to see, But darling, stay with me,” Smith understands the reality of the situation, but is willing to take anything he can get. “Stay With Me” is Smith’s desperate plea for a one-night stand to stay the night, yet has somehow turned the plea to highlight his true loneliness. “Leave Your Lover” and “Stay With Me” were the first two songs I heard from Smith and will always hold a special place in my heart. After this glorious fun song, Smith immediately dives into his different encounters with love. The album opens up with “Money on My Mind”, a pulsating upbeat song that showcases his falsetto over the catchy hook that goes against the song title. His vocals are often accompanied and laid on top a bed of strings accompanied with a simple but oh so emotionally driven piano chords progressions, highlight his talents. His technical ability, restraint, diversity and vocal range were sent directly from the heavens above. Think old school blue eyed soul and charm, but with Barry Gibb’s falsetto, hints of R&B and the technique of a jazz singer. Though he originally rose to fame after lending vocals to trendsetting house duo Disclosure’s song “Latch”, it was impossible not to be completely enamored with Smith’s voice. Twenty-two year old Sam Smith’s highly anticipated debut album In The Lonely Hour is pure perfection.
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