Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour
Review by Theresa Pham
Twenty-two year old Sam Smith’s highly anticipated debut album In The Lonely Hour is pure perfection. 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. 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. His technical ability, restraint, diversity and vocal range were sent directly from the heavens above. 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.
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. After this glorious fun song, Smith immediately dives into his different encounters with love. “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. “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. 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. The song then builds to add a resounding and powerful gospel chorus that is guarantee to give anyone goosebumps. 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.
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. 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. 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. “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.
My absolutely favorite song off the album is “Not In That Way”. It has taken Smith about two-thirds of the album to finally admit the truth to both himself and the one he loves. Smith is reluctant and frustrated. This honest conversation Smith has is so familiar and simple melodically, but the contrasting vocal textures Smith plays with is breathtaking.
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. The song is surprisingly carefree and a bit conflicting for the listeners who are now emotionally invested. 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.
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. His uninhibited willingness to pour his all into the music is commendable. Every story of love that Smith carries the listener on is vivid and relatable. His endless yearning and hopeless eagerness are so pure.
In The Lonely Hour is incredibly irresistible and perfect for anyone who has ever gotten their heart broken. A MUST LISTEN IN MY BOOK.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Not In That Way”, “Make It To Me”, “I’ve Told You Now”
Website // Facebook // Twitter
