After the world wide success of his debut album In The Lonely Hour, Sam Smith been fairly quiet. This year he brings us The Thrill Of It All, which revisits themes of heartbreak and loneliness, but how does it hold up to his smash debut?
“I call them ‘dance and cry’ songs, I love songs like that.” – Sam Smith
Thanks to a whirlwind of hit singles, including being featured on 2012’s “Latch” with Disclosure, Smith enjoyed an unusually speedy rise to the top. On his Naughty Boy collaboration, “La La La”, and the hugely popular “Money On My Mind”, Smith opted for a club-friendly sound. But since these formative years, his output has steadily slowed. His transformation into a James Bond theme-tune-singing-ballad-machine certainly worked in his favour, as his first album went platinum with ease. Using a winning formula of romance, heartache, and brutal honesty, Sam Smith has won himself millions of fans. Despite some depressing themes of isolation, The Thrill Of It All also attempts to lift spirits at times. You hear of dead ends, and toxic relationships, but also of hope, and optimism.
Smith appears to have began a fresh start, both musically and perhaps in his personal life, but what remains is his unbelievable vocal control. There is unfortunately a large portion of unimaginative tracks on the album that rely too heavily on the Sam Smith recipe book. “Midnight Train” and “Baby, You Make Me Crazy” are two of the more mediocre songs, whereas by “Too Good At Goodbyes” he begins to hit his stride. It begins with a soft, slow intro, before filling up with gospel choirs and a silky string section. Lines such as “I’m never gonna let you close to me / even though you mean the most to me / ‘cos every time I open up it hurts” are just one of many needy, soppy sentiments within the lyrics. This story is not the only time that Smith lets his fans see deeply into his soul on The Thrill Of It All, baring it all to his countless listeners.
“One Last Song” takes on the tradition of late 60’s soul, somehow resulting in a melancholy, but rosy piece. Smith’s world class vocals are untouchable here, and the same can be said for the fabulous backing choir. “Burning” uses a most delicate arrangement, using hardly anymore than piano, bass guitar, and heavenly, harmonising vocal layers. Title track “The Thrill Of It All” and “Palace” both follow a similar path, however on the latter, Smith is accompanied by a charming, spacious, electric guitar instead. “Pray” was written after his trip to Iraq with the charity War Child, and is as much of a tear jerker as you would expect. He cleverly evokes sadness, and a dark tone throughout the song, but the choir almost steals the show once again with their dramatic outbursts.
Smith is not afraid to tackle more tough, personal subject matter on this album, such as the lyrics on “HIM”, which highlight closet homosexuality and homophobia. “No Peace” is the polar opposite, as Smith goes back and forth with the talented YEBBA over glitzy, cheesy pop production. “Too Good at Goodbyes” has already comfortably reached the top 10, on which he collaborated with singer/songwriter Malay. Elsewhere, the less successful Timbaland collaboration (“Pray”) misses the mark with the American beat maker begins to show his age.
Sam Smith’s follow up album may be lacking any real fireworks, but there are enough diamonds in the rough to keep listeners interested. Many fans will be delighted to hear another 14 tracks that choose not to veer to far from his first release, instead staying closer to home. The outcome is a strangely comforting listen, that hopefully will not inspire too many tears this winter. Come and have a cry at your local Richer Sounds today, with a demo of The Thrill Of It All to hear the album at it’s very best.
