The Thrill of Sam Smith’s New Album

Three years have passed since the world was blessed with the first ever album of singer, Sam Smith. On Nov 3^rd, he released his second album and is back stronger than before. His first album sold over 12 million copies worldwide, but this one might be able to top it.

The album is titled “The Thrill Of It All”, and includes ten heartfelt songs that everyone can relate to. The album falls under the genre of contemporary R&B, with its soulful beats and the frequent inclusion of a full chorus. One could even say there is a jazzy influence in this album, but it should not be categorized as full-blown pop music. This genre follows the first, and it has become evident that this is the genre that the singer excels in. The use of a full chorus really advances the genre categorization, and is a nice touch for the album- it wasn’t included as much in his first album.

Like his first album, each song poetically describes the emotions felt within a relationship. Everything ranging from saying “I love you”, to saying goodbye, to the bitter end, and to the process of healing and moving on. Each one is packed with raw emotions that everyone can relate to. There is a perfect blend of sad breakup songs, the bitter better off without you songs, and the gushing ones about loving someone special. It’s obvious that the singer experienced a heartbreak within the past few years. One that has left him with a pleather of emotions that he spun into a beautiful album. Some songs are too specific to be thought as a just another love song.

Sam Smith has a full range in vocals, and uses this to his advantage. His work features the musical technique of falsetto for the higher notes, but the album is also packed with rich low notes. The transition and mixes within his songs are seamless. He also includes plenty of “riffs” within each song, that leaves listeners speechless.

While all ten songs are great, there are some that are better than others. Smith released the song “Too Good At Goodbyes” as a single, and it was definitely a success. Still a fan of the song, it has become extremely overplayed from radio stations. My personal favorite on the album is “Say It First”. Smith sings about the emotions he is feeling within a relationship; love. This new relationship he is in has him scared, but he knows what he is feeling could be something great. The song is a plea to the lover to express their feelings first, as he says “come on darling, if you love me, say it first”. Anyone who has ever started to fall in love, knows that it is scary and beautiful feeling. Smith describes this perfectly in this song.  Only one song features another artist and that’s “No Peace”. The other sing on the track is YEBBA; the two unique voices blend smoothly in this duet. This song would be considered more of a bitter love song. The song tells the story of someone asking and looking for something a little more within their relationship and from their partner, and that they won’t be able to find peace until then. At the bridge of the song, Smith sings “I’ll cry for you, I’d lie for you, but I don’t even know you anymore”. This represents the turning point of the relationship, and Smith continues with “now I’ll drown in my bitterness”. These are just two of my favorites on the album; each song is beautiful in its own way.

If you haven’t listened to “The Thrill Of It All”, go now. Listen for hours upon hours. It will not disappoint you. Cherish the musical gift of Smith’s voice, rejoice with the full chorus, and appreciate the thoughtful lyrics. Sam Smith opened his heart and poured every ounce into this album, job well done.

Three years have passed since the world was blessed with the first ever album of singer, Sam Smith. On Nov 3^rd, he released his second album and is back stronger than before. His first album sold over 12 million copies worldwide, but this one might be able to top it.

The album is titled “The Thrill Of It All”, and includes ten heartfelt songs that everyone can relate to. The album falls under the genre of contemporary R&B, with its soulful beats and the frequent inclusion of a full chorus. One could even say there is a jazzy influence in this album, but it should not be categorized as full-blown pop music. This genre follows the first, and it has become evident that this is the genre that the singer excels in. The use of a full chorus really advances the genre categorization, and is a nice touch for the album- it wasn’t included as much in his first album.

Like his first album, each song poetically describes the emotions felt within a relationship. Everything ranging from saying “I love you”, to saying goodbye, to the bitter end, and to the process of healing and moving on. Each one is packed with raw emotions that everyone can relate to. There is a perfect blend of sad breakup songs, the bitter better off without you songs, and the gushing ones about loving someone special. It’s obvious that the singer experienced a heartbreak within the past few years. One that has left him with a pleather of emotions that he spun into a beautiful album. Some songs are too specific to be thought as a just another love song.

Sam Smith has a full range in vocals, and uses this to his advantage. His work features the musical technique of falsetto for the higher notes, but the album is also packed with rich low notes. The transition and mixes within his songs are seamless. He also includes plenty of “riffs” within each song, that leaves listeners speechless.

While all ten songs are great, there are some that are better than others. Smith released the song “Too Good At Goodbyes” as a single, and it was definitely a success. Still a fan of the song, it has become extremely overplayed from radio stations. My personal favorite on the album is “Say It First”. Smith sings about the emotions he is feeling within a relationship; love. This new relationship he is in has him scared, but he knows what he is feeling could be something great. The song is a plea to the lover to express their feelings first, as he says “come on darling, if you love me, say it first”. Anyone who has ever started to fall in love, knows that it is scary and beautiful feeling. Smith describes this perfectly in this song.  Only one song features another artist and that’s “No Peace”. The other sing on the track is YEBBA; the two unique voices blend smoothly in this duet. This song would be considered more of a bitter love song. The song tells the story of someone asking and looking for something a little more within their relationship and from their partner, and that they won’t be able to find peace until then. At the bridge of the song, Smith sings “I’ll cry for you, I’d lie for you, but I don’t even know you anymore”. This represents the turning point of the relationship, and Smith continues with “now I’ll drown in my bitterness”. These are just two of my favorites on the album; each song is beautiful in its own way.

If you haven’t listened to “The Thrill Of It All”, go now. Listen for hours upon hours. It will not disappoint you. Cherish the musical gift of Smith’s voice, rejoice with the full chorus, and appreciate the thoughtful lyrics. Sam Smith opened his heart and poured every ounce into this album, job well done.

The Thrill Of It All, Sam Smith. Capitol Records UK. Nov 3^rd, 2017. Contemporary R&B. $9.99