In the Lonely Hour: Sam Smith Album Review
By Jessie S.
Three hit singles, one album, one year, and a rise to fame. These are the accomplishments of recording artist Sam Smith, who’s soulful, passionate vocals rapidly lifted him to the top of the charts and skyrocketed him into mainstream popularity. On May 26th of 2014, he released his first full length LP (Long Play, or album) entitled, In the Lonely Hour, which became the third best-selling album of the year next only to Taylor Swift’s 1989. With six 2015 Grammy nominations (four of which he won on Sunday, February 8), It is undeniable that Sam Smith has quickly made a name for himself in the modern music world. The album started off with his first hit single, “Money on My Mind”. In this track, Smith’s strong vocal work rings clear over an instrumental layered with fast paced drums, bold piano chords, and techno sound effects that are reminiscent of a 90’s video game.
The fourteen track album does an excellent job of showcasing Smith’s classic sound, and it comes together as an audible feast for the trained ear. Overall, “Money on my Mind” is a promising start for the LP. Tailing it from behind is a track called “Good Thing”, a ballad which comes as a striking contrast to the previous song. The rest of the album effortlessly meets exceptional standards of talent, and class. Overall, ‘In the Lonely Hour’ is a solid record that never fails to surprise and deliver consistently. It’s a glorious start to Smith’s career, and it will certainly be remembered as a 21st century masterpiece.
