Sam Smith just release his first album In the Lonely Hour, this June 17 in the United States. He's not new to the music scene though, as I'm sure a few of you remember the song "Latch" by Disclosure featuring him in 2012.
While he was working on these collaborations, Smith, was also working on his own EP set to release
in 2013. The EP, titled Nirvana, with an acoustic solo version of "Latch" didn't make that much of an impact worldwide, but the first single "Lay Me Down" was a huge hit. In a distinct shift from his collaborations, the song is more soulful with a sparse piano background.
The rest of the EP is a mixture of Adele, John Legend and Frank Ocean. With slow beats and powerful vocals, the songs begin to sound similar after repeated listens (much like Adele). Smith continued to gain critical acclaim winning the 2014 Critics' Choice at the Brit Awards while being given the go ahead to release a full album.
Enter In The Lonely Hour - his debut album. Smith was not only critically acclaimed, but now a family name. Mostly due to the song Stay With Me. Similar to Lay Me Down, this ballad-like song has swept over the radio waves and across the pond.
Some critics think Smith isn't unique enough to stay big. Sure his voice is the "male-Adele", and his songs could be John Legend songs. But combine Adele and John Legend and you get an experience that is uniquely Smith. He's hear to stay, and I cannot wait to sit down and listen to the entire album.
