Samuel Frederick Smith is one of the outstanding singer-songwriters in this generation. He has earned himself 25 various awards. The awards range from the BET Awards to the most recent Academy Award for his original song, "Writing on the Wall," which was featured in the most recent 007 movie, "Spectre." He has a resume that would make anyone cry, and has had hit after hit since 2009. However, with so many hits, there are bound to be performances that slip through the cracks, and can go unseen, and I have compiled some of my personal favorites that not many know about:
1. "How Will I Know?"
The song was made famous by the late Whitney Houston. But, when searching for this song, the first version that pops up is one of his first song covers just after he released the song "Stay with Me." Let me just say it's #Perfect.
2. "When I Was Your Man"
This Bruno Mars hit was released in 2012, and shortly after, BBC Radio 1 asked him to cover the #1 hit. BBC Radio 1 is known for asking music stars specifically to cover each others' songs.
3. "Lay Me Down" (ft. John Legend)
Sam Smith's "Lay Me Down" was released on his popular album "The Lonely Hour" and has since gained attention, specifically by the duet between Sam Smith and John Legend, which has since been professionally recorded, and played numerously on the radio.
4. "Stay With Me" (ft. Mary J. Blige)
One of Sam Smith's idols has been Mary J. Blige, and they had the privilege of recording this song for the her album "London Sessions," and they performed the hit at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
5. "Hotline Bling"
This #1 hit, being iconic for Drake's dance moves in the "Hotline Bling" music video. BBC Radio 1 had Sam Smith back to cover the pop hit along with the band Disclosure.
6. "Make It To Me" (ft. Howard Lawrence)
This song was also featured on Sam Smith's popular album, "The Lonely Hour." However, in this stripped down version, Howard Lawrence has a piano and Sam Smith has a microphone, and they just go with it live.
7. "Not In That Way" / "Can't Help Falling In Love"
A staple for Sam Smith concerts. He effortlessly mashes up two songs, "Not in That Way" and Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love."
8. "Nirvana"
For all of the early Sam Smith lovers, Nirvana was originally featured on his EP, and has since grown to have its own acoustic version which is #Flawless.
9. "Stay With Me" (ft. Ed Sheeran)
Ed Sheeran has been a fan favorite to do mashups and duets with other popular music artists, and Sam Smith is no exception. At his concert, he brings Ed Sheeran onstage to sing his #1 hit "Stay With Me."
10. "Berlin"
Sam Smith covers Ry X's iconic song "Berlin" in the Live Lounge and does justice to Ry X, and his title album song.
11. "Together"
Another one of his lesser known songs with the band Disclosure. It originally featured Nile Rogers and Jimmy Napes. But in this version, Sam Smith does it solo.
12. "Money On My Mind" (ft. Taylor Swift)
"Money On My Mind" was also a very early song on his EP, which also made it onto his album "The Lonely Hour." Taylor Swift had been dying to sing with Sam Smith, and during a Taylor Swift concert, they both graced the stage together.
13. "Skies of Rain"
"Skies of Rain" was one of Sam Smith's songs that has not made it onto his album or EP, but has been recorded and sung at many of his smaller venue concerts.
14. "Drowning Shadows"
"Drowning Shadows" is also one of his lesser known songs that was released with his album, "The Lonely Hour."
15. "My Funny Valentine"
"My Funny Valentine," made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, has become a staple at his concerts and live performances, and Sam Smith of course crushes it!
16. "Happy Birthday"
This man can sing "Happy Birthday" and have it be the best thing ever.
17. "We Are Young" (ft. Tich)
Early on in his career, he performed with a group called Tich, in which he covered "We Are Young" by the group Fun.
18. "Tears Dry On Their Own"
"Tears Dry On Their Own," made famous by Amy Winehouse back in 2006, is rarely performed at Sam Smith concerts, but he has it in his repertoire, and ready to perform and bless our ears.
19. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Sam Smith enjoys the holiday spirit in this fun little number, where he adds the Sam Smith spin to this classic holiday song.
We have all grown to love Sam Smith and his iconic voice that perfectly describes millennial music as it should be today. His vocal range is astounding, and he is one of the best live performers I've ever heard. If you ask anyone who has been to any of his concerts, they'll say that he sounds exactly the same as the recording, if not better.