After three years of waiting, Sam Smith has finally come out with a new album: The Thrill of It. Sam Smith has come back in full force with this new album, and it is everything fans have been hoping for.
With a total of 14 different tracks totaling 49 minutes, Smith offers a variety of heart-wrenching songs full of emotion. This album does not stand out in his growth as a vocal artist or songwriter, simply because Sam Smith has never waivered in those areas. Instead, this piece offers a deeper insight into Smith's growth as a person on a journey to find love and acceptance.
With 4 tracks already favorites on Apple Music, this album is sure to rise to the top of the charts in the next few weeks. Smith was seen on an episode of Carpool Karaoke to promote his new album. However, I feel like Smith leaves everything he needs to say about his music and his style in the music. Instead of talking about the album, he spends time letting the audience into his personal life and goals.
Sam Smith has come a long way, and is an artist I would love to see live. His vocals do not match anyone else’s and his music has the ability to move someone to tears. In the episode of Carpool Karaoke, Smith tells James Corden that he was the first person to draw attention to one of his songs on social media. James replies with the statement that he didn’t know Smith at the time, but he "just heard a voice that [he] knew [he] would listen to for the rest of [his] life.”
I expect to see Sam Smith rise up even more after this new album, including more late night talk show performances. I am going to call it right now and say that Sam Smith will headline the Friday night show of Austin City Limits next year.
One of my favorite tracks on this new album is Too Good at Goodbyes. This song speaks to all of those who are accustomed to break ups, and can forget about someone in an instance. Smith sings about the feeling of being able to empty out your feelings and be able to move on to be able to survive the heartbreak. The melody and lyrics are something that I think resonates with everyone. That is why Sam Smith is an artist that people can connect to.
While Smith traditionally sings of his heartbreak and struggles, this album is different from In The Lonely Hour, his last album. It is apparent in the upbeat songs in this new album that he is in a much happier place and has grown a lot.
As a listener it is something special when an artist can connect with you simply through the music, and you can hear a transformation. Sam Smith is an artist to look out for and one to put on your concert bucket list.