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By Erin Evans
Special for The Squall
New artist, Sam Smith, released his debut album In the Lonely Hour in 2014, and since then, six of his tracks have raced to the radio. The young artist of 22 blends pop and sentimental soul in a dramatic manner. Almost two years after the release of his first, professionally recorded full-album, this album is still popular.
The album begins with an upbeat, electronically mixed song that tells listeners of Sam Smith’s sincerity. He belts that “I [Sam] don’t have money on my mind,” but in fact, he sings for the love of his fans and family. Despite the quick beat of this song, his voice comes through as pure and calm, and it is certainly a song that fans can energetically sing along with. The next track completely shifts tone, and it keeps audiences listening.
The second track, “Good Thing,” is one of my personal favorites, and it is the true beginning of the message Sam is trying to convey through his album. The song opens with a dramatic string ensemble which decrescendos to a quiet, dramatic guitar line. The opening lyrics are, “I had a dream I was mugged outside your house.”
What? Did he say mugged? Rewind. Play again. Yes, he in fact sang about dreaming of being mugged outside of his beloved’s house. Already captivated by this unique line, audiences are forced to continue listening in order to learn the rest of this heart-wrenching story.
People who have heard Sam Smith’s popular radio-hits, like “Stay With Me,” would be interested in knowing that his hits are definitely not the best tracks of the album. A common theme throughout the album is the blend of soul and pop, which results in a somewhat gospel-styled tone. A prime example is the energy-filled chorus that accompanies Smith in “Lay Me Down.”
Songs in the middle of the album are intricately placed in an order of urging his lover to remain by his side to the other side of the spectrum: revealing that his lover is his “Life Support.”
The tracks on the deluxe edition are not to be dismissed. These songs include the well-known “LaLaLa” and they are predominantly upbeat, pop songs that conclude the album on a different note than if listeners were only to hear the regular edition. The last songs end on a hope-filled note. Sam Smith suggests that he is over his past love and wants to “Restart,” and he is searching for the one who is designed for him as heard in the final track, “Make It To Me.” “Restart” is filled with electronic rhythms and contagious passion whereas “Make It To Me” conveys that there is a soul-mate for everyone, so never lose hope.
Personally, this album has played a key role in my life ever since it was revealed to me in mid-2014. A few friends and I immediately became enthralled by Sam’s enchanting vocals that uniquely mixed with catchy, ballad songs. In the years since, we have memorized each word on not just the regular album but the bonus edition as well. I have become so fascinated and attached to this album that I can begin singing the next song of the album as soon as one finishes.
Last summer, my friends and I met in Columbus for his concert while he was touring. His soulful voice was identical to the riveting voice found on his album. This proves that he is a profound, heartfelt artist who blends his pure talent and passion for music as felt through “In the Lonely Hour.”
