By Richard Marmolejo/campus editor
English singer-songwriter Sam Smith released his newest album, The Thrill of It All, and it’s leaving listeners holding their lighters up in the air.
The sophomore album, which was released Nov. 3, debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Store’s album sales chart.
It has been a while since Smith released his first album In The Lonely Hour. And it’s refreshing to hear his voice again.
The Thrill of It All features the same soul, pop and contemporary rhythm-and-blues vibe that his fans know and love. The album is comprised of a variety of catchy tunes and powerful lyrics throughout 14 songs.
A new aspect of the album is the frequent inclusion of a choir throughout the songs.
The album’s first song is a single released back in September, “Too Good at Goodbyes,” which sets up the emotional journey of the album.
“One Last Song,” conveys a groovy, soulful tone that had yet been explored by Smith. It’s about wanting to get over a lover and dealing with the process of moving on.
A song that catches the listener’s attention is “HIM.” It touches on the topic of homosexuality, which Smith proudly advocates, and its constant quarrel with religion. It’s a very personal piece that tackles the stigma between the two that a lot of LGBT fans might relate to in their own lives.
Contrasting the downhearted feel of Smith’s usual music, the album offers a relatable storytelling element that reveals a lot about him as well as his personal experiences.
A song that paints a vivid picture in the audience’s mind is “Scars.” A soft guitar melody carries the song into a lyrical tale about a child acknowledging his parent’s struggle with raising three kids while dealing with a divorce.
Smith’s unique way of conveying raw emotion in his music, which is present throughout the collection, helps ensure fans that this album is worth the buy.
His spine-chilling falsetto, breathtaking vocal range and haunting low notes combine to make the album a memorable one.
