Words by:
Dan Bull
Follow @DanBull7609
For Sam Smith the pressure is on. Not only the winner of the BBC’s Sound Of 2014 and The BRIT’s Critics Choice award, he was also one of Stagedoor FM’s 14 For 2014. “We look forward to 2014 where we’ll hopefully be hearing that all-important debut album”, we said back in December 2013, and are we disappointed? No we are not.
While earlier collaborations with Disclosure, Naughty Boy and even his own #1 Money On My Mind pointed towards a more upbeat, almost ‘garage-heavy’ sound, it soon becomes obvious that In The Lonely Hour is fuelled by real old-school R&B, rather than the derivatives that have come from it. Smith’s debut album has been described as both “the diary of a lonely 21 year old” following an unrequited love story, and “an album for those who have never been in love”, and both sides to the story can be heard instantly.
“For a moment I believed you loved me too” he croons during Good Thing, the album’s second tracks and one which instantly derails from opener Money On My Mind to reveal a soulful side to Smith, and a voice that has an authoritative vigour, even during some of the softer moments, while during Stay With Me, he admits to still needing love, “cause I’m just a man”. The choir-featuring chorus highlights an artist with huge aspirations, and hoping to reach out to many, while the instant euphoria of gospel chants are also used to deliver I’m Not The Only One (which wouldn’t have sounded out of place on John Newman’s debut) and Like I Can. The latter – at just 2.47 – builds from simple strums to a huge chorus, showcasing the extent of Smith’s vocal and the craft of his songwriting. Adele comparisons may be obvious, but Like I Can plays out like Rolling In The Deep, and while they’re huge boots to fill, Sam’s already on the right track for a career like the former fellow BRIT’s Critics Choice winner.
Debut albums are rarely faultless, and the bulk of In The Lonely Hour could certainly have benefited from some of the more upbeat moments that feature on the Deluxe Edition. Restart (co-written and produced by Zane Lowe) channels 90’s chillout-dance, offering the same lyrical content over instrumentation a little more funky, while Reminds Me Of You plays with electronics and synthesizers, and even an acoustic take on Disclosure collaboration Latch offers a more uplifting melody, showcasing how far he’s come and respecting those who have played a part. All diaries have moments that should remain personal, and some lyrics (particularly during Life Support) share this idea.
On the whole, however, it’s a successful take on soul from an artist full of the stuff, and one who lives up to the accolades given before his debut had been released. What use is money when you need someone to hold? he asks during Leave Your Love, making his claim of I do it for the love from Money On My Mind – and therefore his entire musical output – seem even more authentic, honest and credible.
In The Lonely Hour is out now; hit the iTunes link to download straight away.
