★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
Traditional love songs told from a neglected perspective. The concept of troubled relationships and heartbreak has been worn out. However, when an artist such as British songwriter Sam Smith pours his soul into a ten-track collection, the emotions appear to be raw and real. His debut album, In the Lonely Hour, focuses on personal lyrics, haunting vocal performances and the story of the artist's recent coming out.
Preceded by a few singles, including the surprise hit "Stay With Me" and lead offering "Lay Me Down", the new album from Smith combines intriguing instrumentals with private confessionals of pain and loneliness from the talented artist. Packed with slow to mid-tempo ballads, the contents of the effort can start to sound one in the same, but each definitely deserve to shine bright on their own. For the downtrodden and painfully broken, this album is for you.
After appearing on Disclosure's "Latch" and Naughty Boy's "La La La", the most upbeat Smith gets on his new album is on second single "Money on My Mind". Speaking of the fame and fortune that came with his record deal, the artist makes music for the love and the thrill. "Please don't get me wrong, I wanna keep it moving, I now what that requires, I'm not foolish," he sings of the complicated music industry which does not seem to be phasing him.
On "Good Thing", Smith chooses to focus on the happier times in a relationship, even if they helped in the ultimate deterioration. The guitar-driven slow ballad is a personal peak into the artist's love life, how he looks back on his days with his former flame. The finished product is a tragically beautiful piece where the artist puts his needs first. We all want to stay in a comfortable relationship, even when we know it's not the right thing to do.
Ever since the touching "Stay With Me" debuted, and so far peaked in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, Smith's star has been glowing brighter. Though the song may only clock in at under three minutes, it wastes no time at resonating with its love torn young listeners. "Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand, but I still need love 'cause I'm just a man," Smith sings on the opening line of his applaud-worthy single that needs no dance beat or gimmick.
"Leave Your Lover" is an important addition to the new album as it, along with the accompanying music video, is basically Smith's public coming out story. Things get tricky for the artist when he falls in love with another's man. He does not care if it's wrong, he cannot seem to keep his heart at bay for the person he cares for, even going as far as to pleading with the man to leave his lover. Adultery never sounded so sweet.
Smith is now dealing with his own relationship lies and deceit on "I'm Not the Only One", a heartbreaking and depressing ballad when one comes to the realization of a cheating lover. The artist's vocals are usually the main highlight of his work, and the are near perfect on this track, but the songwriting is what makes it an unfortunate winner. There is a sense of pain in the tone of Smith's voice as he spills a page of his journal to listeners.
Once you get to the second half of the album, the same tone and progression can make "I've Told You Now" sounds a little boring and dated. While still a great effort, with an impressive vocal performance from Smith on the soulful chorus, the song just doesn't pack as strong of a punch as the preceding tracks. The artist does pour his heart and soul out, however, it seems wasted on a lackluster story and songwriting.
One of the many highlights from the new album comes thanks to "Like I Can", where Smith is supported by a full band and a glorious choir. "There may be lovers who hold out their hand, but he'll never love you like I can," the artist belts on the infectious and heartfelt chorus. The subject matter has been touched on before, but here it seems thoughtful and touching, sharing deep feelings and emotions with a person who is still hooked on someone else.
The artist's vocal range is remarkable and it thankfully takes center stage on "Life Support". Addicted to one's love may be unhealthy and Smith does have some sort of relapse, singing that he now sleeps with the lights on since he no longer has his drug. It is a sweet yet somber metaphor, feeling unable to move on without the love of your life, and even though Smith has never been in a relationships, he's nailed the after effects.
"Not In That Way" is a song written for all those who has felt the cold shoulder of the "friend zone", a song detailing the pain of unrequited love. The track is a simple one, no vibrant instrumentals, no crazy vocal deliver, just an honest confession followed by an understanding. "You's say I'm sorry, believe me, I love you, but not in that way," Smith sings on one of the record's brightest moments. However, just when tears begin to fall, it's over.
Smith's debut solo single is all over the place, but that is what makes it powerful and memorable. "Lay Me Down" closes out the flawless album and shows the artist on a song with a bit more theatrics as he sings about the longing to care for his love. The light backing string instrumentals are in perfect harmony with Smith's impressive vocal delivery as the song continues to reach new heights before finally coming to an end.
For the deluxe edition of the album, "Restart" is a more upbeat look into Smith's life after his initial despair has faded. A decent effort, but nothing too extraordinary. An acoustic version of Disclosure's "Latch" is a welcomed surprise as it is given a new somber feel when the uptempo production is taken away. "La La La" by Naughty Boy is also included. It may not fit in incredibly well with the track list, but is still a thrilling listen. Finally, "Make It to Me" finds Smith stumbling back into his sorrow-filled ways, chasing after a man who seems to have lost his way.
In the Lonely Hour is a strong yet extremely sad collection of ballads detailing the pain and heartache of love from an artist who has not even experienced a relationship firsthand. We may have not found love just yet, but Sam Smith gives the lovestruck audience an album of material they can resonate with. Thanks to Smith's captivating, one of a kind vocal performances throughout, his personal story-like lyrics are able to sound like the true confessions they were meant to be. Most of the songs were inspired by his love for a man that was never returned. Must have been love at first sight because Smith pours his heart out in his brilliant debut album.
Tracks to Hear: "Stay With Me", "I'm Not the Only One", "Like I Can" and "Not In That Way"
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