Review
Sam Smith's "Gloria" tosses the singer's previously soft-edged image out the window, parading into a flamboyant carnival of emotional and musical liberation. Diving headfirst into a melange of pop, R&B, dancehall, and even a dash of choral music, the album feels like a glitter bomb exploded in the conservative club of Smith’s earlier works. With tracks like "Unholy," a naughty, campy joyride featuring Kim Petras, Sam Smith serves up cheekiness with a side of quirky musical brilliance. And in the spirit of not doing things by halves, "Love Me More" and the title track "Gloria" are nothing short of a soulful belly flop into deeper waters of personal and queer empowerment—making it clear that Smith’s voice isn’t just here to serenade, but to proclaim.
Chart-toppers mingle with intimate testimonials in "Gloria," cohesively glued together by producers from the dance-y realms of Calvin Harris to the trusted hands of Jimmy Napes. The album romps from the flirtatiously bold "I'm Not Here to Make Friends" to the empowering chorals of "Gloria," showcasing Smith’s vocal gymnastics and newfound bold swagger. Critics might tug at the simplicity of some lyrics or a hesitancy to fully unleash the promised edginess, yet the album’s exuberant energy and Smith's compelling vocals magnetize praise. It's like watching a reserved librarian transform into a sequin-clad party icon—surprising, a tad bewildering, but wholeheartedly celebratory. "Gloria," in its essence, is Smith's vibrant declaration of self-discovery, draped in a resplendent musical wardrobe. - Chloe
