Review
"In the Lonely Hour" is the emotional diary we never knew we needed! Sam Smith poured their heart and soul into this 2014 debut album, serving up a genre-bending mix of electronic, pop, and neo-soul vibes that'll leave you feeling all the feels. With sweeping ballads and richly produced tracks, Smith's powerful vocals take center stage, spilling their guts about heartbreak and unrequited love.
From anthems like "Stay with Me" and "Leave Your Lover" to emotional gut-punches like "I'm Not the Only One", Smith's storytelling skills are on full display. Their ability to weave a narrative of love, loss, and longing is ridiculously relatable – we've all been there, am I right? The production is fire, too, with lush string sections and joyful choirs that add depth and complexity to the songs.
What really sets "In the Lonely Hour" apart, though, is its ability to balance sadness and heartbreak with Smith's vocal powers and production magic. It never gets too sappy or maudlin, instead painting a beautiful, haunting portrait of love and loss. And the numbers don't lie – this album was a monster hit, topping the charts in multiple countries and scooping up that coveted Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. So, if you haven't already, listen up and get ready to stan Sam Smith! - Kenzie
