Sam Smith's 'The Thrill of It All' - A Mixed Bag of Musical Evolution and Familiarity

After a three-year hiatus, Sam Smith is back with his highly anticipated sophomore album, The Thrill of It All. As the follow-up to his debut album In the Lonely Hour, fans were eager to see how Smith would evolve as an artist and tackle new themes in his music. While some songs on the album showcase Smith's growth and maturity, others stick to familiar territory, making for a mixed bag of musical evolution and familiarity.

The album opener, 'Too Good At Goodbyes,' continues the theme of relationship narratives that was present in Smith's debut album. It's clear that he is sticking to what he does best - showcasing his beautiful and dramatic vocals - but after an album and a half of the same style, it starts to feel stale. The song features Smith's characteristic high falsetto on top of a gospel chorus, a sound that has become synonymous with his music.

One of the most notable aspects of The Thrill of It All is its thematic evolution. Smith explores new subjects such as religion, sexuality, and the magnitude of fame he's reached. These themes are threaded throughout various songs on the album, adding depth and complexity to Smith's songwriting. However, despite these lyrical changes, Smith's signature sound remains largely the same. Piano ballads featuring his high falsetto dominate nearly every track on the album.

For fans of Smith's debut album, The Thrill of It All may feel like more of the same. While it's natural for artists to want to revisit what made them successful in the first place, it can also lead to stagnation and a lack of innovation. Smith has clearly grown as an artist since his debut, but he still hasn't fully shaken off his signature sound.

Despite this, there are moments on The Thrill of It All where Smith's growth is palpable. Songs like 'Pray' and 'One Last Song' showcase a more mature and introspective side of the singer-songwriter. These tracks feature Smith experimenting with new sounds and styles, resulting in some of the most memorable songs on the album.

Ultimately, The Thrill of It All is an album that will appeal to fans of Sam Smith's earlier work while also offering glimpses into his growth as an artist. While it may not be a revolutionary departure from his debut album, it's still a solid addition to his discography and a testament to his continued evolution as a musician.

Sam smith in the lonely hour deluxe art