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Disclosure's loping dance-pop single "Latch," a number 11 U.K. hit in 2012, introduced Sam Smith, a London-born vocalist with a deeply emotive voice. Smith grew up listening to R&B giants Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston, but their first impression was unique, not merely for the richness of their voice, but its resoundingly expressive yet naturally delivered manner -- on a level most singers can't match with maximum effort. Early 2013 brought their debut solo single, "Lay Me Down" -- an aching singer/songwriter-soul throwback that scraped the U.K. Top 50. It was quickly eclipsed by a lead role on Naughty Boy's "La La La," a breakbeat-driven tearjerker that went to number one in the U.K. and then reached the Top 20 in the U.S. "Money on My Mind," an upbeat statement of purpose more about the soul than the heart, and "Stay with Me," a torch song with a gospel-inspired chorus, were Smith's second and third solo singles. They preceded the release of In the Lonely Hour, the singer and songwriter's debut album. Those three solo singles are here, along with seven new songs that tend to cast Smith as a heartbroken balladeer. Deep sorrow informs most of the material. Much more about mourning than movement here, Smith is bold for not attempting to capitalize on the Disclosure and Naughty Boy hits. The dominance of stripped-down backdrops -- some with merely piano, acoustic guitar, and conservative strings -- is somewhat surprising. That puts all the more focus on Smith's voice and words, the latter of which switch between borderline maudlin ("What use is money when you need someone to hold?") and disarmingly brazen ("Just leave your lover, leave him for me"). If Smith didn't have such a remarkable voice, they could stay busy composing songs for artists in several genres; the anthemic "Like I Can" could be easily adapted for a contemporary country singer, while a few others could be turned over to young pop artists in need of material that makes them sound more human. This is an understated and promising first step from an unpredictable and distinctive talent.
© Andy Kellman /TiVo
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Stuart Hawkes, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Stephen Fitzmaurice, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Recording Engineer, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Two Inch Punch, Producer, Recording Arranger, Music Production, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Benjamin Ross Ash, ComposerLyricist
℗ 2013 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Eg White, Producer, Cymbals, Guitar, Piano, Strings, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Dan Parry, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Rodney Jerkins, Producer - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Price, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Everton Nelson, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Programmer, Recording Engineer, Drum Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Lynne, ComposerLyricist - Tom Petty, ComposerLyricist - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Bass Guitar, Assistant Mixer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - William Phillips, Organ, Piano, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Drums, Percussion, Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Sylvester Earl Harvin, Drums, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Price, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Everton Nelson, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Aldred, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Price, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Everton Nelson, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Programmer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Sylvester Earl Harvin, Drums, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Fitzmaurice, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Eg White, Producer, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Recording Engineer, Strings, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Stephen Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Programmer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Charles Wong, Piano, Assistant Mixer, Asst. Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Sylvester Earl Harvin, Drums, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Matt Prime, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Murray, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Mustafa Omer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Additional Keyboards, Assistant Mixer, Asst. Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Mojam, Producer, Additional Producer, Drum Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Organ, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Sylvester Earl Harvin, Drums, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Two Inch Punch, Producer, Drum Programming, Music Production, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Charles Wong, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Benjamin Ross Ash, ComposerLyricist
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Graham Archer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Fraser T. Smith, Producer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Price, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Everton Nelson, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Harry Robinson, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Elvin Smith, ComposerLyricist - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Organ, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Sylvester Earl Harvin, Drums, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Programmer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Michael Angelo, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Zane Lowe, Producer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Additional Producer - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Charles Wong, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Stephen Fitzmaurice, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Harry Robinson, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Howard Lawrence, ComposerLyricist - Guy Lawrence, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Katie Holt, Cello, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Naughty Boy, Producer, Programming, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - James Murray, Recording Engineer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mustafa Omer, Recording Engineer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Shahid Khan, ComposerLyricist - Wez Clarke, Mixer, Programmer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, FeaturedArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, ComposerLyricist - Frobisher Mbabazi, ComposerLyricist - Al-Hakam El Kaubaisy, ComposerLyricist - Mojam, Producer, Co-Producer - Komi, Producer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Jonny Coffer, Strings, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Frobisher 'Froby' Mbabazi, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2013 Naughty Boy Recordings Limited
Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Victoria Lyon, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Drew Smith, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Howard Lawrence, Producer, Piano, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Charles Wong, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sylvester Earl Harvin, Drums, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Isobel Griffiths, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Fraser T. Smith, ComposerLyricist - Warren Zielinski, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Amy Stewart, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Isabel Grundy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Oliver Barton-Wood, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2015 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Isobel Griffiths, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Warren Zielinski, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Amy Winehouse, ComposerLyricist - Darren Heelis, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Amy Stewart, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Isabel Grundy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Oliver Barton-Wood, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2015 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Harry Craze, ComposerLyricist - Hugo Chegwin, ComposerLyricist - Craze & Hoax, Producer, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Anup Paul, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jonny Coffer, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Creek, Producer, Co-Producer
℗ 2013 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Narada Michael Walden, Composer - Shannon Rubicam, Composer - George Merrill, Composer - Charlie Paakkari, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Isobel Griffiths, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Warren Zielinski, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Disclosure, Producer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Howard Lawrence, ComposerLyricist - Guy Lawrence, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Amy Stewart, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Isabel Grundy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2015 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Kooster McAllister, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Harry Robinson, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Editor, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Disclosure, FeaturedArtist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Howard Lawrence, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Guy Lawrence, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, ComposerLyricist - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Charles Wong, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - LaDonna Harley Peters, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jamiel Blake, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Tyler McAllister, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Brendan Grieve, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Shane O'Connor, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Kristen Brooks, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Linton, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2015 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Rodney Jerkins, Producer, Drums, Bass Guitar, Organ, Percussion, Additional Producer, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Price, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Programmer, Drum Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeff Lynne, ComposerLyricist - Tom Petty, ComposerLyricist - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mary J. Blige, Vocals, FeaturedArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - William Phillips, Organ, Piano, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Drums, Percussion, Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Matt Champlin, Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2014 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Hector Delgado, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Price, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Everton Nelson, Strings, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Darren Heelis, Assistant Mixer, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Thomas, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - A$AP Rocky, Rap Vocalist, FeaturedArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Rakim Mayers, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Jodi Milliner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Upex, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Sylvester Earl Harvin, Drums, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2014 Universal Music Operations Limited
Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Fitzmaurice, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mike Horner, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Charlie Paakkari, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - John Legend, Vocals, FeaturedArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Darren Heelis, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Elvin Smith, ComposerLyricist
℗ 2015 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Album review
Disclosure's loping dance-pop single "Latch," a number 11 U.K. hit in 2012, introduced Sam Smith, a London-born vocalist with a deeply emotive voice. Smith grew up listening to R&B giants Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston, but their first impression was unique, not merely for the richness of their voice, but its resoundingly expressive yet naturally delivered manner -- on a level most singers can't match with maximum effort. Early 2013 brought their debut solo single, "Lay Me Down" -- an aching singer/songwriter-soul throwback that scraped the U.K. Top 50. It was quickly eclipsed by a lead role on Naughty Boy's "La La La," a breakbeat-driven tearjerker that went to number one in the U.K. and then reached the Top 20 in the U.S. "Money on My Mind," an upbeat statement of purpose more about the soul than the heart, and "Stay with Me," a torch song with a gospel-inspired chorus, were Smith's second and third solo singles. They preceded the release of In the Lonely Hour, the singer and songwriter's debut album. Those three solo singles are here, along with seven new songs that tend to cast Smith as a heartbroken balladeer. Deep sorrow informs most of the material. Much more about mourning than movement here, Smith is bold for not attempting to capitalize on the Disclosure and Naughty Boy hits. The dominance of stripped-down backdrops -- some with merely piano, acoustic guitar, and conservative strings -- is somewhat surprising. That puts all the more focus on Smith's voice and words, the latter of which switch between borderline maudlin ("What use is money when you need someone to hold?") and disarmingly brazen ("Just leave your lover, leave him for me"). If Smith didn't have such a remarkable voice, they could stay busy composing songs for artists in several genres; the anthemic "Like I Can" could be easily adapted for a contemporary country singer, while a few others could be turned over to young pop artists in need of material that makes them sound more human. This is an understated and promising first step from an unpredictable and distinctive talent.
© Andy Kellman /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 23 track(s)
- Total length: 01:22:57
- Main artists: Sam Smith
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: CAPITOL
- Genre: Pop/Rock Pop
© 2015 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited ℗ 2015 Capitol Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
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