So, after much anticipation, thanks to him teasing clips on Instagram followed by an announcement, Sam Smith released his second album, The Thrill of it All. We had a hint of what his new stuff would sound like, when I reviewed his comeback and Too Good at Goodbyes here, but now, we get to hear the whole album. Yay!This album has songs that we all know and love from Sam, which is beautiful melancholic songs relating to heartbreak. One of the songs that really brought attention to me was Midnight Train, with these beautifully sad lyrics: I picked up the pieces on the Midnight Train/ Darling I have my reasons but I can't explain. The other poignant song is One Last Song, which is effectively a message to an ex: I know you don't want to talk to me/So this is what I'll do/...Here's one last song for you.
Not only does this album feature some beautiful songs, it also contains a personal song, in the form of Scars. Unfortunately, it is only available on the Special Edition of the album but it is a song that shouldn't be skipped. It is written about and for his parents, making a point that he is proud of his mother and father and that despite their separation, they still found time to help him and his siblings through it and cleared up (my) scars.
The thing about Sam Smith is he uses his platform as an opportunity to speak out on topics that still get prejudice, with one them being homosexuality, which is why the track HIM is probably the most important track out there. Listening to the song, you maybe thinking, "It's about a son coming out to his dad. How sweet." When you delve deeper, it is actually about a boy with a religious background coming out, which is important as it is often people with a religious background who suffer prejudice with coming out, due to the views of the bible. Having someone like Sam, who writes songs like HIM can help these people to come to terms with their sexuality.
Overall, The Thrill of it All is another beautiful and personal album from Sam Smith, which I am sure will be as successful as In the Lonely Hour. As for awards? Well, here's hoping it'll pick up at least one...or two...or three, because it deserves it!
Em x
