Sam Smith Appreciation

In the era of auto tune, electric dance music (EDM) and countless boy bands, Sam Smith 22, has been a pleasant addition to the popular music scene that no one saw coming. With reality television and Youtube being the primary avenues explored by tastemakers looking for the next pop star, some might be surprised that Smith was ever discovered. However, once you listen to his debut album, “In the Lonely Hour”, you will realize why he has recently dominated the music charts. It is second only to Taylor Swift’s “1989” as the highest selling album of 2014. 

Smith first emerged in the U.K.’s music scene when he was featured in Disclosure’s hit song “Latch” back in February 2013. Now, fast forward to a little more than a year and a half later. Sam Smith has the fastest selling debut album this year with over 100,000 in the first week, and a hit single called “Stay with Me” that took over the radio. 

This London born singer and Youth Music Theatre alum’s signature is his instantly recognizable voice, which is fitting, because he claims such greats as Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse as major influences. Smith, Winehouse, and Houston all have power house voices that can reach the highest and lowest of notes that most people can only dream of hitting. The passion and charisma that Smith embodies in his music contrasts refreshingly with today’s music world, which has lately been regurgitating one troubled pop star after another.

If you do not believe or agree with all of the praise that Sam Smith has rightly earned, I suggest you listen to his unique gospel twist on pop songs yourself. Smith is about to start a North American tour in 2015, and he will be at the UIC Pavilion on Jan. 23.

In the meantime, here are some personal videos of him covering the Arctic Monkeys hit “Do I Wanna Know” and performing his own song “Lay Me Down”.

-Kate