In the Lonely Hour
| Sam Smith
In the Lonely Hour
In the Lonely Hour is the debut studio album by British singer Sam Smith. It was released in the United Kingdom on 26 May 2014, via Capitol UK and Method Records. In the United States, it was released on 17 June 2014 through Capitol Records America. The album includes the hit singles "Money on My Mind" and "Stay with Me", both of which were number one in the UK; the latter becoming a hit worldwide, peaking in the top ten in over 20 countries, including reaching number two in the US. The album's third hit single, "I'm Not the Only One", reached number three in the UK and number five in the US. A deluxe edition of the album contains five bonus tracks, including a solo acoustic version of Disclosure's single "Latch" and Naughty Boy's number-one single "La La La", on both of which Smith provided guest vocals. -Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
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Pitchfork
From the beginning, Sam Smith seemed set for stardom, and that's the main problem with his debut album In the Lonely Hour: it feels like the record company has groomed him within an inch of his life.
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Billboard
Smith bares more than his vocal cords on this record. Every story of unrequited love that's been put to song is powerful in its own right.
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Consequence of Sound
It is inexpressive and hard to sit through despite being built for easy listening. Sam Smith has the voice of a potential powerhouse, but he doesn’t quite know how to use it yet.
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The Guardian
Sam Smith is less ordinary than his name suggests
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NY Daily News
It's the sound of tears, yet in letting them flow so freely, there's a kind of strength.
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All Music
This is an understated and promising first step from an unpredictable and distinctive talent.
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Soul Tracks
Smith is the kind of vocalist who wears his desires and insecurities on his sleeve, and those emotions come out through his vocals.
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The Telegraph
It's a shame to see a talented singer like Brits Critics' Choice Award-winner Sam Smith rushed into making the wrong record.
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The Pulp
Smith’s voice is great, but it is all too similar throughout the album. There was a lack of variation, so that would definitely be my beef with the album, but that would be my only beef.
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Pop Culture Daily
This album was truly a joy to listen to. Not many artists can come out with their debut album and produce a total smash, but Sam Smith did exactly that.
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Slant Magazine
There are enough moments of genuine musical, lyrical, and vocal virtuosity and soul to crack even the most hardened listener’s icy heart.
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AV Music
Sam Smith starts smooth and soulful, ends repetitive and redundant
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Idolator
Not only is the music beautiful, but it also showcases a theme that is applicable to all and especially apt for a young guy like Smith that is only beginning his journey to superstardom and in the world in general.
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Los Angeles Times
Sam Smith finds strength in vulnerability on 'In the Lonely Hour'
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Clash Music
A lovelorn swirl of tedious easy listening...
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Connections Academy
A solid record that never fails to surprise and deliver consistently. It’s a glorious start to Smith’s career.
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Pretty Much Amazing
Smith plays it safe, joining the growing crop of British talent with big voices and little personalities. At least he sounds pleasant though.
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the current
Seamlessly blends pop, soul, jazz and R&B. It's an ambitious album that shows Smith is both a talented singer and writer.
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Pop Matters
The quiet moments of the album prove to be the most captivating. Regardless of the setting, his voice is a revelation to behold.
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no strings attached
One word for this album: WOW.
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The Line of Best Fit
Smith’ sugary falsetto comes across a tad one dimensional and inexpressive on his solo debut.
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Audiofemme
It’s a solid and safe debut; the only experimentation Smith tries is with his own voice.
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Southern News
This album is filled with raw lyrics and emotions that any listener will be able to relate to.
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neon tommy
Smith says all of the words a broken heart needs to hear without being entirely depressing. His raw and fresh outlook on love allows listeners to sulk and empower themselves simultaneously.
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The Berklee Groove
This record demonstrates Sam’s ability as a lyricist. His lyrics are raw, conversational, and always emotional.
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Glide Magazine
Smith’s tone and his soaring vocal leads pack enough of a visceral punch to overcome moments of oversinging and sentimentality.
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pressplayok
The album never veers away from being a showcase for Smith’s voice.
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Renowned for Sound
Sam Smith is one strong person, vocalist and songwriter; he was brave enough to wear his heart on his sleeve and show the world that emotional struggles are universal.
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Financial Times
The British singer-songwriter’s soulful voice cries out for a more imaginative setting than the rote gospel-pop on his debut album
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Rob's Wall of Music
He’s creating beauty out of his heartache.
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The Camille Way
Whether he’s singing in an upbeat electronic garage song or a slow tempo romantic ballad, one thing’s for sure, Sam Smith has lungs of steel and I can’t praise him enough.
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Spotlight Report
A multifaceted record that anyone who has ever had a broken heart will relate to.
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Teen Ink
Smith pours his heart into his lyrics and shows a very personal side of himself.
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Cryptic Rock
Smith captures the hearts of every listener and musician alike. He is a tidal wave of vocal emotion.
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Journalism IZIKO
The track listing is perfect and while most songs are slow and chilled, Smith also offers a couple of songs that will make heads bob.
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Vibe
Sam Smith’s ‘In The Lonely Hour’ is Masterfully Mature
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Dub Era
The sultry, lullaby-esque album is a far cry from “Latch,” with minimalist instrumentals and a spotlight on Smith’s distinct vocals.
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The Young Folks
Due to Sam’s early success with the more dance-esque songs, I was expecting more of this approach on his debut album that while is as emotional as they come, it falls short to a massive belter on the record.
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Scene
Brit Singer Sam Smith Makes a Promising Debut with ‘In the Lonely Hour’
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The National Student
It’s a likeable mix of pop beats and soulful falsetto crooning.
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The National AE
Smith feels like a voice for the moment, rather than one for the ages.
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Sputnik
Overproduction, inconsistent insights into his own psyche, and most of all the clean, whitewashed sound we ended up with instead of a Sam Smith sound (whatever that would mean for him) demolished the soul we looked for so desperately here.
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The Flux
Sam Smith’s art as a vocalist and songwriter can’t be denied, breathtaking and expressiveness of true emotion that we can all relate to.
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Rhythm of A Life
This album is full of heartfelt songs that are incredibly relatable. They are all delivered beautifully and with an emotional honesty felt in his voice.
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Buffablog
Smith unfortunately struggles on his solo album by playing it too safe.
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The Source
The album emerges as one of the strongest in the genre for the year and will leave fans hungrily waiting for a sophomore project.
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Female First
Velvety heartfelt vocals are laid over highly emotional yet simple backing tracks, and though this record has an unbalance of ballads when compared to more upbeat tracks on offer, that's not a bad thing.
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Fact Magazine
As a performer Smith is brave, sincere and hugely talented; he probably has a great album in him, but this isn’t it.
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Culture Hash
An album of good songs, but it is also very repetitive.
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Highlight Magazine
Incredibly irresistible and perfect for anyone who has ever gotten their heart broken.
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Artistic Manifesto
An enjoyable and reputable debut, and a good start to bring authentic soul music back to the mainstream.
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The Hot List UK
In my opinion the whole album is a great listen and has to be listened to as a whole to be enjoyed how it was meant.
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Music Trespass
I really loved this album and it's one I must have in my collection.
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music omh
It’s universally accessible, and it’s the kind of pop that has the potential to dominate the charts and win over hearts during festival slots.
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Graeme O'Neil
This debut is pretty flawless. Rarely does a debut artist hit the bullseye as much as Sam does.
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Red
With catchy lyrics, near perfect storytelling and heartbreaking melodies, it's the album we all hoped it would be, and then so much more.
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DIY Magazine
Tender and heartfelt doesn’t even begin to cover how well Smith conveys his near-on harrowing melancholy.
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Mind Equals Blown
This is a solid debut for Mr. Smith, but with an amazing voice, I hope that he goes down the musical road less traveled to realize its full potential.
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Thomas Bleach
The majority of the album is inspired by an unrequited love and with his haunting voice he delivers raw and honest lyrics that will leave you with goosebumps.
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PearShaped
Sam Smith’s debut album aims to be the ‘voice for lonely people’.
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Laurel Loves...
The strength and quality of Sam’s voice; it’s amazing, soulful, passionate sound is just a joy to listen to. Sam’s song writing skills are very impressive and there isn’t a bad song on the album.
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Attitude
It's top quality, singer-songwriter, organic pop music, with tunes and production that do justice to Sam's brilliant vocals.
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HTF Magazine
If Sam Smith was feeling lonely in writing this album, lonely he is no more.
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Cleveland.com
Sam Smith delivers solid blue-eyed soul on 'In the Lonely Hour'
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The West Review
Dangerously close to the cheesy overproduced X-Factor model of music, with tracks building and building to a huge key change in which more vocals and production is introduced in a dramatic spiral of music. Although, this is often looked past, or at least excused due to Smith’s big talent.
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Glam Adelaide
It’s well worth a listen and is suitable for kick-back, feet up, chilling with friends listening.
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Fortitude Magazine
Smith’s voice and spirit sounds strong enough on this record to justify the stardom he has already achieved and the superstardom that he will achieve.
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Nouse
Overall a mixed listen – a few notable songs and an undeniably characterful voice –
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The Up Coming
It’s sincere, it’s human, with well-told stories of heartbreak, laced with modern poetic skill. The record could be more varied in style and theme but doesn’t fail to impress.
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iNFO news
English newcomer Sam Smith an emotional powerhouse on tearful, grand debut
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The Edge
This fearlessly vulnerable selection of songs showcases Smith’s knack for capturing ‘those quiet moments in life.’
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The Polaris Press
Filled with adventurous love songs with a fresh spin.
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Just For Culture
‘Money on My Mind’ is a thrilling combination of cracking vocals and a fun soundtrack, but the bulk of the other tracks on Sam Smith’s debut album are repetitive, and the lack of energy in anything but the singing becomes monotonous.
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Entertainment Focus
Certainly has everything necessary to be one of the best-selling albums of the year.
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Yuppee
One colossal yet charming gesture intend to steal hearts.
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E Times
A crystal-clear falsetto (when needed) and sparse instrument lend the music an intimacy that dares you to feel.
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The Seattle Times
Smith an emotional powerhouse on debut
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Album Confessions
A strong yet extremely sad collection of ballads
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Time Out
The squeaky-voiced pop star comes over all sad on his downbeat debut
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vidette
Smith"s new album combines musical elements for fresh sound
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Cadence Magazine
Where the album lacks high energy pop music, it is made up with personal lyrics and music that has made Smith one of this year’s most promising artists soon to crack the US.
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SF Gate
While its preponderance of mid-tempo ballads makes it lag in places, there are some moments of real inspiration here.
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