Sam Smith: The Thrill Of It All

love it

Wow. I'm more of a heavy rock man myself, but dip into many other genres and love a good voice and well written songs that get to the heart. Sam had filtered slowly into my consciousness (via you tube etc) so thought I'd dip a toe in and buy this. And I loved the Bond theme. But this album is FANTASTIC! A modern, clever update of a soul style with, almost, gospel (in a VERY good way) overtures that gets into your head and you can't, and don't want to, get it out again. All my other fine music is on the back burner as I just have to keep listening to this. What a voice. Excellent production, superb musicianship and backing vocals as well. The best of everything. If you love fine music of any genre just buy it and buy the special edition, as it's worth the extra. I'll be adding more of Mr Smith to my collection, that's for sure and I really, REALLY hope he continues with the fine job he did on this album. Full marks Mr Smith, more please!

loved this sam smith album and great price from seller

No show-ponying, no tricky production, just good old-fashioned storytelling and an impressive vocal talent. Sam Smith's sophomore is an album made up of heartbreak and emotional uncertainty that will not be a surprise to anyone familiar with his debut, the 12+ million-selling "In the lonely hour", a record that was a look into the heart of a boy helplessly in love. "The thrill of it all" is filled with more tales of heartbreak, unrequited love, yearning and loss. Listening to this new set is a richer experience than "Lonely hour" thanks to the songwriting that reflects some of the fraught emotions at play in Smith's life (he has been candid about his struggles with alcohol, relationships, and the burden of sudden fame). Of course, his voice remains a thing of wonder throughout (whispered baritones, ultra-high falsettos, melisma, vibrato); distinctive and powerful enough to command the spotlight in every song, his beautiful phrasing and swooping vocal twists make the listening experience seem even more poignant. The production is emotive, invoking old-school blues and gospel vibes, with dramatic strings and choral swells appropriately providing the musical backdrop to the complicated relationship between sacred and secular that is explored on a couple of tracks (hip-hop producers Timbaland and Malay who have been brought in have done a marvellous job). While many gifted singers labour under busy arrangements, SS keeps his voice at the forefront. Evidenced by the way the sparse arrangements leave that golden voice front and centre, this very nakedness evokes genuine emotional connection. That is one of the most engaging aspects on this set, along with Smith's heartbreaking sadness throughout while clinging to heartache even as he strives to let it go. "I have never believed in you, but I'm gonna pray", he says on the brilliant promo single "Pray". After all, "Everyone prays in the end". That is probably one of the album's most compelling moments, and a pretty shocking realization. Many standout tracks are to be found: first single "Too good at goodbyes" reflects Smith's growing confidence; "Pray" and "Say it first" are prime examples of his vocal strength; the old soul-styled "One last song" is a gorgeous sad ode to a former lover; and his duet ballad with new artist Yebba, "No peace", is stunning. The greatest of all is "Him", a song about a different kind of lonesomeness, addressing the conflict between the openly gay Smith's sexuality and his religious upbringing. Standing as his most explicitly autobiographical song to date, and given an appropriately pensive, cinematic production, this is the album's boldest lyrical statement. “Don't you try and tell me that God doesn't care for us / It is him I love", he sings pointedly. "Holy Father, judge my sins", he declares, "I'm not afraid of what they'll bring". Credit is due for his brave stance. The accompanying 12-page booklet is fittingly bleak, with lyrics, credits, and a thank-you note by Sam. He looks leaner, more healthy and confident than in the past nowdays, a good change for him. It is tempting to read the album's title ironically, but for as pained as he sounds, he is channeling his demons into songs that are impressively warm and welcoming, and genuinely soulful. From a place of insecurity and hope, allowing him to get even deeper and more personal than he did on his debut, "The thrill of it all" is despondent, yet, very enjoyable. On paper, the album looks like a leap forward, but it actually feels more like a fine-tuning of Sam Smith's craft, rather than a bold artistic statement. It is only his second offering, there is time for him to become artistically more adventurous. For the time being, this old-fashionedly romantic and painfully honest retro-soul/pop offering, despite some minor misses (ie. tracks #5 and #7), is rather thrilling.

I am really impressed with the range of songs and Sam's voice on this CD. I loved his first CD but this one is even better. He uses a gospel choir and really seems to experiment with the range of his voice which works brilliantly. All the songs are quite different but all equally as good. I don't usually like every track on a CD but I do with this one. Great to listen to

I wanted to go see Sam and all the tickets sold out so to cheer myself up I went for the Vinyl release special edition, this album is purely amazing I love it. Sadly I had a bad copy mine had a fault and skips, but Amazon being Amazon, are fantastic and have ordered me a replacement. Thank you Amazon! This Record is a must have and you get a card inside for a free download, I haven’t used mine yet!

Applause to Sam Smith and music production crew for making great music Applause to the manufacturer for making such good pressing. I love that they include black paper inner sleeve that better for restoring the discs. Applause to Amazon UK, my order's arrived 1 week prior to estimating date, and packed so well they didn't bend or have any damage. Buy with confidence guys!!!

Bought as a gift for my girlfriend, bought it as more of a decorative piece than to be played. Music-wise, the album is great I’ve listened to it many times and there isn’t a track I dislike. Came next day and looks great just stood on a shelf as a decoration. Great price too.

C'est un album efficace, original. De belles mélodies, rythmées ou douces et toujours la voix envoûtante de Sam Smith. Après une journée de travail harassante, écouter cet album me détend au plus haut point.

Love this album, glad I found it on vinyl! It was missing on my Sam’s collection.

アップルミュージックにて、普段は聴いていて、うるさくないのが、とても好きなので、思い切ってレコードを購入。やはり、落ち着きます。外国の方だと、一歩たがえれば、うるさく感じる時もありますが、此方はうるさくないです。

Good quality no skips or noise

Es una obra de arte este disco musicalmente. Y este Vinilo doble Está diseñado de manera exquisita. Si te gusta Sam Smith y quieres disfrutar de un sonido real hazte con él.