Grammy's "Best Album Review" (Sam Smith)

Its time again to review the nominees for "Album of the Year" (well, technically this is just the 2nd year I've done this), but anyways. The review process will be much like last year. Each track will be reviewed, followed by either a ✔(great track), an O (just okay/average), or an X(throwaway/poor). Following the review, I'll have the percentages for each rating. The raw score will come with multiplying the ✔percentage by 2, adding the O percentage, and then subtracting the X percentage. Got it? Okay. Here we go.

Sam Smith - "In the Lonely Hour"

(All Rights to Sam Smith and Capitol/Method records)

1) Money on my Mind

It starts off with a sort of EDM intro. The lyrics have a lot of imagery; "I do it for the love...I am not a puppet, I will work against your strings". This track has a throwback feel to it. The drum backing really enhances the dance sound, which is incredibly catchy. (✔).

2) Good Thing

It has a grand intro. Once again, its a very lyrical song; "too much of a good thing won't be good for long/ Although you made my heart sing, to stay with you would be wrong". Its simple instrumental backing enhances the vocals (which features a good chord progression). (✔)

3) Stay With Me

 It has a nice piano opening. The lyrics really paint a message; "Why am I so emotional? No, its not a good look, gain some self control". Its a very meaningful song about the need for attachment. (✔)

4) Leave Your Lover

It has very lyrical and at times metaphorical lyrics; "What use is money, when you need someone to hold?". This song really speaks about how you're after someone already attached, but you think they'd be perfect with you. Its a feeling most (myself included) have had at one time or another. (✔)

5) I Know I'm Not the Only One

It has an old-school feel in the intro (sort of motown-esque). The song deals with unfaithfulness and lays out the difficulties that comes with that realization. Most "cheating" songs are done with anger, but like the rest of the album thus far its done with true feeling and emotion. (✔)

6) I've Told You Now

It has a folksy intro, that transitions to a sort of old-school r&b feel. The vocals really sell this song; "Why the hell do you think I come round here on my free will". This song lays out the conflicting emotions that come from an argument in a relationship (getting your thoughts out to someone you really care for).  (✔)

7) Like I Can

This intro has sort of a rock-feel to it, with a catchy and driving beat. The lyrics really play out; "Why are you looking down all the wrong roads? When mine is the heart and the salt of the soul/ There may be lovers who hold out their hand, but they'll never love you like I can".  (✔)

8) Life Support

It has a moving string intro. This track has a nice use of falsetto from Smith. Once again, its a very lyrical song; "Sick of waking up in darkness, when the sky is always painted blue". The effects from "Money on my Mind" return, but its not overused.  (✔)

9) Not in That Way

Smith's phrasing really comes through here. Its a song where he wants to be more than friends, but is stuck.  (✔)

10) Lay Me Down

Simple instrumental backing lets Smith's vocals play out. It has powerful lyrics dealing with the longing of missing someone.  (✔)

Sam Smith's In The Lonely Hour is a fantastic album top to bottom. His vocals shine throughout. Each track is incredibly lyrical, with a finite attention to detail. Smith's rich tone and phrasing truly stands out. With this album, he really is like the male version of Adele. This album is very deserving of a perfect score.

✔ = 100%

O = 0%

X = 0%

Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour: 200

Beyonce - Beyonce: 179

Ed Sheeran - X: 151

Beck - Morning Phase: 138