Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 110 Best Albums of the 2010s, representing a varied cross-section of artists, genres, and styles. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & album index here.
SAM SMITH | In the Lonely Hour
Capitol/Method (2014)
Selected by Justin Chadwick
Most of us first discovered Sam Smith’s precocious vocal prowess upon first hearing the skin-tingling, instant-classic single “Latch” by Disclosure back in 2013. After those initial goosebumps subsided, I recall wondering “who is this guy singing and where in the world can I find more of his songs?” The immediate answer was the acoustic version of “Latch” that, more so than the original version, allows Smith’s remarkable voice to rise to the forefront. That was it. I was hooked. Thankfully, Smith rewarded my (and all of our) patience and intrigue by releasing their first proper long player in the spring of 2014. Full of sweeping ballads (“Stay With Me,” “Lay Me Down,”) and a stellar uptempo stomper (“Money On My Mind”) sprinkled in for good measure, In the Lonely Hour netted Smith six —count ‘em, six—GRAMMY nominations, of which they won four, including Best Pop Vocal Album.
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