Sam Smith review: Soulful singer reaches new heights

Thrill seeker: Sam Smith performs at the O2 as part of his The Thrill Of It All tour
STEVE GILLETT / LIVEPIX
Andre Paine9 April 2018

“I hope everyone’s in a good mood because I’m very aware that my music can be a little bit depressing,” said Sam Smith at the first of four O2 shows.

His moping pop certainly has its detractors, yet Smith’s bruised balladry is bigger than ever following the release of second album The Thrill of It All.

While Ed Sheeran’s ahead on sales, Smith is the superior vocalist. Unleashing his epic falsetto and trembling vibrato on Lay Me Down, he seemed entirely comfortable with his ascent to arena status.

The lyrics may have been forlorn but Smith had the easy ebullience of a holiday camp entertainer between songs. Wandering a stage extending into the venue, he waved at fans and cheerily revealed whatever was in his thoughts, ranging from the weather to gay rights.

The drama gradually intensified, particularly when the mysterious shard backdrop opened up like a villain’s lair for bombastic Bond theme Writing’s on the Wall.

It was one of several No 1 singles, including a glorious rendition of Money on My Mind that lived up to his promise of a performance that was “as uplifting as humanly possible”.

Smith showed his soulful side on Burning, as well as dipping into funk on Restart and doo-wop on Baby, You Make Me Crazy. Ultimately, though, it was an evening of sad songs.

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1/10

A blanket of dry ice filled the stage for a shimmering Say It First, while Smith’s admirable self-belief took the balladry to new heights on Too Good at Goodbyes and a gospel-tinged Stay With Me.

No one could begrudge him his huge success based on this assured performance.

Playing tonight and tomorrow (0844 856 0202, buy tickets here)

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