The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter will soon celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of the previous decade’s period-defining albums
Sam Smith is undeniably one of this generation’s biggest stars. From breaking out in 2012 via Disclosure’s “Latch” to carving out their own place on the charts with classics such as “Stay With Me” and “I’m Not The Only One,” the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter enchanted listeners around the world with his unique voice and heartwrenching ballads.
Since then, Smith has veered away from the romanticism they were associated with in place of a pop-leaning discography—not to mention, a transformation to a much more extroverted and liberated persona. Yet, for an artistic evolution as drastic as theirs, this was done at no expense as Smith continued to top the charts with songs such as “Too Good At Goodbyes” and “Dancing With A Stranger.” Their latest hit, “Unholy,” also managed to snag the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance honors in last year’s Grammys.
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In honor of the album that started it all, Smith is releasing the 10th anniversary edition of ‘In The Lonely Hour’ on Aug. 2. The collection will include the original tracklist—with a re-recorded version of “Stay With Me” and a new track, “Little Sailor.”
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“This year marks a decade since the release of my debut album. I feel so incredibly lucky to be celebrating this milestone with you. My team and I have created this beautiful anniversary edition for us all, and for the last 10 years,” shared Smith on Instagram.
As Smith celebrates the 10th anniversary of “In The Lonely Hour,” we take a look at some of our favorites from the period-defining album.
“Stay With Me”
It’s the song that started it all. That’s it—it’s a classic.
Guess it’s true, I’m not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love ’cause I’m just a man
These nights never seem to go to plan
I don’t want you to leave, will you hold my hand?
“Good Thing”
For those in new relationships, watch out for the honeymoon phase. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for long.
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
Too much of a good thing won’t be good anymore
Watch where I tread before I fall
“Leave Your Lover”
In case you missed the music video—tear up to Smith’s tearjerking lyrics and the best plot twist out there—yes, when 14 year old me realized he wasn’t straight.
We sit in bars and raise our drinks to growing old
Oh, I’m in love with you and you will never know
But if I can’t have you, I’ll walk this life alone
Spare you the rising storm and let the rivers flow
“I’m Not The Only One”
The song that proved Smith was not just a “Stay With Me” one-hit-wonder, it’s a track that continues to sting to this day—even for those who aren’t in the same delicate situation.
I have loved you for many years
Maybe I am just not enough
You’ve made me realise my deepest fear
But lying and tearing us up
“I’ve Told You Now”
Heart-gripping lyrics and raw emotion lie in store, and the best combination of swelling strings and acoustic elements throughout the album.
It’s like walking in the heat all day with no water
It’s like waiting for a friend
Watching everybody else meet theirs on that corner
Or losing in an argument
Although you’re right can’t get your thoughts in order
“Like I Can”
“This may sound like a simple pop song, but the heart and weight is giant to me. Throughout this album process I had been spilling my heart all over the music and it was so nice to create something that felt a little more defiant and self assured,” wrote Smith on X.
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 hands
But they’ll never love you like I can
“Not In That Way”
What’s tougher than confessing to someone? Confessing to someone you know isn’t interested.
And I hate to say I love you
When it’s so hard for me
And I hate to say I want you
When you make it so clear
You don’t want me
“Lay Me Down”
The John Legend duo version is undoubtedly the more popular one, but this one shouldn’t be slept on either.
Can I lay by your side?
Next to you
And make sure you’re alright
I’ll take care of you
I don’t want to be here if I can’t be with you tonight
“Restart”
There’s nothing worse than someone who’s out to just string you along without any intentions of taking you seriously. Look away, pay them no mind, and find yourself someone better.
What do you want from me
When I just want a restart
You keep coming back for me when you’re the one who tore us apart
“Make It To Me”
For the loveless yet still in search—soulmates, “the one,” whatever it may be, they’re out there.
You’re the one designed for me
A distant stranger that I will complete
I know you’re out there we’re meant to be
So keep your head up and make it to me
And make it to me
