In the Lonely Hour

From the beginning, Sam Smith seemed set for stardom, and that's the main problem with his debut album In the Lonely Hour: it feels like the record company has groomed him within an inch of his life.

The BBC's Sound of 2014 makes his first solo steps with a proficient, if uninspiring LP.

Check out our album review of Artist's In the Lonely Hour on Rolling Stone.com.

Album review: Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour. A lovelorn swirl of tedious easy listening...

<p>Thanks to his ability to exercise restraint, Sam Smith has more going for him than most mainstream soul singers, writes <strong>Kitty Empire</strong></p>

Sam Smith's 'In the Lonely Hour' is proof that there will always be hearts plagued by love that lives in the shadows.

Sam Smith's debut album, supposedly written for all those who have never known true love, is just a bit too safe to really evoke that kind of sadness, writes <strong>Harriet Gibsone</strong>

Album Reviews: Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour

Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour review: This ain't love, it's clear to see.

It's a shame to see a talented singer like Brits Critics' Choice Award-winner Sam Smith rushed into making the wrong record, says Helen Brown