The Thrill of It All
The second album from the pop crooner uses the same method that made his debut such a commercial success. His spectacular voice doles out feelings in terms everyone can understand.
Hardcore veterans Converge play to their strengths on The Dusk In Us, while Shamir’s Revelations is earnest and rewarding, if not as effervescent as Ratchet. These, plus Big K.R.I.T. and Sam Smith in the week’s notable new releases.
The themes of love and heartbreak might seem outdated, but Sam Smith’s vocals provide a true element of yearning in each of his songs.
Sam Smith's second album 'The Thrill of It All' is an undeniably accomplished album that will, deservedly, shift a helluva lot of copies.
The album feels more like a fine-tuning than a bold new adventure for the singer-songwriter. Read our review.
An outpouring of authentically moving romantic misery, this could have joined the ranks of the all-time great breakup albums – if only the backing music weren’t so stale
Breaking up is one of the things pop music does particularly well, turning the pain of failed romance into ballads of succour and anthems of defiance.
Un-thrilling stuff from the MOR soul sensation - sometimes thrillingly so. Album review by Joe Muggs