![]() ![]() Most musicians give at least subtle clues to their backgrounds in their songs, but Dori Freeman directly shows what she’s all about on her new “Letters Never Read.” ++++++++++ Virginia's Freeman blurs genres on emotional 'Letters' Sam Smith "The Thrill of It All" Rating: 4 (out of 5) Still, he should keep up with the love songs … even if they sometimes make him sound like a jerk of a boyfriend. With that, Smith taps into tangible conflicts beyond the romantic realm, proving he’s more than just love songs. On “HIM,” the gay singer expands on Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” line “It doesn’t matter if you love him or capital H-I-M,” with Smith making a pitch to humanity (represented by Mississippians) and God for acceptance of his same-sex relationship: “Please don’t get angry, have faith in me.” Then on the corollary “Pray,” constructed as something of a hymn, he reveals his lack of faith in God while adding, “I have never believed in you, no, but I’m gonna pray.” Smith lays it on thick, but he isn’t merely playing a fictional character here. ![]() While “The Thrill of It All” is the ultimate victim’s album, Smith’s gorgeous voice soars across these stately arrangements built on polite nuances of pop and R&B, forcing listeners to identify with him, if only for show.įrom his it’s-not-you-it’s-me breakup message on opener “Too Good at Goodbyes” to his bitter dejection on “Baby, You Make Me Crazy” to his sighing acceptance that “Real love is never a waste of time” on the gentle farewell of “Palace,” Smith makes the case that fleeting bliss is worth immeasurable heartache.Īlso, as Smith rides the refined rhythm of “Midnight Train,” he wonders, “Am I a monster? … I’ll always love you, but tonight’s the night I choose to walk away,” while on the subsequent “Burning” his voice smolders as he’s the one left behind with only a regal choir to comfort him. Of course, that’s just the persona Smith portrays on his new “The Thrill of It All,” the 25-year-old British singer’s follow up to his 2014 breakthrough debut, “In the Lonely Hour.” And millions love him for it, for his dignified love/hate relationship with love. Eventually he’ll leave you while feeling sorry for himself, or he’ll resent you if you leave him. ![]() He’ll demand you give more of yourself than he’ll give in return, and he’ll be consumed by doubts and melancholy as he undermines your relationship. He’ll be reluctant to get with you and put up a wall around himself when he does. To all of Sam Smith’s future lovers: You can’t say he didn’t warn you. Watch Video: Sam Smith and Timbaland are collaborating ![]()
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