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Sam Smith unconvincingly touted Love Goes as experimental, so when the same adjective was used to promote 2023 follow-up Gloria, there was reason for skepticism -- even in the wake of the second pre-album single, the undulating hit Kim Petras collaboration "Unholy." A voyeuristic tale of a family man leaving his unsuspecting wife behind for exploration at a gay club, "Unholy" is without doubt anomalous in Smith's songbook. It's also the singer's most distinctive dance-pop song since "Latch," if only on a personal level, its sinuous Arabic scale incorporated by established producers ILYA and Omar Fedi. The gamble of sorts paid off when Smith and Petras made history as the first publicly non-binary and transgender artists to top the Billboard Hot 100. Gloria otherwise presents a challenge only to those who expect piano ballads -- there are none -- and are averse to dance music with flashes of disco, reggaeton, and mid-'90s deep house. It's largely unobtrusive and serviceable, distinguished mostly by Smith's elastic voice and increased specificity and complexity to the reflective and romantic songs. Additionally, interludes with historic sound bites from trans activist Sylvia Rivera and the Lilli Vincenz documentary Gay and Proud speak directly to liberation. The more individual touches are to be found in the ballads, as the songs for the dancefloor, and a trap-tinged downtempo number with Jessie Reyez, are generalized in their evocations of heartache, flirtation, and sexual impulsiveness. "Love Me More" starts the album boldly with Smith open about their struggle with self-esteem. In "How to Cry," they're sliding out from under the thumb of a cold, controlling lover, isolated from family and friends. The choral "Gloria" is the album's most powerful moment, the sound of Smith shedding their burdens. "Gloria" would have been an ideal finale. Instead, because there was no other place to put it, a saccharine Ed Sheeran duet ends the album. "We love who we love," the hook, reassures as much as a shrug. Making up for that and the other ineffective material is "Six Shots," a pure R&B slow jam that sounds both classic and contemporary. Although it sticks out here almost as much as "Unholy" and the title song, it's unfortunately destined to be classified as a deep cut.
© Andy Kellman /TiVo
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Tor Erik Hermansen, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Mikkel S. Eriksen, Recording Engineer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - StarGate, Producer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Jeremih, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Kevin 'KD' Davis, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Eric Bellinger, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Ben Jones, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Jerry Wonda, Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Shameka Marie, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Jodi Milliner, Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Ty Dolla $ign, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Scott Carter, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Thomas Warren, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Julian Blake Ray, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Ant Clemons, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Tabb, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Dylan Del-Olmo, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Ashley Clemons, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Vanessa "Nettie" Wood, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Cedric Jackson II, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Tayler Green, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Darien Champagne, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Solomon Fulton, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Amber Clemons, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Alexis Marche Addison, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Jwan Anthony, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Daniel Cagan, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Jasmine “GoGo” Morrow, Additional Vocals, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2022 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tor Erik Hermansen, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Mikkel S. Eriksen, Recording Engineer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - StarGate, Producer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - EARL HARVIN, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Jones, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Vula Malinga, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jodi Milliner, Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Rhodes , AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - George Oulton, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Patrick Linton, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ladonna Young, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tor Erik Hermansen, ComposerLyricist - Mikkel S. Eriksen, ComposerLyricist - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Programming, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - George Oulton, StudioPersonnel, Recording Second Engineer - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, StudioPersonnel, Recording Second Engineer - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Henry Walter, ComposerLyricist - Serban Ghenea, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ilya Salmanzadeh, ComposerLyricist - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Cirkut, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ilya, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Vula Malinga, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - George Oulton, StudioPersonnel, Recording Second Engineer - Patrick Linton, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ira Grylack, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Omer Fedi, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Blake Slatkin, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bryce Bordone, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, StudioPersonnel, Recording Second Engineer - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ladonna Young, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2022 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tor Erik Hermansen, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Mikkel S. Eriksen, Recording Engineer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Nuno Bettencourt, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - StarGate, Producer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - EARL HARVIN, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Jones, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jodi Milliner, Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Reuben James, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Thomas Warren, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jessie Reyez, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - George Oulton, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Henry Walter, ComposerLyricist - Serban Ghenea, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ilya Salmanzadeh, ComposerLyricist - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Cirkut, Producer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ilya, Producer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, Background Vocalist, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Kim Petras, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Gus Pirelli, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - George Oulton, StudioPersonnel, Recording Second Engineer - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ira Grylack, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Omer Fedi, Producer, ComposerLyricist - Blake Slatkin, Producer, ComposerLyricist - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Bryce Bordone, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, StudioPersonnel, Recording Second Engineer - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2022 Universal Music Operations Limited
Henry Walter, ComposerLyricist - Serban Ghenea, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Ilya Salmanzadeh, ComposerLyricist - Ben Jones, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Ilya, Producer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Jodi Milliner, Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ira Grylack, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Omer Fedi, Producer, Guitar, Bass, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Blake Slatkin, Producer, ComposerLyricist - Bryce Bordone, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - EARL HARVIN, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Nez, Producer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Odlum, Producer - Ben Jones, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Vula Malinga, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jodi Milliner, Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Mike Hough, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Nami, ComposerLyricist - Reuben James, Piano, Rhodes , AssociatedPerformer - Lance Powell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ray Keys, ComposerLyricist - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - George Oulton, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Loshendrix, Producer, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ira Grylack, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ladonna Young, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Tor Erik Hermansen, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Mikkel S. Eriksen, Recording Engineer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - StarGate, Producer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Vula Malinga, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Anju Blaxx, Producer - Koffee, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer, Music Production, Programming, AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Thomas Warren, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jessie Reyez, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Patrick Linton, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Mikayla Victoria Simpson, ComposerLyricist - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ladonna Young, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Harold Arlen, ComposerLyricist - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - E.Y. HARBURG, ComposerLyricist - Sam Smith, Programming, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tor Erik Hermansen, ComposerLyricist - Mikkel S. Eriksen, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Harold Arlen, ComposerLyricist - Calvin Harris, Producer, Music Production, Programming, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - StarGate, Producer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - E. Y. Harburg, ComposerLyricist - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Jones, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Thomas Warren, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jessie Reyez, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - George Oulton, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ed Farrell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Robin Bailey, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - London Voices, Choir - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - David Odlum, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Ben Parry, Musical Director - George Cook, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Foy Vance, ComposerLyricist - Edmund Hastings, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Edward Grint, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Producer, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Jimmy Napes, Producer - James Davey, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Philip Brown, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Philippa Murray, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Lance Powell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Henry Moss, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jacqueline Barron, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Steve Trowell, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jenni Harper, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Goddard, Chorus Master, AssociatedPerformer - Lotte Betts-Dean, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - George Oulton, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jonathan Wood, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Elizabeth Poole, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Natalie Clifton Griffith, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Ksynia Loeffler, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Vanessa Heine, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Alison Ponsford-Hill, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Freddie Light, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sara Davey, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Victoria Meteyard, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Edward Ballard, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Judi Brown, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Ruth Kiang, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - James Botcher, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Caroline Fitzgerald, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Christina Gill, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Catriona Holsgrove, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Andrew Tipple, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2022 Universal Music Operations Limited
Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Mac, Producer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Louisa Fuller, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Metcalfe, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laws, Drums, Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Simon Hale, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Richard George, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Worsey, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Burdge, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ian Humphries, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Laurence, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Fitzmaurice, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - James Napier, ComposerLyricist - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Marianne Haynes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Charlie Brown, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Lucy Wilkins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Adrian Smith, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Reiad Chibah, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Gordon Davidson, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ed Sheeran, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Johnny McDaid, Guitar, Bass, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Alison Dods, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Bonner, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Vicky Matthews, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Smith, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Lucy Whalley, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Tony Woollard, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Dan Pursey, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Gus Pirelli, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Randy Merrill, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Fred Gibson, ComposerLyricist - George Oulton, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Charis Jenson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Natalia Milanesi, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Freddie Light, Additional Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jenny Lewisohn, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Miles Wheway, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Album review
Sam Smith unconvincingly touted Love Goes as experimental, so when the same adjective was used to promote 2023 follow-up Gloria, there was reason for skepticism -- even in the wake of the second pre-album single, the undulating hit Kim Petras collaboration "Unholy." A voyeuristic tale of a family man leaving his unsuspecting wife behind for exploration at a gay club, "Unholy" is without doubt anomalous in Smith's songbook. It's also the singer's most distinctive dance-pop song since "Latch," if only on a personal level, its sinuous Arabic scale incorporated by established producers ILYA and Omar Fedi. The gamble of sorts paid off when Smith and Petras made history as the first publicly non-binary and transgender artists to top the Billboard Hot 100. Gloria otherwise presents a challenge only to those who expect piano ballads -- there are none -- and are averse to dance music with flashes of disco, reggaeton, and mid-'90s deep house. It's largely unobtrusive and serviceable, distinguished mostly by Smith's elastic voice and increased specificity and complexity to the reflective and romantic songs. Additionally, interludes with historic sound bites from trans activist Sylvia Rivera and the Lilli Vincenz documentary Gay and Proud speak directly to liberation. The more individual touches are to be found in the ballads, as the songs for the dancefloor, and a trap-tinged downtempo number with Jessie Reyez, are generalized in their evocations of heartache, flirtation, and sexual impulsiveness. "Love Me More" starts the album boldly with Smith open about their struggle with self-esteem. In "How to Cry," they're sliding out from under the thumb of a cold, controlling lover, isolated from family and friends. The choral "Gloria" is the album's most powerful moment, the sound of Smith shedding their burdens. "Gloria" would have been an ideal finale. Instead, because there was no other place to put it, a saccharine Ed Sheeran duet ends the album. "We love who we love," the hook, reassures as much as a shrug. Making up for that and the other ineffective material is "Six Shots," a pure R&B slow jam that sounds both classic and contemporary. Although it sticks out here almost as much as "Unholy" and the title song, it's unfortunately destined to be classified as a deep cut.
© Andy Kellman /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 13 track(s)
- Total length: 00:33:03
- Main artists: Sam Smith
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: Capitol Records UK - EMI
- Genre: Pop/Rock Pop
© 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited ℗ 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
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