Photo: WENN
Not to be confused with the 18th Century brewery, what Sam Smith lacks in age, he makes up for in accolades. Having already had two No.1 records, as well as winning the Brit’s ‘Critic’s Choice’ award this month, without even the release of his debut album In The Lonely Hour, coming this May.
Shepherds Bush Empire’s modest stage was rammed with Mr Smith’s entourage of keys, strings, drums, backing singers, bass and guitar, as he entered, hauntingly pale, all in black, with a flowing black coat and his signature v-shaped quiff, resembling a vampire.
On day two of his UK tour, he’s permeated with bashfulness and gratitude for the audience - even leaving individual chocolates as presents for those with the inferior seats, as he recounted a story of his own disappointment, whilst wavering from Jessie J warbling to smooth 90s R&B quivers, with James Blake studied control.
Although, at times coy, Smith allowed his down to Earth nature to project, as he comically apologised for possible burping that may ensure, due to a large pre-gig Nando’s. All evoking the endearing sense of watching a baby bird take flight, as this revered, benevolent artist began to find himself. Half way through, Sam directed everyone to stand, as the set took a more jovial, 80s funk turn, featuring B-Boy break-beats and a backing dance routine.
His simple lyrics and boyband charm worked in his favour, as did the fact he has the vocal ability of four in one. Even if, at times, it feels like a colossal voice is wasted on weak material.
Contrastingly, the next track commences with the disclaimer, “Shit’s gonna get depressing now”, as he recounted the theme of his album – not being in the “right” kind of love. The blue-hearted ballad, ‘Not in that Way’ tackles loneliness, rejection and sexual ambiguity. Sam rose to fame in 2012, when his feature on Disclosure’s dance track ‘Latch’ entered the charts, he paid tribute with a string-enhanced rendition.
Following this, his current number one hit ‘Money on my Mind’, portraying his forte for cheesy, current, pop hits and preluding the infantile, infectiously catchy ‘La La La’, ideal for crowd interaction. Sam concluded the set with his next release ‘Stay with Me’ – a hook heavy, pop ballad, with R&B harmonies, that bellows future number one.
Below - Sam Smith: which of his tracks should you be listening to?
