The Thrill of It All cover

The Thrill of It All

Sam Smith

Album 2017

About this album

Sound: "Soulful ballads intertwine with confessional lyrics, exploring love and heartbreak through a contemporary R&B lens."

Where they were

In 2017, Sam Smith released 'The Thrill of It All' as their second studio album, following the commercial success of their debut, 'In the Lonely Hour.' This project marked a period of artistic maturation as Smith sought to delve deeper into personal themes of heartbreak and identity, showcasing their growth after two years of intense public scrutiny and personal reflection.

Why it matters

'The Thrill of It All' debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and reached number three on the US Billboard 200. The album received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and vocal prowess, reinforcing Smith's status as a major figure in contemporary pop and soul music, while also earning them a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Essential tracks

  • "Too Good at Goodbyes" — This lead single captures the essence of vulnerability and heartbreak that permeates the album, showcasing Smith's signature emotive vocal delivery.
  • "Him" — A poignant exploration of love and acceptance, 'Him' stands out for its bold representation of LGBTQ+ themes in mainstream pop music.
  • "Pray" — 'Pray' blends gospel influences with a powerful message about resilience and faith, highlighting Smith's ability to convey deep emotion through music.

Release Date

November 3, 2017

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

  1. 1 Too Good at Goodbyes 3:36
  2. 2 Say It First 4:12
  3. 3 One Last Song 3:15
  4. 4 Midnight Train 3:31
  5. 5 Burning 3:29
  6. 6 Him 3:14
  7. 7 Baby, You Make Me Crazy 3:31
  8. 8 No Peace 4:49
  9. 9 Palace 3:10
  10. 10 Pray 3:58
  11. 11 Nothing Left for You 3:49
  12. 12 The Thrill of It All 3:33
  13. 13 Scars 3:06
  14. 14 One Day at a Time 3:36
  15. 15 Leader of the Pack 2:37
  16. 16 Blind Eye 1:42