“HIM” mentions a gay man walking hand in hand with his lover in Mississippi.

He sings “Oh, have you ever called/ I will burst straight back/Give you my forgiveness/And the shirt off my back.” In the song, he displays his beautiful deep gospel voice while struggling with coming to terms with a breakup. “Burning” displays Smith’s development as a more versatile singer since In the Lonely Hour. “Midnight Train” is a refreshing new sound for Smith with a dreamy electronic vibe like a Beach House record. “One Last Song” has a 50s doo-wop hum that ups the tempo of the album, taking it to new soulful places. “Say It First” is a soft song with echoing guitars and tight rhythms. The Thrill of It All begins with piano ushering in gospel-influenced “Too Good at Goodbyes.” A song that demonstrates his emotional falsetto, and is so catchy you will find yourself playing the first track of the album on repeat.

In the Lonely Hour he told a heartbreaking story of unrequited love, a gay man longing for a straight friend. Accompanying his album release in 2014 Smith came out publicly as gay, not wanting his sexuality to be a rumor. His smash hits, “Stay With Me” and “I’m Not The Only One” received a lot of radio play, and were perfectly written pop songs.

Three years have passed since Smith’s debut In the Lonely Hour, which received three Grammy awards. Sam Smith has made a huge comeback with his sophomore album The Thrill of It All, and it is full of dark, soulful crooning.

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