Sam Smith is one of the most talented and emotive vocalists of our time, with a voice that is instantly recognizable and a gift for storytelling through music. From heart-wrenching ballads to danceable pop hits, Smith’s discography is filled with standout tracks that have captured the hearts of fans around the world. With so many incredible songs to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down the top 10 best Sam Smith songs of all time. However, after careful consideration and analysis, we have compiled a list of the tracks that we believe showcase the best of Smith’s artistry and talent. From the soulful and haunting “Gloria” to the infectious and uplifting “Love Me More”, these songs represent the range and depth of Sam Smith’s musical prowess. Join us as we explore the top 10 best Sam Smith songs of all time, and celebrate the incredible talent of one of today’s most beloved musicians.
10. “Unholy”
“Unholy” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad by British singer Sam Smith, released in 2021 as part of their album “Love Goes”. The song’s stripped-down production allows Smith’s soulful vocals to shine, delivering lyrics that speak to the pain and confusion that come with heartbreak and the search for redemption. The track features a slow-building crescendo of percussion, strings, and harmonies that create an ethereal atmosphere, perfectly complementing the raw emotion in Smith’s voice.
Throughout the song, Smith grapples with their own sense of guilt and shame, questioning their own worthiness and asking for forgiveness from a higher power. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the internal struggle that Smith is experiencing. With “Unholy”, Sam Smith once again proves themselves to be a masterful storyteller and an emotive vocalist.
9. “I’m Not the Only One”
“I’m Not the Only One” is a powerful and emotional ballad by British singer Sam Smith, released in 2014 as part of their debut album “In the Lonely Hour”. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics tell the story of a relationship that has been torn apart by infidelity, with Smith’s soulful vocals delivering a raw and honest portrayal of the pain and betrayal that comes with heartbreak.
The song features a sparse and simple production, with the focus squarely on Smith’s emotive vocals and the powerful message of the lyrics. As the song builds to its climax, the addition of strings and backing vocals create a powerful and emotive atmosphere, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of the song.
“I’m Not the Only One” is a timeless ballad that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and betrayal. Sam Smith’s powerful vocals and honest lyrics make this song a standout in their discography, showcasing their talent as a storyteller and a vocalist.
8. “Love Me More”
“Love Me More” is an upbeat and danceable track by Sam Smith, released in 2020 as a single. The song features a catchy pop melody and pulsing electronic beats that combine to create a joyful and uplifting atmosphere. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is learning to love themselves and embrace their own worth, and the infectious energy of the song encourages listeners to do the same.
With “Love Me More”, Sam Smith showcases a different side of their artistry, moving away from the emotional ballads that they are known for and embracing a more upbeat and energetic sound. The result is a fun and celebratory song that inspires listeners to embrace self-love and positivity.
7. “The Lighthouse Keeper”
“The Lighthouse Keeper” is a hauntingly beautiful song by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith, released in 2020 as a standalone single. The track features Smith’s signature soulful vocals and poetic lyrics, delivered over a sparse and atmospheric production that perfectly captures the mood of the song.
The lyrics of “The Lighthouse Keeper” speak to themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for connection in a world that can feel cold and unfeeling. Smith’s emotive vocals and the haunting melody of the song create a powerful and evocative atmosphere, making “The Lighthouse Keeper” one of the most moving tracks in Smith’s discography.
6. “Lay Me Down”
“Lay Me Down” is a heart-wrenching ballad by British singer Sam Smith, released in 2013 as part of their debut album “In the Lonely Hour”. The song features Smith’s soulful vocals and emotive lyrics, delivered over a stripped-down and piano-driven production that allows the raw emotion of the song to shine.
The lyrics of “Lay Me Down” speak to the pain and loneliness of unrequited love, as Smith pleads with their lover to hold them close and ease their pain. The song’s powerful chorus and Smith’s emotive vocals create a visceral and emotional experience for listeners, making “Lay Me Down” one of the standout tracks on their debut album.
5. “I’m Not Here to Make Friends”
“I’m Not Here to Make Friends” is a powerful and empowering track by Sam Smith, released in 2019 as part of their album “To Die For”. The song’s anthemic chorus and driving beat create an atmosphere of determination and confidence, while the lyrics speak to the struggles and challenges that come with being true to oneself in a world that can be hostile and unforgiving.
The song’s title is a nod to the reality TV trope of contestants declaring that they are “not here to make friends”, but Smith uses the phrase as a rallying cry for those who are fighting to be themselves and live authentically. The track’s powerful message of self-acceptance and defiance make it an empowering anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
4. “Writing’s on the Wall”
“Writing’s on the Wall” is a powerful and emotional ballad by British singer Sam Smith, released in 2015 as the theme song for the James Bond film “Spectre”. The song features Smith’s signature soulful vocals and dramatic orchestration, creating a sense of grandeur and drama that perfectly fits the iconic spy franchise.
The lyrics of “Writing’s on the Wall” speak to themes of love, betrayal, and the search for redemption, as Smith delivers a moving and emotive portrayal of the complex emotions that come with heartbreak. The song’s sweeping chorus and Smith’s powerful vocals make it a standout in their discography, and one of the most memorable Bond theme songs in recent memory.
3. “Diamonds”
“Diamonds” is a soulful and groovy track by Sam Smith, released in 2020 as part of their album “Love Goes”. The song’s infectious beat and funky bassline create a catchy and upbeat atmosphere, while the lyrics speak to the pain and heartbreak that can come with love and relationships.
The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with Smith belting out the refrain “All of my diamonds, you said I couldn’t have none” over a driving beat and soaring strings. The lyrics speak to the idea that true love is not about material possessions, but about the emotional connection between two people.
With “Diamonds”, Sam Smith showcases their versatility as an artist, combining their signature emotive vocals with a funky and upbeat sound that is sure to get listeners dancing.
2. “Gloria”
“Gloria” is a hauntingly beautiful track by Sam Smith, released in 2020 as part of their album “Love Goes”. The song’s sparse and atmospheric production allows Smith’s emotive vocals to take center stage, delivering lyrics that speak to the pain and heartbreak of a failed relationship.
The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with Smith repeating the phrase “Are you gonna love me?” over a simple piano melody and ethereal background vocals. The lyrics speak to the vulnerability and uncertainty that come with opening oneself up to love, and the fear of being rejected or left behind.
With “Gloria”, Sam Smith delivers a stunning and emotive performance, showcasing their talent as a vocalist and storyteller. The song is a standout on the album, combining raw emotion with hauntingly beautiful production to create a truly unforgettable listening experience.
1. “How Do You Sleep?”
“How Do You Sleep?” is a powerful and emotive pop ballad by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith, released in 2019 as part of their album “Love Goes”. The track features Smith’s signature soulful vocals and a sparse, piano-driven production that perfectly captures the raw emotion of the song.
The lyrics of “How Do You Sleep?” speak to themes of heartbreak and betrayal, as Smith delivers a moving and honest portrayal of the pain and confusion that comes with the end of a relationship. The song’s haunting melody and Smith’s emotive vocals create a powerful and visceral experience for listeners, making “How Do You Sleep?” one of the standout tracks in their discography. The song showcases Smith’s talent as both a storyteller and a vocalist, and is a testament to their enduring popularity and influence in the world of pop music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
