Smith might not have had much time to absorb his dizzying rise to fame, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been immune to some of its peril. “I may just keep going, going, going and not deal with it.” I think that’s going to be the moment where all hits me,” Smith said. “When this album slowly slows down toward the end of this year I’m going to go back to London and be in one place for a few months. He’s having the time of his life, even if he’s yet to absorb how far he’s come.
stop of his tour (the second show was also at capacity). A sold-out crowd awaited him for the first of two nights at the L.A. The other day, Smith was seated inside a stylish game room reserved for performers at the Forum in Inglewood. Not bad for a former bartender who had gone through six managers before he turned 18. “ In the Lonely Hour,” released in June, was 2014’s largest-selling debut and one of the year’s biggest releases (behind Taylor Swift and the “Frozen” soundtrack) and landed him six nominations and a performance slot at Sunday’s Grammy Awards with nods in the top four categories, including best new artist. But as tempting as it may be to label his rise as an overnight success, Smith’s journey included no shortage of hard work - and heartbreak. Since then, the 22-year-old with the vulnerable, yearning voice has become one of pop music’s biggest breakout stars. “You’ve just gotta hope.” Outside, a view of the classic Capitol Records building, where he’s signed, lingered in a nearby window. “Obviously it’s nerve-racking going into your own stuff,” referencing the album’s intimately personal lyrics. Largely known for a pair of exuberant, infectious electronic dance collaborations, the British singer-songwriter was anxious for the release of his debut album but was worried about how it would be received. After all, if there’s anyone worthy of passing the torch to, it’s him.A little over a year ago Sam Smith was curled up inside the Redbury Hotel between two sold-out gigs at the Troubadour, shows that served as his L.A. Although she sounded impeccable, she was just there to pay homage to Sam. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul was more reserved than usual. He performed his breakthrough hit “Stay With Me” during the encore and brought out Mary J. Sam reserved one of his most emo cuts for the very end. In the case of Sam Smith, those who haven’t loved, sing about it very compellingly.
“I have been in love but the person didn’t love me back.” (Last month, Sam revealed to Fader that his music was inspired by unrequited love for a man.) Those who can’t do, teach.
“I’ve never been in a relationship before,” the singer admitted to the crowd. Even the rare glimpses of happiness, like “Money On My Mind” (which was blended exceptionally with CeCe Peniston’s 90s uptempo classic “Finally”) are veiled in darkness. As Sam flows into his resplendent falsettos, you will be haunted by the ghosts of exes past.