Sam Smith is a name synonymous with soulful pop music. Known for their deeply emotional voice and evocative lyrics, Sam has become a global sensation. However, what many people might not know is that Sam Smith’s music journey has surprising connections to country music. This article will explore Sam Smith’s rise to fame, their musical influences, and how country music has played a role in shaping their unique sound.
I. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Beginnings in the Countryside
Sam Smith was born on May 19, 1992, in Bishop’s Stortford, a small town in Hertfordshire, England. Growing up in a close-knit family, Sam was surrounded by music from an early age. Their parents recognized Sam’s talent early on, encouraging them to pursue music. Sam’s grandfather, a former jazz musician, played a pivotal role in introducing them to the world of music.
Despite being raised in a predominantly pop and jazz environment, Sam Smith had an early exposure to various music genres. The quiet countryside where they grew up also influenced their love for stories, a characteristic found in country music. It’s this storytelling aspect that would later resonate with Sam and influence their songwriting style.
First Steps in Music
Sam’s journey into the world of music began with singing lessons at a young age. Their voice was honed through formal training, and they participated in various school performances and local theater productions. Sam’s talent was evident, but their path to fame wasn’t straightforward.
During their teenage years, Sam began experimenting with different genres. They were drawn to pop and soul, but country music also caught their attention. The storytelling element and emotional depth of country songs fascinated Sam, and they began incorporating these aspects into their own music.
II. The Breakthrough: In the Lonely Hour
Global Recognition
Sam Smith’s big break came in 2012 when they featured on Disclosure’s hit single, “Latch.” The song’s success catapulted Sam into the spotlight, and soon after, they released their debut album, “In the Lonely Hour,” in 2014. The album was an instant success, with hits like “Stay with Me” and “I’m Not the Only One” receiving critical acclaim.
While “In the Lonely Hour” was primarily a pop-soul album, it also showcased Sam’s storytelling ability. The album’s lyrics were deeply personal, drawing on Sam’s own experiences with unrequited love. This narrative quality is a hallmark of country music, and it’s clear that Sam’s early exposure to the genre influenced their songwriting.
Country Influences in “In the Lonely Hour”
Although “In the Lonely Hour” is classified as a pop-soul album, several tracks have a distinct country influence. The song “Leave Your Lover,” for example, features acoustic guitar arrangements that are reminiscent of country ballads. The lyrics, which tell the story of a love triangle, also have a narrative style commonly found in country music.
Sam’s vocal delivery on the album also has a country-inspired quality. Their voice is rich with emotion, a characteristic often associated with country singers. This ability to convey deep emotion through their voice is one of the reasons why Sam Smith’s music resonates with so many people.
III. Exploring New Musical Territories
The Thrill of It All
Following the success of their debut album, Sam Smith continued to explore new musical territories. Their second album, “The Thrill of It All,” released in 2017, saw them experiment with different genres, including country music. The album was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Sam’s place as one of the leading voices in modern pop music.
While “The Thrill of It All” is still rooted in pop and soul, there are several tracks on the album that have a country influence. The song “Burning,” for example, features a simple acoustic guitar arrangement and lyrics that tell a deeply personal story. The song’s raw emotion and storytelling are reminiscent of country ballads.
Collaborations with Country Artists
In addition to exploring country music in their solo work, Sam Smith has also collaborated with country artists. In 2019, Sam collaborated with country singer Cam on the song “Palace,” which was featured on Cam’s album “The Otherside.” The song is a beautiful blend of pop and country, with Sam’s soulful voice complementing Cam’s country vocals perfectly.
This collaboration highlights Sam’s versatility as an artist and their ability to blend different genres. It also shows that Sam’s love for country music goes beyond just an influence; it’s a genre they actively engage with and appreciate.
IV. Sam Smith’s Unique Sound
Blending Genres
One of the things that make Sam Smith such a unique artist is their ability to blend different genres. While they are primarily known as a pop and soul artist, their music also incorporates elements of jazz, gospel, and country. This blend of genres gives Sam’s music a distinctive sound that sets them apart from other artists in the industry.
Sam’s ability to blend genres is partly due to their wide range of musical influences. In addition to country music, Sam has cited artists like Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, and Adele as major influences. These diverse influences have shaped Sam’s sound and contributed to their success as an artist.
The Role of Storytelling in Sam’s Music
A key aspect of Sam Smith’s music is their storytelling ability. Whether it’s a song about love, heartbreak, or self-discovery, Sam’s lyrics are always deeply personal and evocative. This narrative quality is a characteristic of country music, and it’s one of the reasons why Sam’s music resonates with so many people.
Sam’s ability to tell a story through their music is also what makes their songs so powerful. Whether it’s the raw emotion in “Stay with Me” or the introspective lyrics of “Burning,” Sam’s songs have a way of connecting with listeners on a deep level. This storytelling ability is something that Sam has developed over the years, and it’s a skill that continues to evolve with each new album.
V. The Influence of Country Music on Sam Smith’s Career
Country Music as a Source of Inspiration
While Sam Smith is primarily known as a pop and soul artist, country music has played a significant role in their career. The storytelling aspect of country music has been a major influence on Sam’s songwriting, and it’s something that can be heard in many of their songs.
In addition to storytelling, country music has also influenced Sam’s vocal style. The raw emotion that Sam conveys through their voice is something that is often associated with country singers. This ability to convey deep emotion through their voice is one of the reasons why Sam’s music resonates with so many people.
Exploring Country Music in Their Own Work
Sam Smith’s love for country music goes beyond just an influence; it’s a genre they actively engage with and explore in their own work. From incorporating country-inspired arrangements into their songs to collaborating with country artists, Sam has shown a deep appreciation for the genre.
This exploration of country music has also allowed Sam to expand their musical horizons and connect with a broader audience. By blending pop, soul, and country, Sam has created a unique sound that appeals to fans of multiple genres. This ability to blend different musical styles is one of the reasons why Sam Smith is such a successful and versatile artist.
VI. Impact on the Music Industry
Breaking Barriers
Sam Smith’s success has had a significant impact on the music industry. As a non-binary artist, Sam has broken barriers and challenged traditional gender norms in the music industry. Their openness about their gender identity has also inspired many fans and artists to embrace their true selves.
In addition to breaking gender norms, Sam has also challenged musical boundaries by blending different genres in their work. This willingness to experiment with different styles has made Sam one of the most innovative and influential artists in the music industry today.
Influence on Other Artists
Sam Smith’s success has also inspired a new generation of artists. Their ability to blend different genres and tell deeply personal stories through their music has set a new standard for modern pop music. Many emerging artists cite Sam as a major influence, and their impact on the music industry continues to grow.
Sam’s influence can be seen in the work of artists like Hozier, Lewis Capaldi, and Adele, who have all been inspired by Sam’s emotional and narrative-driven style. By paving the way for a more inclusive and genre-blending approach to music, Sam Smith has left a lasting legacy in the music industry.
VII. Sam Smith’s Future in Music
Continued Exploration of Country Music
As Sam Smith continues to evolve as an artist, it’s likely that their exploration of country music will also continue. Sam has expressed a deep appreciation for the genre, and their collaborations with country artists suggest that they are interested in exploring this style further.
In the future, fans may see more country-inspired songs from Sam, as well as additional collaborations with country artists. This continued exploration of country music will not only allow Sam to expand their musical horizons but also connect with a broader audience.
Upcoming Projects
As of 2024, Sam Smith is working on new music, and fans are eagerly anticipating what they will release next. While details about their upcoming projects are still under wraps, it’s clear that Sam’s music will continue to evolve and push boundaries.
Whether it’s a new album, a collaboration, or a live performance, fans can expect Sam’s future work to be just as innovative and emotionally powerful as their previous releases. As Sam Smith continues to grow as an artist, their music will undoubtedly continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
See Also: Rock N Roll vs Blues, Jazz and Country Music: What’s the Connection?
VIII. Conclusion
Sam Smith’s journey as a musician is a testament to their talent, versatility, and passion for music. While they are primarily known for their pop and soul hits, country music has played a significant role in shaping their sound. From their early exposure to the genre to their collaborations with country artists, Sam’s music is a unique blend of different styles and influences.
As Sam continues to evolve as an artist, it’s likely that their love for country music will continue to influence their work. Whether it’s through storytelling, vocal style, or musical arrangements, the impact of country music on Sam Smith’s career is undeniable. This blend of genres has not only set Sam apart in the music industry but also allowed them to connect with fans on a deeper level.
Sam Smith’s success is a reflection of their ability to blend different musical styles, break barriers, and tell deeply personal stories through their music. As they continue to explore new musical territories, fans can expect Sam’s future work to be just as innovative and emotionally powerful as their previous releases.
