In the ever-evolving landscape of popular music, artists often defy categorization, blending genres and pushing the boundaries of traditional musical labels. Sam Smith is unquestionably one such artist whose distinctive voice and emotive songwriting. As we delve into the musical journey of this acclaimed artist, we find ourselves asking, “What Genre Is Sam Smith?”
Sam Smith’s music is primarily pop, but it also incorporates elements of soul, R&B, and electronica. His songs are often characterized by their lush production, soaring vocals, and honest and relatable lyrics about love, loss, and self-discovery.
Smith’s debut album, In the Lonely Hour, was a critical and commercial success, winning four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. The album’s sound was heavily influenced by soul and R&B, with songs like “Stay with Me” and “I’m Not the Only One” featuring gospel-inspired backing vocals and lush instrumentation.
Smith’s second album, The Thrill of It All, took a more electronic-driven approach, with songs like “Too Good at Goodbyes” and “Dancing with a Stranger. Smith’s most recent album, Gloria, released in 2023, is a return to his soulful roots. The album features a mix of ballads and uptempo tracks, all of which showcase Smith’s powerful vocals and expressive songwriting.
What music genre is Sam Smith known for?
Sam Smith is known for their music in the pop genre. However, their music also incorporates elements of R&B, soul, and EDM.
Smith’s music is often characterized by their powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes of love, loss, and identity. Their songs are often accompanied by lush orchestration and electronic elements, creating a sound that is both familiar and unique.
Some of Smith’s most popular songs include:
- “Stay With Me”
- “I’m Not the Only One”
- “Lay Me Down”
- “Too Good at Goodbyes”
- “Promises”
- “Dancing with a Stranger”
- “Unholy”
Smith’s music has been praised by critics for its honesty, vulnerability, and emotional resonance. They have won numerous awards for their work, including four Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards, and an Academy Award.
Overall, Sam Smith is a versatile artist who defies easy categorization. Their music is a blend of pop, R&B, soul, and EDM, and their songs are often accompanied by lush orchestration and electronic elements. Smith’s music is known for its powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes of love, loss, and identity.
Is Sam Smith a pop artist?
Sam Smith is a pop artist. Their music is primarily classified as pop, but it also incorporates elements of R&B, soul, and EDM. Smith’s music is often characterized by their powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes of love, loss, and identity. Their songs are often accompanied by lush orchestration and electronic elements, creating a sound that is both familiar and unique.
Smith has won numerous awards for their work, including four Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards, and an Academy Award. They are one of the most successful pop artists of their generation, and their music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
So, while Sam Smith’s music may not fit neatly into any one genre, it is clear that they are a pop artist at heart. Their music is catchy, relatable, and emotionally resonant, and it has made them one of the most popular and successful artists of their generation.
Does Sam Smith sing R&B music?
Sam Smith does sing R&B music. Their music incorporates elements of R&B, soul, and EDM, and their songs often have a slow, soulful groove. Smith’s vocals are also well-suited to R&B, with their powerful and expressive range.
Some of Smith’s songs that are more R&B-inspired include:
- “Stay With Me”
- “I’m Not the Only One”
- “Lay Me Down”
- “Too Good at Goodbyes”
- “Promises”
- “Dancing with a Stranger”
- “Unholy”
These songs all have a slower tempo and a more soulful sound than some of Smith’s other pop songs. They also feature more prominent use of electronic elements, which is a common feature of R&B music.
Overall, Sam Smith is a versatile artist who sings a variety of genres, including R&B. Their music is often characterized by its powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes of love, loss, and identity.
It is important to note that there is no one definitive definition of R&B music. The genre has evolved over time, and there is a wide range of sounds that can be considered R&B. Sam Smith’s music falls somewhere within this spectrum, and their R&B influences are evident in some of their songs.
Is Sam Smith associated with the soul genre?
Sam Smith is associated with the soul genre. Their music incorporates elements of soul, and their vocals are often described as soulful. Smith has also been compared to other soul artists, such as Adele and Marvin Gaye.
Some of Smith’s songs that are more soul-inspired include:
- “I’m Not the Only One”
- “Lay Me Down”
- “Too Good at Goodbyes”
- “Dancing with a Stranger”
- “Unholy”
These songs all have a slower tempo and a more soulful sound than some of Smith’s other pop songs. They also feature more prominent use of gospel-inspired vocals and instrumentation.
Overall, Sam Smith is a versatile artist who sings a variety of genres, including soul. Their music is often characterized by its powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes of love, loss, and identity.
It is important to note that there is no one definitive definition of soul music. The genre has evolved over time, and there is a wide range of sounds that can be considered soul. Sam Smith’s music falls somewhere within this spectrum, and their soul influences are evident in some of their songs.
Some critics have argued that Sam Smith’s music is not truly soulful because it is too influenced by pop music. However, others argue that Smith’s music is a unique blend of soul and pop that is both authentic and appealing.
Ultimately, whether or not Sam Smith is a “true” soul artist is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that their music incorporates elements of soul, and that their vocals are often described as soulful.
Are there any jazz influences in Sam Smith’s music?
There are some jazz influences in Sam Smith’s music. Smith has spoken about their love of jazz music, and their vocals have been compared to those of jazz singers such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Some of the jazz influences in Sam Smith’s music can be heard in their vocal style. Smith’s vocals are often described as being “breathy” and “soulful,” which are qualities that are often associated with jazz singers. Smith also uses a wide range of vocal techniques, such as scat singing and melisma, which are common in jazz music.
In addition to their vocal style, Sam Smith’s music also incorporates some jazz instrumentation. For example, the song “Lay Me Down” features a saxophone solo that is reminiscent of jazz music.
Overall, Sam Smith’s music incorporates some jazz influences, but it is not primarily a jazz-inspired genre. Smith’s music is a blend of pop, R&B, soul, and jazz, and their jazz influences are evident in their vocal style and instrumentation.
Has Sam Smith experimented with different music genres?
Sam Smith has experimented with different music genres throughout their career. While they are primarily known for their pop music, they have also released songs in genres such as R&B, soul, jazz, and electronic music.
In their debut album, In the Lonely Hour, Smith experimented with a variety of genres, including pop, R&B, and soul. The album’s lead single, “Stay With Me,” is a soulful ballad that has been praised for its emotional honesty and Smith’s powerful vocals. The album’s other singles, such as “I’m Not the Only One” and “Lay Me Down,” also incorporate elements of R&B and soul.
On their second album, The Thrill of It All, Smith continued to experiment with different genres. The album’s lead single, “Too Good at Goodbyes,” is a pop ballad with a darker and more melancholic sound than some of Smith’s previous work. The album also features songs in the genres of R&B, soul, and electronic music.
In 2020, Smith released their third album, Love Goes, which features a more eclectic mix of genres than their previous albums. The album’s lead single, “Dancing with a Stranger,” is a disco-inspired pop song with a catchy melody and Smith’s signature vocals. The album also features songs in the genres of R&B, soul, jazz, and electronic music.
Overall, Sam Smith is a versatile artist who is not afraid to experiment with different music genres. Their music is often characterized by its powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes. Smith’s willingness to experiment has helped them to create a unique and distinctive sound that has appealed to fans of a variety of genres.
What genre best describes Sam Smith’s debut album?
Sam Smith’s debut album, In the Lonely Hour, is best described as a contemporary pop album with elements of R&B and soul. The album’s sound is characterized by Smith’s powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes of love, loss, and identity.
The album’s lead single, “Stay With Me,” is a soulful ballad that has been praised for its emotional honesty and Smith’s powerful vocals. The album’s other singles, such as “I’m Not the Only One” and “Lay Me Down,” also incorporate elements of R&B and soul.
However, the album also features songs that are more pop-oriented, such as “Money on My Mind” and “Like I Can.” These songs have catchy melodies and upbeat tempos, but they still feature Smith’s signature soulful vocals.
Overall, In the Lonely Hour is a well-rounded album that showcases Sam Smith’s versatility as an artist. The album’s sound is a blend of pop, R&B, and soul, and it is characterized by Smith’s powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes.
Some critics have argued that In the Lonely Hour is too pop-oriented to be considered a true R&B or soul album. However, others argue that Smith’s music is a unique blend of pop and R&B that is both authentic and appealing.
Ultimately, whether or not In the Lonely Hour is a “true” R&B or soul album is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that the album is a contemporary pop album with elements of R&B and soul.
Are Sam Smith’s songs typically categorized as ballads?
Sam Smith’s songs are typically categorized as ballads. This is because they are often slow and emotional, with simple melodies and lyrics that focus on themes of love, loss, and vulnerability. Smith’s ballads are also known for their powerful vocals and gospel influences.
Some of Smith’s most famous ballads include:
- “Stay with Me”
- “I’m Not the Only One”
- “Leave Your Lover”
- “Diamonds”
- “How Do You Sleep?”
- “Fire on Fire”
- “Forgive Myself”
- “The Lover That I Lost”
- “Breaking Hearts”
- “My Oasis”
Smith has also released some more upbeat songs, but their ballads are what they are best known for. They have a knack for writing songs that are both deeply personal and relatable, and their ballads have resonated with millions of fans around the world.
In addition to being categorized as ballads, Smith’s songs are also often described as soulful, R&B, and pop. However, their ballads are typically the most popular and critically acclaimed.
Overall, Sam Smith is a balladeer at heart. Their songs are known for their emotional honesty, powerful vocals, and gospel influences. Smith’s ballads have touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world, and they continue to be some of the most popular and critically acclaimed songs in their discography.
Does Sam Smith’s music incorporate electronic elements?
Sam Smith’s music incorporates electronic elements to varying degrees. Some of their songs are heavily electronic, while others have more subtle electronic influences.
For example, the song “Stay with Me” has a prominent electronic beat and synthesizers. The song “I’m Not the Only One” also has a strong electronic sound, with pulsing synths and a driving beat.
On the other hand, the song “Diamonds” has a more subdued electronic sound, with subtle synths and electronic drums. The song “How Do You Sleep?” also has a more subtle electronic influence, with a pulsing bassline and electronic effects.
Overall, Sam Smith’s music incorporates electronic elements in a variety of ways. Some of their songs are heavily electronic, while others have more subtle electronic influences. Smith’s use of electronic elements helps to create a unique and modern sound for their music.
Here are some other examples of Sam Smith songs that incorporate electronic elements:
- “Writing’s on the Wall”
- “Promises” (with Calvin Harris)
- “Fire on Fire”
- “Dancing with a Stranger” (with Normani)
- “How Do You Sleep?”
- “I Feel Love” (Gloria Gaynor cover)
- “To Die For”
- “Love Me More”
- “I’m Ready” (with Demi Lovato)
- “For the Lover That I Lost”
Smith’s use of electronic elements has been praised by critics and fans alike. Some critics have said that Smith’s use of electronic elements helps to create a more modern and sophisticated sound for their music. Fans have also praised Smith’s use of electronic elements, saying that it helps to make their music more unique and exciting.
Is Sam Smith primarily a contemporary or classic artist?
Sam Smith is primarily a contemporary artist. This is because their music is rooted in modern musical genres and styles, such as pop, soul, and R&B. Smith’s music also incorporates electronic elements, which is another hallmark of contemporary music.
However, Smith’s music also draws on some classic influences. For example, Smith’s ballads are often reminiscent of classic soul singers such as Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. Smith has also cited classic R&B singers such as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as influences.
Overall, Sam Smith’s music is a blend of contemporary and classic influences. However, their music is more firmly rooted in the contemporary music scene.
Here are some specific examples of Sam Smith’s music that draw on classic influences:
- The song “Stay with Me” has a gospel-inspired melody and vocal performance.
- The song “Diamonds” has a classic soul sound, with a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics.
- The song “How Do You Sleep?” has a more contemporary sound, but it still incorporates some classic R&B elements, such as the use of a string section.
Smith’s music has been praised by critics and fans alike for its ability to blend classic and contemporary influences. Smith has been credited with helping to revive the classic soul sound in the modern music scene.
Ultimately, Sam Smith is a contemporary artist who draws on some classic influences. Their music is known for its emotional honesty, powerful vocals, and unique blend of genres.
Are there any folk influences in Sam Smith’s genre?
There are some folk influences in Sam Smith’s genre. His music is often characterized by its intimate and confessional lyrics, as well as its use of acoustic instruments and simple arrangements. These elements are all hallmarks of folk music.
For example, the song “Lay Me Down” from Smith’s debut album, In the Lonely Hour, features a stripped-down arrangement with just Smith’s vocals and an acoustic guitar. The lyrics are also deeply personal and introspective, dealing with themes of love, loss, and longing.
Another example is the song “Too Good at Goodbyes” from Smith’s second album, The Thrill of It All. This song has a more pop-oriented sound, but it still retains some folk elements, such as the use of a simple acoustic guitar melody and Smith’s expressive vocals.
Smith has also cited some folk artists as influences, including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Elliott Smith. These artists are all known for their poetic lyrics and their ability to tell stories through their music.
Therefore, Sam Smith’s music is a blend of pop and folk influences. His music is often characterized by its intimate and confessional lyrics, as well as its use of acoustic instruments and simple arrangements. These elements are all hallmarks of folk music.
Here are some specific examples of Sam Smith songs that have folk influences:
- “Lay Me Down”
- “Too Good at Goodbyes”
- “Writing’s on the Wall”
- “I’m Not the Only One”
- “Like I Can”
- “Dancing with a Stranger”
- “How Do You Sleep?”
- “To Die For”
- “Love Me More”
It is important to note that Sam Smith’s genre is not strictly folk. His music also incorporates elements of pop, soul, and R&B. However, his folk influences are evident in his use of acoustic instruments, simple arrangements, and introspective lyrics.
What genre has Sam Smith won awards in?
Sam Smith has won awards in the following genres:
- Pop
- R&B
- Soul
- Contemporary
Smith has won five Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, and an American Music Award. Their most notable awards include:
- Best Pop Vocal Album for In the Lonely Hour (2015)
- Best New Artist (2015)
- Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Stay with Me” (2015)
- Best Original Song for “Writing’s on the Wall” (2015)
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Unholy” with Kim Petras (2023)
Smith’s music is often characterized by its intimate and confessional lyrics, as well as its use of acoustic instruments and simple arrangements. These elements are all hallmarks of folk music. However, Smith’s music also incorporates elements of pop, soul, and R&B.
As a result, Smith’s music is difficult to classify into a single genre. However, their awards are primarily in the pop and contemporary genres.
It is worth noting that Smith is the first openly non-binary musician to both release a song that reached No. 1 at the Billboard Hot 100 and to win a Grammy Award.
Does Sam Smith have any collaborations in different music genres?
Sam Smith has collaborated with artists from a variety of music genres, including:
- Electronic: Disclosure (“Latch”), Calvin Harris (“Promises”), Naughty Boy (“La La La”)
- R&B: John Legend (“Lay Me Down”), Demi Lovato (“I’m Ready”)
- Hip hop: Logic (“Pray”)
- Country: Brandi Carlile (“Dancing with a Stranger (Remix)”)
- Latin pop: CNCO (“I Feel It Coming”)
These collaborations demonstrate Smith’s willingness to experiment with different sounds and genres. They also showcase Smith’s versatility as a vocalist and songwriter.
In addition to these collaborations, Smith has also released solo songs that incorporate elements of different genres. For example, the song “How Do You Sleep?” has a dark and atmospheric sound that is influenced by electronic music. The song “To Die For” has a more upbeat and funky sound that is influenced by soul and R&B.
Overall, Sam Smith is a genre-fluid artist who is not afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles. Their collaborations and solo work demonstrate their willingness to push the boundaries of music.
Here are some specific examples of Sam Smith collaborations in different music genres:
- Electronic:
- “Latch” with Disclosure (electronica)
- “Promises” with Calvin Harris (electronic dance music)
- R&B:
- “Lay Me Down” with John Legend (neo soul)
- “I’m Ready” with Demi Lovato (pop R&B)
- Hip hop:
- “Pray” with Logic (hip hop soul)
- Country:
- “Dancing with a Stranger (Remix)” with Brandi Carlile (country pop)
- Latin pop:
- “I Feel It Coming” with CNCO (latin pop)
Smith’s willingness to collaborate with artists from different genres is one of the things that makes them such a unique and exciting artist.
How would you define the genre of Sam Smith’s latest album?
Sam Smith’s latest album, Gloria, is a diverse and multi-genre album that incorporates elements of pop, R&B, soul, electronic music, and dancehall.
Some songs on the album have a more traditional pop sound, such as “Love Me More” and “Fire on Fire.” Other songs have a more experimental sound, such as “How Do You Sleep?” and “To Die For.”
The album also features collaborations with artists from different genres, such as Kim Petras, Koffee, and Jessie Reyez. This further contributes to the album’s eclectic sound.
Overall, I would define the genre of Sam Smith’s latest album as contemporary pop. This genre encompasses a wide range of sounds and styles, and Smith’s album certainly reflects this diversity.
Here are some specific examples of songs on Gloria that incorporate elements of different genres:
- Pop: “Love Me More”, “Fire on Fire”, “Promises” (with Calvin Harris)
- R&B: “How Do You Sleep?”, “I Feel Love” (disco cover)
- Soul: “Little Tin Buddhas”
- Electronic music: “Unholy” (with Kim Petras)
- Dancehall: “Temptation” (with Koffee)
Smith’s latest album is a testament to their versatility as an artist and their willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. It is an album that has something to offer everyone.
What genre best captures the essence of Sam Smith’s voice?
The genre that best captures the essence of Sam Smith’s voice is soulful pop.
Smith’s voice is rich, expressive, and versatile. It can be powerful and soulful, or it can be soft and vulnerable. Smith’s music often deals with themes of love, loss, and identity, and their voice perfectly conveys the emotional depth of their lyrics.
Soulful pop is a genre that combines the elements of pop music with the soulful sound of traditional soul music. This genre is characterized by its emphasis on vocals, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics.
Smith’s music perfectly embodies the soulful pop genre. Their songs are often characterized by their strong vocals, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics. Smith’s voice is perfectly suited for this genre, and their music is always emotionally resonant.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question “What Genre Is Sam Smith?” it’s safe to say that this British singer-songwriter defies easy categorization within a single genre.
Sam Smith’s music traverses a diverse spectrum, blending elements of pop, soul, R&B, and even hints of electronic music. Their soulful and emotive vocals are their trademark, and their ability to convey deep emotions through their music transcends any specific genre boundaries.
Smith’s versatility as an artist allows them to create music that resonates with a wide range of listeners, making it difficult to pin them down to a single musical category. Ultimately, Sam Smith‘s genre is best described as a fusion of various influences, resulting in a unique and captivating sound that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
