Gloria
by Sam Smith
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jan 27, 2023
User Score
4.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 83
  3. Negative: 34 out of 83
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  1. PEDROMFR
    Jan 28, 2023
    6
    At the same that is very beautiful to see Sam getting out the shelf, you would expect more from his 4th studio album. Overall, it's a mid-positive work.
  2. SamuelShawel200
    Jan 29, 2023
    0
    I can gladly say, this is quickly going down as one of the worst albums I've ever listened to. Sam Smith is utter garbage with no talent whatsoever. This is an easy 0 and Unholy is the worst song I've ever heard. Sam Smith is the worst along with Rod Wave.
  3. ROBYWON
    Jan 30, 2023
    1
    Beyoncé did the real Queer Renaissance, Sam Smith restored the Middle Ages sanctimoniousness. It was supposed to be the album of freedom, of hedonism, of queer expressiveness. It sounds like the chorus of Italy's most oppressive and bigoted Catholic church. Gragorian and medieval chants, I don't hear queer dance wonders.
  4. SmashingReviews
    Feb 5, 2023
    4
    Smith has a great voice and is, undeniably, a very talented singer. Nevertheless, someone's vocal talent is not enough to constitute great art. This project, like many others in this genre, has a mission of sending a positive message to people struggling with their own sexuality and low self esteem, but it fails to deliver something unique and remarkable, even if it appears to come from aSmith has a great voice and is, undeniably, a very talented singer. Nevertheless, someone's vocal talent is not enough to constitute great art. This project, like many others in this genre, has a mission of sending a positive message to people struggling with their own sexuality and low self esteem, but it fails to deliver something unique and remarkable, even if it appears to come from a (somewhat) authentic place.… Expand
  5. VVM9
    Jan 30, 2023
    10
    Gloria seems like the next stage for such a creative artist. Not like they reinvented the wheel but the vocals and mixing are amazing! A great mix of expected melodies and new dance pop for Sam Smith. Standouts like No God and INHTMF are going to go far. Congrats Sam on a beautiful piece of art !
  6. joehonkers
    Jan 28, 2023
    0
    sam smith is an international threat to public safety. i would rather be waterboarded than sit through another listen of this album.
  7. joeevans4203
    Jan 28, 2023
    0
    Such a downgrade in quality from Love Goes. Not a fan of this at all :( I hope their next album is better
  8. Panchogul
    Jan 27, 2023
    0
    Horrible portada, horribles canciones y un aún peor lead single repleto de payola. Este tipo va de mal en peor y no parece que vaya a mejorar jamás.
  9. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 27, 2023
    1
    Sam smith's latestes begins well enough before succumbing to their poor pop sensibilities. Every track after the colorless no.1 single Unholy just fails to continue the streak the songs b4 it held. I can see the effort ,the vocals still deliver,the production still is serviceable but i just cant see myself returning to or remembering this. For one of the first big releases of this year itSam smith's latestes begins well enough before succumbing to their poor pop sensibilities. Every track after the colorless no.1 single Unholy just fails to continue the streak the songs b4 it held. I can see the effort ,the vocals still deliver,the production still is serviceable but i just cant see myself returning to or remembering this. For one of the first big releases of this year it sounds more like an omen than a promise… Expand
  10. DonCalamardo09
    Jan 27, 2023
    0
    His new music is so boring and he needs to stop, release music like before, 2014 was that year but then you tanked worst album of your career, sorry bro but that kim collab ruined the hype
  11. isaacOchoa
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    Sam supo pulir cada parte del álbum y eso hace que el álbum sea esencial e inusual
  12. Xsndr
    Jan 28, 2023
    7
    I have listened to Gloria a several times since it’s release. I thought that the albumcover was cute. The album has 13 songs (the longest song was 3:51 min, the shortest song 8 seconds). In 33 minutes you’ve heard the whole album. I think that’s to short, it feels more like an EP. We deserved more. I think it’s beautiful to see and hear, how Sam develops themself and getting moreI have listened to Gloria a several times since it’s release. I thought that the albumcover was cute. The album has 13 songs (the longest song was 3:51 min, the shortest song 8 seconds). In 33 minutes you’ve heard the whole album. I think that’s to short, it feels more like an EP. We deserved more. I think it’s beautiful to see and hear, how Sam develops themself and getting more comfortable with themself. I love songs like ‘I’m not here to make friends’ ‘unholy’ ‘gimme’ ‘who we love’. Overall I’m happy with the album and the growth for Sam. But I want more songs!! 7/10… Expand
  13. covan
    Feb 2, 2023
    0
    This album is so bad please delete it, its all ca&rryed by unh0ly and they did only songs for tiktok, stream Diamonds & Dancefloors by Ava Max instead xoxo
  14. Hieloucar
    Feb 2, 2023
    0
    the album is repetitive and it becomes very boring and difficult to listen to, the sounds are not good
  15. Matt23
    Jan 30, 2023
    1
    Rather than a queer rebirth, a beacon for being oneself, it looks like the march for light to the beyond. Anything but Beyoncé's Renaissance, Sam Smith has produced a dark, heavy, and very hard album.
  16. MarioGarcia
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    Love it! Unapologetic, sensual lyrics and fantastic vocals as expected. Sam is inviting you to a gay/queer celebration and making it fun; it’s all about liberation.
  17. Bismuth
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    I loved the album,Honestly, I think that some songs lacked a vocal,But all in all, well produced and quite addictive.
  18. carloselian21
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    this is possibly their best album ever made, the sounds and voice take you to an 80’s gay disco
  19. Ema123
    Jan 29, 2023
    7
    Cons: -I don t like the lead singles gimme and unholy that much
    -album Is too short

    Pro:
    -amazing vocals
    -some songs are really good "no God" and "lose you" are my favoutite. The others are generally quite good.
  20. Andreemusic
    Feb 17, 2023
    10
    I have been a fan of Sam since his first first album, honestly every album he puts out is better than the last, he is a very talented person and loves his work
  21. JaySWang
    Jan 30, 2023
    8
    it's not that bad. I love this album. 'Love me more' and 'Hurting interlude' is quite touching. But actually 'unholy' is not that fitted in the whole album. Always like to see people being who they are. However, the length of album is really short. 13 songs only are about total 30 mins.
    anyway, it's a good album to me.
  22. Maumartinelli
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    Sam se distancia do passado e das baladas românticas em um álbum mais pop que flerta com o “profano” em seus melhores momentos. Apesar de falar sobre autoaceitação e glorificar sua persona, não deixa de falar sobre o seu velho coração. Apesar de não ser o melhor álbum da carreira, Sam se reinventa e foge do fantasma da mesmice entregando um bom álbum pop com pitadas de glórias passadas.Sam se distancia do passado e das baladas românticas em um álbum mais pop que flerta com o “profano” em seus melhores momentos. Apesar de falar sobre autoaceitação e glorificar sua persona, não deixa de falar sobre o seu velho coração. Apesar de não ser o melhor álbum da carreira, Sam se reinventa e foge do fantasma da mesmice entregando um bom álbum pop com pitadas de glórias passadas.
  23. souale
    Jan 30, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. acho que todo mundo esperava mais de Glória, esperávamos mais liberdade, extravagância é que sam fugisse um pouco de “baladas românticas” já que é o que ele sempre tem nos entregado nos seus últimos trabalhos. Não posso deixar de comentar sobre seus interlude completamente poderoso e das músicas mais dançantes unholy e guimme que deram toco aquele toque picante do álbum… Expand
  24. Littlegizmo
    Feb 7, 2023
    10
    his best album ... love it amazung voice and text ... bravo ... madterpiece
  25. Guilhemm
    Feb 8, 2023
    7
    Love unholy and gloria, love that they are in the same album, but unfortunately the other songs do not succeed to maintain a cohesion across the album. Good songs but I do not get the vibe.
  26. ray32
    Jun 8, 2023
    1
    Safe to say this one of the worst Albums I have ever heard. This Album is just as musty as Sam Smith himself.
  27. whtq
    Feb 6, 2023
    4
    I don't really have much to say about this. There are 3 okay-ish songs and that's about it, not forgetting to mention whatever the hell the songs "Gimme" and "Gloria" are supposed to be. It just doesn't work.
  28. Fabiancsc
    Jul 8, 2023
    2
    I'm sorry to say, but where was the Sam Smith who was a musical genius. His previous jobs demonstrated confidence, talent and admiration. But now... what happened? There is a Sam who wants to be different but who is not sure of himself, and that makes him show it in his songs and they are affected. It's not bad to want to be authentic, but you have to know how to do it and not get to theI'm sorry to say, but where was the Sam Smith who was a musical genius. His previous jobs demonstrated confidence, talent and admiration. But now... what happened? There is a Sam who wants to be different but who is not sure of himself, and that makes him show it in his songs and they are affected. It's not bad to want to be authentic, but you have to know how to do it and not get to the point of not knowing who you are.… Expand
  29. someonewhocares
    Feb 2, 2023
    5
    Unholy doesn't belong on this album, all the other songs are throwback Sam Smith classics, but then we have the Ed Sheeran-duet Who We Love, and that unbearable GIMME.
  30. NeoBridgeburn
    Feb 19, 2023
    0
    yallah etoh haramir shima nai allah it was such a chore to get through y'all have no idea
  31. aledelf
    Jun 23, 2023
    4
    The album is good to make you sleep, it is just really boring and makes every minute of it an eternity, it have some good songs but you loose the courage to hear that on the second one.
  32. musicbox
    Feb 22, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the cohesion on gloria is surprising given how sonically eclectic it is. it is the sprawl of different sounds that makes this LP probably the most interesting of smith's musical career thus far. however it is unfortunate that some of the more genuinely entertaining or thought provoking moments like on 'hurting', 'dorothy' and title track 'gloria' are cut short to make room for platitudes that feel like more of the same from smith. indeed this is what syphons 'gloria's' overall potential. the album is just good when it really could've been great.… Expand
  33. NAVISTHEGOAT
    Feb 5, 2023
    0
    Worst experience of my life, Sam Smith's music is torture to my ears. 0/100 and easily the worst album I've ever listened to.
  34. AsemAbdElmobdy
    Jan 31, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's such a good album really.. Full of personal emotional feelings and music is so catchy. The only negative note that album is too short… Expand
  35. wojtekk
    Feb 3, 2023
    5
    Gloria is a very personal and unique album. Many people expected it to sound like smash hit "Unholy" most of the songs are more similar to the first single "Love me more". Even the fact that the album contains 13 tracks it's very short, a bit too short. Some songs in production aren't very different from each other which might make them boring after some listens. Of course there are stillGloria is a very personal and unique album. Many people expected it to sound like smash hit "Unholy" most of the songs are more similar to the first single "Love me more". Even the fact that the album contains 13 tracks it's very short, a bit too short. Some songs in production aren't very different from each other which might make them boring after some listens. Of course there are still some outstanding songs like "Im not here to make friends" or "No god" which keeps this album in "okay category". Loving "Gloria era" but the album could be better.… Expand
  36. lucasmileeo
    Feb 8, 2023
    10
    álbum fantástico muito bom e coeso , parabéns sam por entregar essa obra de arte
  37. ChrisStogden
    Feb 6, 2023
    8
    sam smith has come together with a lot of artist and I truly think that "Unholy" is one of his best collabartaions. Good beats and lyrics
  38. PradaPoosay
    Feb 4, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Safe to say this one of the worst Albums I have ever heard. This Album is just as musty as Sam Smith himself… Expand
  39. jorsian
    Mar 2, 2023
    3
    Gloria plays into the worst self-love tropes imaginable, and echoes meek self-validating sentiments in an effort to cleanse itself of its mediocrity. There is something so trite about the lyricism on this record. The words feel shallow in meaning and lost on the listeners who have heard the same sentiments echoed by social justice warriors ad nauseam for years before this record everGloria plays into the worst self-love tropes imaginable, and echoes meek self-validating sentiments in an effort to cleanse itself of its mediocrity. There is something so trite about the lyricism on this record. The words feel shallow in meaning and lost on the listeners who have heard the same sentiments echoed by social justice warriors ad nauseam for years before this record ever graced their ears.… Expand
  40. flamminghost
    Feb 14, 2023
    8
    This was a good album but unholy and gimme were completely out of place and just bad songs anyway the album was pretty good
  41. AlexSwish
    Feb 19, 2023
    10
    The album mixes the best of Sam Smith in tracks that go from classics of the artist like "No God", "Love Me More", "How To Cry" and "Perfect", to songs that appeared after "Promisses", like "I 'm Not Here To Make Friends" and the Pop Perfection "Lose You"
  42. jxshua
    Mar 20, 2023
    0
    A lot of negative reviews, and there shouldn't be. Sam delivered brilliant vocals and production as they do on every album, one of their best bodies of work.
  43. maxtheirish
    Mar 21, 2023
    6
    in my humble opinion this album is one of Sam's best. They figure out ways to blend happy pop songs with some sad topics in there as well. Even with all of these ups there are downs. Sam's voice is very... not great. and "Gimme" is awful in every way. and the production is not my favorite. But in the end i was pleasantly surprised by this album.
  44. AlefCAlcantara
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    Um álbum maravilhoso e cheio de sentimentos e dor. Sam tem uma voz lindíssima.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 28, 2023
    50
    While by no means a bad record, Sam Smith’s Gloria is largely hit-or-miss.
    Read full review
  2. Variety
    Feb 10, 2023
    94
    With songs that are both sacred and profane, with R&B and pop and disco and chorales, “Gloria” is all of that and more.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Feb 3, 2023
    60
    It's largely unobtrusive and serviceable, distinguished mostly by Smith's elastic voice and increased specificity and complexity to the reflective and romantic songs.
    Read full review
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