The Thrill of It All
by Sam Smith
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Nov 3, 2017
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 190 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 133 out of 190
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 190
  3. Negative: 37 out of 190
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  1. fiputu
    Nov 5, 2017
    10
    The album is chic. I advise you to listen. A beautiful, unusual voice. Some songs have a choir. Sam passed his feelings well in recent years. I give ten out of ten.
  2. Youngmetro
    Nov 6, 2017
    6
    I found this album to be above average.the production was hit or miss for me but overall basic and not that special . The saving grace for sure his Sam's vocals . His subject matter and how he uses his voice allows the project despite the lack luster production to keep my attention for the most part. However it loses me later on . If your a Sam smith fan or someone who wants to see whatI found this album to be above average.the production was hit or miss for me but overall basic and not that special . The saving grace for sure his Sam's vocals . His subject matter and how he uses his voice allows the project despite the lack luster production to keep my attention for the most part. However it loses me later on . If your a Sam smith fan or someone who wants to see what he's about for sure give it a listen . If you don't like Sam Smith just skip this, doesn't change what he does .It's not a bad album but in my opinion it ain't a good album and i feel like this is a good blue print for Sam to use to eventually hit his peak.… Expand
  3. chidime
    Nov 3, 2017
    7
    The best part of this album is definitely one key thing: Sam Smith's voice. The instrumentation is for the most part, basic and almost fading to the background. The lyrics/songwriting, while a bit more experimental in nature than Smith's earlier work (especially in 'Pray', and 'HIM'), are still nothing special- we've heard most of them before, and a good amount of them on the album areThe best part of this album is definitely one key thing: Sam Smith's voice. The instrumentation is for the most part, basic and almost fading to the background. The lyrics/songwriting, while a bit more experimental in nature than Smith's earlier work (especially in 'Pray', and 'HIM'), are still nothing special- we've heard most of them before, and a good amount of them on the album are bland.. However, Sam's voice rises to the occasion. Even in the worst of the songs on the album, Sam Smith manages to create a spectacle out of his voice. His voice is many factors better on this album than on his older material. The layers in his voice carry what should be a bland, disposable album to new heights. In short, I have never heard this dimension to Sam Smith's voice, and I'm more of a fan of his for that. At the end of the day, a great voice a good album doesn't make. With better, more energetic production/instrumentation, more engaging/less cliche lyrics, and more memorable songwriting, this album could have been an instant classic, when coupled with Sam's newly minted voice. But the silver lining in all this is that Sam seems to be further experimenting with his voice, and certainly seems keen on pushing his music to new levels: He just needs to take his songwriting/producers to that new level too.

    BEST: Pray, Baby, You Make Me Crazy, No Peace, Midnight Train, HIM
    WORST: The special edition tracks, One Last Song

    6.8/10    … Expand
  4. MusicalButter
    Nov 4, 2017
    7
    Sam Smith stretches himself with this second album, making more flavoured music compared to his last and debut album. The Thrill of it All is produced and executed the feeling of love very well, too. The standout point of this album is simply his voice. With the backing instruments seeming simplistic his voice is elegant, full of passion and shows his talent as a singer.

    Fav's: Too Good    Sam Smith stretches himself with this second album, making more flavoured music compared to his last and debut album. The Thrill of it All is produced and executed the feeling of love very well, too. The standout point of this album is simply his voice. With the backing instruments seeming simplistic his voice is elegant, full of passion and shows his talent as a singer.

    Fav's: Too Good at Goodbyes, HIM, Pray, The Thrill of It All, Burning.

    Ehhhhhhhhh: Scars, Nothing Left For You.

    Not my slice of cake: One Day At A Time.    … Expand
  5. DavidWasHere
    Nov 3, 2017
    6
    It's alright. It does have more strengths over his debut, particulary with a more mature understanding of love (with the exception of Too Good at Goodbyes being rather immature framing-wise) and being openly gay, and even some of the production adding gospel weight to it. However this album is hindered by the same problems Sam Smith always has. That being weak vocals and genericIt's alright. It does have more strengths over his debut, particulary with a more mature understanding of love (with the exception of Too Good at Goodbyes being rather immature framing-wise) and being openly gay, and even some of the production adding gospel weight to it. However this album is hindered by the same problems Sam Smith always has. That being weak vocals and generic composition. While it is undeniable that Sam does have a fantastic and unique feminine voice, it's unfortunately too held back without delivering powerful vocals like Adele, nor does the safe production can save his singing. It's clear that he wants to be the male version of artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse, artists that have a very safe and Grammy-friendly sound of 60s R&B and Soul. And while safe music is not bad, Adele and Amy made it work for them, but Sam meanwhile is too held back with just bland composition and production. Too Good at Goodbyes and Baby, You Make Me Crazy are major offenders at being super generic and banal. And Midnight Train is a blatant ripoff of Radiohead's Creep (which also makes it a ripoff of the Hollies; the Air That I Breathe). Sometimes the gospel sound does save a few tracks, like the standard edition's closer Pray, Say It First, HIM, and a solid blues-like number on special edition track Nothing Left for You. This isn't bad and is a step up from his debut, but he's not reaching the unique twist on 60s R&B that Amy Winehouse carved out, nor the powerful singing and smart song craft that Adele has. And compare him to other male queer singer-songwriters, he's not even close to Perfume Genius or even Rufus Wainwright. Again it's not bad, a little bit impressive and does fill a sad song void, but nothing all that remarkable at the same time. But it will sweep up Grammys, so there is something.… Expand
  6. HengeBoy93
    Nov 3, 2017
    9
    No show-ponying, no tricky production, just good old-fashioned storytelling and an impressive vocal talent, these are the main qualitities of Sam Smith's sophomore, an album made up of heartbreak and emotional uncertainty. It will not be a surprise to anyone familiar with his debut, the 12+ million-selling "In the lonely hour", a record that was a look into the heart of a boy helplessly inNo show-ponying, no tricky production, just good old-fashioned storytelling and an impressive vocal talent, these are the main qualitities of Sam Smith's sophomore, an album made up of heartbreak and emotional uncertainty. It will not be a surprise to anyone familiar with his debut, the 12+ million-selling "In the lonely hour", a record that was a look into the heart of a boy helplessly in love. "The thrill of it all" is about a man who turns his gaze outward. Filled with more tales of heartbreak, unrequited love, yearning and loss, listening to this album is a richer experience than "Lonely hour" thanks to the songwriting that reflects some of the fraught emotions at play in Smith's life (he has been candid about his struggles with alcohol, relationships, and the burden of sudden fame). Of course, his voice remains a thing of wonder throughout this set (whispered baritones, ultra-high falsettos, melisma, vibrato); distinctive and powerful enough to command the spotlight in every song, his beautiful phrasing and swooping vocal twists make the listening experience seem even more poignant.… Expand
  7. Marcosotica
    Nov 23, 2017
    0
    His subject matter and how he uses his voice allows the project despite the lack luster production to keep my attention for the most part. However it loses me later on . If your a Sam smith fan or someone who wants to see what
  8. fredpasseri
    Feb 3, 2018
    0
    same formula from the previous album. Sam sings a lot, but I value singers who always try to change.
  9. heisenbergsfan
    Nov 3, 2017
    0
    As bland as ever. Completely recycled music devoid of captivating melodies or fresh lyrical ideas. None of these stories feel real in any way. Everything eventually blurs in my mind, a blur of mediocrity.
  10. kyledokic
    Nov 3, 2017
    0
    Awful recycled pop rubbish. His albums always seemed to have some average singles mushed together. This album will be forgotten by the end of the month.
  11. Chakram
    Nov 8, 2017
    0
    Much worse than debut. Too much dying cat voice and mellow songs. Unfortunately Sam didn’t deliver this time. For some reason I would probably love this album if this songs were sang by some woman.
  12. hjclouds
    Nov 4, 2017
    8
    Comparing to his first album , there's not much of new good melodies or tunes that catch up and simply make us keep humming in our head or in the shower . Last album had more songs that you can remember after the first or second time playing . other that that Sam smith does a fantastic job with his way of catching emotions and lyrics , and delivers some great music . Overall it's a greatComparing to his first album , there's not much of new good melodies or tunes that catch up and simply make us keep humming in our head or in the shower . Last album had more songs that you can remember after the first or second time playing . other that that Sam smith does a fantastic job with his way of catching emotions and lyrics , and delivers some great music . Overall it's a great album ! love it… Expand
  13. carlos1994
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    Instrumental muito bom, faixas completas de emoção e vulnerabilidade, uma sintonia de sinceridade e realidade. Muito bom o álbum.
    Espero poder escutar esse álbum ao vivo em um show no brasil.
  14. zaraswish
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    melhor álbum do ano composições ótimas vocais impecáveis melhor artista masculino da atualidade. Fora a ótima produção do álbum o conjunto de coral nos refrões ficou perfeito
  15. yurinr
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    álbum maravilhoso, desde a composição das letras até as batidas que as compõem. mas claro que o destaque do álbum vai todo para os vocais, que perfeitos
  16. Wael
    Nov 6, 2017
    7
    "The Thrill Of It" is exactly like I expected it to be: a cohesive record, beautifully-produced, sung with vocals that'll give you goosebumps for days on end, but also containing some let-down tracks. The pre-released songs are outstanding ("Burning" just may be the best track on this record, unless another grew on me more), and some new ones are just as well-done: "Midnight Train" is a"The Thrill Of It" is exactly like I expected it to be: a cohesive record, beautifully-produced, sung with vocals that'll give you goosebumps for days on end, but also containing some let-down tracks. The pre-released songs are outstanding ("Burning" just may be the best track on this record, unless another grew on me more), and some new ones are just as well-done: "Midnight Train" is a break-up song, and it randomly sounds like something you'd play during the Christmas holidays, "Say It First" is a typical Sam Smith song, with lyrics about love and a shiny production, "HIM" is a strong statement, starting off with a choir that sounds so mad and almost gory, "Palace" is this record's version of "Not In That Way" (my favorite track from his first effort), except it has a more positive message. One intriguing song is "One Last Song", which sounds like it's a left-over from Ariana's "Yours Truly" album. On the other hand, songs like "No Peace" and "Baby, You Make Me Crazy" sound uninspired and dull.
    All in all, this record was worth the wait, it is very well-done, has so many single choices, and is very enjoyable, definitely worthy of some plays.    … Expand
  17. Panchogul
    Sep 17, 2020
    0
    Lo mismo de siempre, tan solo tiene mejor producción y cambio de imagen, pero sigue siendo más del montón, además la portada es horrible.
  18. renatomrrocha
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    Melhor álbum do ano até então. Sam smith conseguiu superar a qualidade do seu álbum de estreia. Este tem uma pegada mais Soul e R&B, destaque para os corais ao fundo nas canções e para os vocais espetaculares do Sam. Uma verdadeira obra-prima.
  19. spongeswift
    Nov 11, 2017
    3
    The Thrill Of It All proves that Sam's motto is make it exactly like my last album so we can get those coins (Adele's logic). This album isn't bad but it's also overrated. I ended up underwhelmed because this is exactly like his first record. It lyrically is better than his first album but overall this album is trumped by his first one. It just has no spice to it which is why his new songThe Thrill Of It All proves that Sam's motto is make it exactly like my last album so we can get those coins (Adele's logic). This album isn't bad but it's also overrated. I ended up underwhelmed because this is exactly like his first record. It lyrically is better than his first album but overall this album is trumped by his first one. It just has no spice to it which is why his new song is just bouncing around the top 10 with no upward or downward direction. I would say Sam change your style it will work but as of now it's just a meh album.… Expand
  20. Music_Observer
    Nov 11, 2017
    6
    Smith did respectably well to mask his musical shortcomings with gospel chorus swells, vocal riffs, and uses of simplistic harmonies that gave some extra power to the plain structure, but ultimately the underdeveloped melodic ideas and rudimentary chords and rhythms on piano makes this only a work for those who immaturely want their music handed to them on a silver platter by theirSmith did respectably well to mask his musical shortcomings with gospel chorus swells, vocal riffs, and uses of simplistic harmonies that gave some extra power to the plain structure, but ultimately the underdeveloped melodic ideas and rudimentary chords and rhythms on piano makes this only a work for those who immaturely want their music handed to them on a silver platter by their culture. My Score: 113/180 (Okay) = 6.3/10… Expand
  21. bentheking
    Jul 5, 2020
    6
    Sam did a really great job on with this record, lyrically and vocally. It’s really dramatic. But is sam ever not? I really love the record, and I’m so thankful that I finally have the pleasure of giving it a listen (or 100)
  22. tipar
    Jul 29, 2018
    5
    A very average album, clearly if you loved the other one you will love this one but if you just liked it, the same here. In my case, I found that one quieter and calmer than the first one so it is even worst.
  23. LancerReviews
    Nov 17, 2017
    7
    Sam Smith finds balance on production on this sophomore record, a coherence that makes the record smoother. So much of all the sorrow and outcry for romance on the previous record, The Thrill of It All eschews from pain; shows control and realization on the aftermath.
  24. itsvague
    Nov 30, 2017
    9
    Dramatic, real and vulnerable, it grows bigger the more times you listen. Sam went from Grindr-hook-up meltdown songs to soaring tales of a broken heart, but this time in the healing process. Burning demons, expressing religious fears and personal acceptances, The Thrill of It All is undeniably a sophomore album to talk about.

    Highlights: Too Good at Goodbyes, Say It First, HIM, No    Dramatic, real and vulnerable, it grows bigger the more times you listen. Sam went from Grindr-hook-up meltdown songs to soaring tales of a broken heart, but this time in the healing process. Burning demons, expressing religious fears and personal acceptances, The Thrill of It All is undeniably a sophomore album to talk about.

    Highlights: Too Good at Goodbyes, Say It First, HIM, No Peace (feat. YEBBA), Pray.    … Expand
  25. gomespedro
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    O Sam Smith do primeiro álbum voltou tão sólido quanto no primeiro disco, com a sua clássica melancolia muito bem traduzida em palavras. Os vocais estão mais incríveis do que nunca e com certeza o disco será um dos favoritos na corrida pelo Grammy de 2019. Entre músicas incríveis, como 'Midnight Train' e 'HIM', Sam Smith pecou na escolha de inserir nesse álbum duas músicas fora do contextoO Sam Smith do primeiro álbum voltou tão sólido quanto no primeiro disco, com a sua clássica melancolia muito bem traduzida em palavras. Os vocais estão mais incríveis do que nunca e com certeza o disco será um dos favoritos na corrida pelo Grammy de 2019. Entre músicas incríveis, como 'Midnight Train' e 'HIM', Sam Smith pecou na escolha de inserir nesse álbum duas músicas fora do contexto do disco, 'Baby, You Make Me Crazy' e 'One Last Song' - são boas músicas, mas tiram de foco a natureza profunda e as notas silenciosas que são marcas do artista. De resto, o CD fica cada vez melhor a cada vez que se escuta - Sam Smith mostrou que compor, cantar e fazer sentir não é uma arte de 'In The Lonely Hour', e sim um potencial intrínseco de seu ser.… Expand
  26. pedrobsj
    Nov 26, 2017
    8
    Three years after releasing his breakthrough album, Sam Smith is ready to embark on a new era. With a new look, sound and attitude, the british singer released his sophomore album by the beginning of November and has been scoring hits and sales ever since.

    While I’ve never been a huge fan of Sam’s earlier material, I decided it was time to give his music - and not only his known hits -    Three years after releasing his breakthrough album, Sam Smith is ready to embark on a new era. With a new look, sound and attitude, the british singer released his sophomore album by the beginning of November and has been scoring hits and sales ever since.

    While I’ve never been a huge fan of Sam’s earlier material, I decided it was time to give his music - and not only his known hits - a chance and I don’t regret it. The reason why I’ve never been keen on his music has to do with the constant theme and sound behind it: heartbreak in form of ballads. “The Thrill Of It All” isn’t really a step ahead on the opposite direction as it contains a lot of heartbreak songs as well but some of those are touching, deep and phenomenal.

    With this being said, I really have to start this review by focusing on what Sam calls to be the “core” of the record: “Burning” which is my ultimate favorite track. The amount of feeling, emotion and heartbreak one feels when listening to it is impressive and extremely touching. You feel like it is happening with you due to the way he sings and drives the song. The first time I heard his record, I wasn’t too impressed with it but “Burning” caught my attention right from the first listen and I knew I had to pay further attention to the rest of the album.

    My idea that Sam’s repertoire was built off heartbreak and ballads was somewhat changed after listening to the “The Thrill Of It All”. While I never played his first album, “In The Lonely Hour”, I believe that Sam has gotten more mature and fearless with fame and success. As stated before, there’s tons of heartbreak songs through the album (“Too Good at Goodbyes”, “Midnight Train” or “No Peace”) but there’s way more to the record than that. A quick listen to songs such as “HIM” or “Scars” are enough to blow your mind, especially if you’re part of a minority who isn’t yet tolerated by everyone. In “HIM”, Sam sings about a boy coming out of the closet to a type of God [“Holy Father, we need to talk (...) I’m not the boy that you thought you wanted”] and in “Scars”, Sam dedicates a song to his mother and father who have always been supportive of his life choices. You will feel chills all over your body while listening to those.

    On the other hand, Sam has found space to include a few upbeat songs such as “Baby, You Make Me Crazy” or “One Last Song”. Even though they don’t exactly contain a very positive message, the fast rhythm forces the lyrics to cool down and take things less seriously.

    To conclude the album analysis, “Nothing Left For You” and “Palace” are yet two other tracks worth mentioning, mostly due to its phenomenal lyricism. “The Thrill Of It All” was a great surprise for someone who has never been a big Sam Smith fan like me. It shows confidence, versatility and relatability.    … Expand
  27. AndreaMonetDogs
    Nov 24, 2017
    6
    I wish i could return to a time like where i could like feel more of a thrill to my life. i feel like there is not much happenning in my lives today.
  28. bjodr
    Nov 29, 2017
    9
    Much, much, much better than the first album. I am so proud that he has shown his position in music industry. Every track in this album is very well considered and produced. This is an album worth buying.
  29. zarafames
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    melhor artista masculino da atualidade. Melhor voz masculina da atualidade. ÍCONE DO POP
  30. Jasiu
    Feb 4, 2018
    0
    Very overrated artist that is making his career on Adele’s back. Very sad but unfortunately true. This album is boring and massive downgrade from the debut. It’s like listening to the crying cat on the hot roof...
  31. TheusFurler
    Jul 3, 2018
    10
    iconico, cada musica soa especial e melhor que a anterior, melhor artista masculino do pop atual, SAM COME TO BRAZIL! Que álbum incrível! Sem palavras pra descrever essa magnitude toda.
  32. gomezsailor
    Apr 26, 2019
    10
    Dramatic, real, and polish, a masterpiece written through a naked soul- Zero pretentious and very sincere..
  33. StavoSwift13
    Oct 18, 2018
    7
    Tenemos a "Adele" versión masculina, pero aún MÁS repetitivo en el tema del desamor. Y es que este álbum esta lleno de eso, no se reinventa. En cuanto a producción más de lo mismo, coros de Iglesia acompañados de instrumentos que no saben lo que hacen, un Sam Smith que parece no le funcionó la fórmula de "contar mí historia" ya que sólo logro que las buenas valadas de este trabajo seanTenemos a "Adele" versión masculina, pero aún MÁS repetitivo en el tema del desamor. Y es que este álbum esta lleno de eso, no se reinventa. En cuanto a producción más de lo mismo, coros de Iglesia acompañados de instrumentos que no saben lo que hacen, un Sam Smith que parece no le funcionó la fórmula de "contar mí historia" ya que sólo logro que las buenas valadas de este trabajo sean algo memorables y el resto parece ser un trabajo de un adolescente que apenas sabe componer, esta triste por una decepción y apesar de cargarse un sentimiento no logra transmitirlo con su voz. Sumando a esto, un intento muy gastado de incluir a la comunidad LGBT+. Sinceramente sin pena ni gloria. Esperando, pidiendo y deseando que no saque nada igual a esto en mucho tiempo. 7.8 para Sam Smith… Expand
  34. ferferchi_03
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    This album is so good. It stars with a number 1 hit and while your listening the record you are feeling everything Sam wanted to say. Also vocally it's incredible. In one of the last songs, th one tha gives a title to the album, you can appreciatte how lost you can get by a break in a relationship, it's magical.
  35. Dsros96
    Jun 3, 2020
    3
    At first I thought this album was good but it's plain, basic and has 0 replay value, nothing interesting. Their debut was way beyond this one.
  36. louis_
    Jun 20, 2019
    7
    Sam Smith allows himself to show his feelings through beautiful and soft lyrics coupled with his delicate and strong voice.
  37. imaginetruIy
    Jun 18, 2019
    8
    In his second album we noticed the great evolution of Sam Smith in relation to the first, here we have a very cohesive and well worked album (not that the first one is not) with songs more pleasant to hear and with wonderful vocals, themes that some do not approach much, "HIM" and "Pray" are the biggest highlights of the album, we have a slip in "Say It First" the annoying majs track ofIn his second album we noticed the great evolution of Sam Smith in relation to the first, here we have a very cohesive and well worked album (not that the first one is not) with songs more pleasant to hear and with wonderful vocals, themes that some do not approach much, "HIM" and "Pray" are the biggest highlights of the album, we have a slip in "Say It First" the annoying majs track of the album that brings nothing interesting but does not lose the atmosphere of the album, its partner with Yebba who is growing to each part until reaching its apex is also one of the highlights of this project, mature, cohesive and enjoyable for sure one of the best albums of 2018 and the biggest highlight among male artists.… Expand
  38. DavisS
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    a vey much needed shortsy 10 track album. better than the previous studio LP. dunno why grammys snubbed them so hard
  39. Akura-ou
    Feb 1, 2023
    7
    Vocally and lyrically it's wonderful, but this lack of taking risks on Sam's part is a bit irritating.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2017
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Q Magazine
    Nov 22, 2017
    80
    Both [HIM and Pray] perfectly distill the vision and boldness of this return. [Jan 2018, p.115]
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Nov 13, 2017
    30
    Nobody expected Smith to reinvent the wheel on his second album, but anything is better than limping along on a flat tyre.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Nov 10, 2017
    70
    Additional songwriters and producers, including but not limited to Timbaland, Stargate, Emile Haynie, and Malay, contribute to one or two songs each, but this album maintains a consistency and intensity that places it slightly above the debut.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »