Gloria
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Gloria Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
4.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 78 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for British singer-songwriter Sam Smith features guest appearances from Koffee, Kim Petras, Jessie Reyez, and Ed Sheeran.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. 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.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 26, 2023
    80
    An album that’s rich musically, thematically and above all, emotionally. Sam Smith has never sounded better because they’ve never been more themselves.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Jan 27, 2023
    70
    Sam’s latest finds them exploring self-acceptance and self-growth across their now-classic style of soul-tinged pop. ... While ’Unholy’’s catchy melodies may be elsewhere untouchable, it breaks down the boundaries of topics to explore throughout the rest of ‘Gloria’.
  4. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 27, 2023
    60
    Smith’s vocals are, of course, beautiful. Creamy and curvaceous; liquid with emotion. But I often feel their voice is searching for tangier tunes to wrap that molten wax around. Without any sharpness to offset it, listening to the repeated wobbly rise of Smith’s lovely, dollopy notes can feel like the aural equivalent of watching a lava lamp.
  5. 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.
  6. Exclaim
    Jan 27, 2023
    60
    Overall, Gloria seesaws between being compelling and generic, with just enough highs to keep you interested throughout.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Jan 31, 2023
    50
    For as much as Smith tries to step out of the box, they still sound most comfortable playing to their previously established strengths.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 41
  3. Negative: 16 out of 41
  1. isaacOchoa
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    Sam supo pulir cada parte del álbum y eso hace que el álbum sea esencial e inusual
  2. 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 personI 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… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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 itsGloria 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
  7. 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
  8. 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,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… Expand

See all 41 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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