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In the Lonely Hour
by
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In the Lonely Hour Image
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 207 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the British neo-R&B singer-songwriter.
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Top Track

Stay with Me
Guess it's true I'm not good at a one night stand But I still need love 'cause I'm just man These nights never seem to go to plan I don't want you to... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Billboard.com
    Jun 17, 2014
    85
    Smith bares more than his vocal cords on this record. Every story of unrequited love that's been put to song is powerful in its own right.
  2. musicOMH.com
    May 27, 2014
    80
    It’s universally accessible, and it’s the kind of pop that has the potential to dominate the charts and win over hearts during festival slots.
  3. AllMusic
    May 27, 2014
    70
    This is an understated and promising first step from an unpredictable and distinctive talent.
  4. DIY Magazine
    May 27, 2014
    60
    Smith's vocals are spot-on throughout, save for the odd Mariah-esque trickle towards X Factor auditionee theatrics, and find themselves paired with as pitch-perfect a production as has been heard all year.
  5. Consequence
    Jun 18, 2014
    58
    In the Lonely Hour is inexpressive and hard to sit through despite being built for easy listening.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    May 28, 2014
    50
    Smith’ sugary falsetto comes across a tad one dimensional and inexpressive on his solo debut In The Lonely Hour.
  7. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 5, 2014
    40
    It’s a shame to see a talented guy rushed into making the wrong record.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 39
  3. Negative: 7 out of 39
  1. Gamingking007
    Jun 22, 2014
    10
    This album is amazing! The truth is there are some songs that are not meant for his range but almost very song is extremely true andThis album is amazing! The truth is there are some songs that are not meant for his range but almost very song is extremely true and emotional! If people want something happy then go buy another album! His album is part of him and as fans we must listen to what he's saying not to tell him how we think he must do his albums! Love you Sam! Been a fan since the very beginning!… Expand
  2. FijoKallan
    Jan 14, 2015
    10
    Sam Smith I will say is simply amazing his songs are so amazing that I wonder if its still music or something else,Like Seriously I 've neverSam Smith I will say is simply amazing his songs are so amazing that I wonder if its still music or something else,Like Seriously I 've never seen anything like in the lonely hour in my whole life.
    He's a phenomenon.Surely an influence.    … Expand
  4. Williams1989
    Oct 30, 2020
    9
    O álbum soa perfeitamente, não é atoa que o sam Smith se destaca com seus pequenos vocais
  5. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 7, 2022
    7
    Absolutely excellent is what this is. This album reached me at the right time. A collection of heartbreaking ballads in the vein of Adele'sAbsolutely excellent is what this is. This album reached me at the right time. A collection of heartbreaking ballads in the vein of Adele's 21. It's a rare pop record where every song is essential and affecting. Genuinely an all time favorite with alot of nostalgia attached to it.… Expand
  6. Rafaellastra
    Mar 15, 2015
    6
    This album has great lyrics but I feel that it's just like every other album. Nothing surprising it's all about heartbreak.... Even thoughThis album has great lyrics but I feel that it's just like every other album. Nothing surprising it's all about heartbreak.... Even though this of them has great number one song favorite is stay with me

    OVERALL GRADE 78 C+
    Album feels old    … Expand
  7. Sylvia_D
    Jun 17, 2014
    5
    I really like this album but yes, I get really depressed and sad every time i listen to it lol! I wish he could just cheer up because hisI really like this album but yes, I get really depressed and sad every time i listen to it lol! I wish he could just cheer up because his voice really is good on the upbeat tracks. Sorry Sam. I like you but get happy! :)… Expand
  8. DavisS
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    it righteously won at the grammys. in my opinion every track is a standout . deluxe is useless tho

See all 39 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed Album of 2014
42
#42 Most Shared Album of 2014

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