The Thrill of It All
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The Thrill of It All Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 190 Ratings

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  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for the Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter features production from Emile Haynie, Tyler Johnson, Malay, Jimmy Napes, Stargate, and Timbaland.
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Top Track

Too Good at Goodbyes
You must think that I'm stupid You must think that I'm a fool You must think that I'm new to this But I have seen this all before I'm never gonna... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 10, 2017
    85
    Whilst The Thrill of it All isn’t a complete departure from the artist we all know and love, it is clear that Smith is in a new phase of his career and is encompassing what it means to be a ‘soul’ singer.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 2, 2017
    80
    Smith’s voice remains a thing of wonder throughout.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 3, 2017
    80
    Occasionally, Smith slips back into blandness. ... But like Adele’s ‘25’, this is an undeniably accomplished album that will, deservedly, shift a helluva lot of copies.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 2, 2017
    75
    Turning heartache into Top 40 magic is Smith’s strength--he famously thanked an ex for his success during a Grammys speech--but only a few moments here truly resonate emotionally. One of those is the staggering standout “HIM.”
  5. Slant Magazine
    Nov 2, 2017
    70
    He's deepened his craft without exactly broadening it, which makes The Thrill of It All feel more like a fine-tuning than a bold new adventure.
  6. Pitchfork
    Nov 7, 2017
    58
    The Thrill of It All even features a few songs that leave heartbreak in the rear-view mirror. They aren’t all successful, but they’re interesting experiments for someone whose bread and butter is romantic dissatisfaction.
  7. 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.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 39
  3. Negative: 10 out of 39
  1. 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, destaqueMelhor 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.… Expand
  2. gomezsailor
    Apr 26, 2019
    10
    Dramatic, real, and polish, a masterpiece written through a naked soul- Zero pretentious and very sincere..
  4. 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.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.… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. 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 forI 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
  7. 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 gaveSmith 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
  8. 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 downgradeVery 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...… Expand

See all 39 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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