The Thrill of It All
by Sam Smith
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Nov 3, 2017
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
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  1. The Guardian
    Nov 2, 2017
    60
    There’s a certain power to The Thrill of It All, but it could have been a much more potent album if they’d laid off the polish just a little.
  2. 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.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Nov 3, 2017
    50
    To date, the only real distinction of Smith’s music is his voice--and though he’s a talented singer, even that’s dulled by songs this predictably vanilla.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 6, 2017
    40
    There is little drama here, just plenty of shorthand (sad pianos), a total absence of risk and, perhaps worst of all, no evidence of the deranged hedonism that catapulted Smith into a funk.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  1. 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 fadingThe 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    … Full Review »
  2. 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 ofAwful 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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