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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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)
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
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