As someone who considers myself more of a casual Sam Smith fan, I think The Thrill of It All is a really interesting follow-up to In the Lonely Hour. I was first introduced to Sam through “Stay With Me,” so I already knew what they were capable of vocally, but this album made me appreciate their artistry a little more. What immediately stands out is how much bigger and more soulful this album feels. The gospel influences, backing vocals and dramatic production give these songs a weight that the debut didn’t always have. “Too Good at Goodbyes” is obviously the big standout, but I actually find myself returning to songs like “Pray,” “HIM,” “Palace,” “Scars,” and “No Peace” more often. “Pray” especially feels like Sam trying to expand beyond the heartbreak narrative that defined the first album. And “HIM” is probably one of the most interesting songs here because there’s something genuinely vulnerable about the way Sam wrestles with faith, identity and wanting to be accepted. That said, I don’t think every song hits equally. There are moments where the album feels a little too polished or overly dramatic, and occasionally I found myself wishing the songwriting was as interesting as Sam’s voice. When you have a vocalist this powerful, the songs need to give them something equally memorable to work with. But that’s also what makes this album work for me. Sam doesn’t have to reinvent pop music here. They’re leaning into what they do best: big emotions, gorgeous vocals, heartbreak, vulnerability and songs that sound like they’re meant to be screamed along to when you’re going through something. As a casual fan, I wouldn’t necessarily say The Thrill of It All turned me into a hardcore Sam Smith stan, but it definitely made me respect them more as an artist. It’s a record that feels more confident and mature than the debut while still carrying that emotional honesty that made me notice Sam in the first place. Favorite tracks: “Pray,” “HIM,” “Palace,” “Scars,” “No Peace” & “Too Good at Goodbyes”