Grammy-winning British pop musician Sam Smith enlists Fifth Harmony standout Normani on his first single of 2019, “Dancing with a Stranger.”

Sam Smith is back sooner than later. Yep.  After releasing “Fire on Fire (from Watership Down)”, the Grammy-winning British pop/R&B sensation returns with “Dancing with a Stranger.” This go-round, Mr. Smith isn’t alone – he’s assisted by rising, Fifth Harmony standout, Normani.  The results are positive all in all.

“Dancing with a Stranger” checks off the boxes it’s supposed to.  It features sleek production work with a driving groove and warm synths.  Sam Smith serves up compelling vocals on the first verse, including his masterful falsetto.  He goes on to shine on the memorable chorus.

“Look what you made me do, I’m with somebody new
Ooh, baby, baby, I’m dancing with a stranger.”

Normani contrasts Smith’s vocals on the second verse with her huskier, sultry pipes. She asserts, “But, boy, I need to get you off of my mind.” She sings alongside Smith on the second iteration of the chorus, while Smith takes the lead on the outro initially, with Normani riffing before singing alongside him.  Short and sweet, the form is pretty straightforward and highly effective.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Sam Smith ‘puts in work’ on “Dancing with a Stranger.” As always, he sounds superb, while Normani gives the record a further lift. It’s nothing game changing mind you, but “Dancing with a Stranger” is sound – ‘solid as a rock.’

Sam Smith • Dancing with a Stranger (Ft. Normani) [Single] • Capitol • Release: 1.11.19

Photo Credit: Capitol