Sam Smith continues to showcase his elite vocal talents on “Fire on Fire,” the lead single from the Netflix mini-series, Watership Down.

“My mother said I’m too romantic / She said, ‘you’re dancing in the movies’ / I almost started to believer her / Then I saw you and I knew.”  First things first. Sam Smith was TOTALLY snubbed when the 2019 Grammy Award nominations were announced. No nominations for The Thrill of it All – a total travesty! Had to get that off my chest first.  The gifted British pop singer/songwriter returns with new music – at least a new single, “Fire on Fire.” “Fire on Fire” serves as the lead single on the Netflix mini-series, Watership Down, which is based on the 1972 novel by English author Richard Adams.

For the most part, “Fire on Fire” checks off the boxes expected from a Sam Smith track.  Vocally, Smith is ‘on fire,’ blessing the listeners with his incredible pipes. Furthermore, he doesn’t just sing, but he also infuses his emotions full-throttle, which is where he’s at his best.  The production is balanced, nothing extremely flashy, yet perfectly suited to provide the necessary fuel for the fire.  When the strings soar, and when Smith ascends into his masterful upper register, that’s when “Fire on Fire” is truly elite.  That would be the golden chorus, of course:

“Fire on fire would normally kill us

But this much desire, together, we’re winners

They say that we’re out of control and some say we’re sinners

But don’t let them ruin our beautiful rhythms…”

Final Thoughts

“Fire on Fire” doesn’t quite reach the same level as Sam Smith’s best album cuts or singles.  It’s still very good mind you, but it doesn’t quite compare to “Stay with Me” or “Too Good at Goodbyes” – those are extremely elite cuts.  That said, it’s another totally welcome addition to the catalogue of the Grammy- and Academy award-winning standout.

Sam Smith • Fire on Fire – Single • Capitol • Release: 12.21.18

Photo Credit: Capitol