Sam Smith, Gloria | Music Lifts

In the 7^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we’re uplifted by decorated, LGBTQ pop superstar Sam Smith performing, “Gloria.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 7^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we highlight “Gloria” as performed by Sam Smith.

“Demons on my shoulder / Monsters in my head / Shadow in the water / Will you be my friend?” Clearly, Academy- and Grammy-award winning, nonbinary and genderqueer musician Sam Smith has experienced their fair share of adversity in life.  On “Gloria”, arguably the biggest surprise of Gloria, it seems as if Smith is working past their adversities, persevering forward rather than wallowing in sorrow: “Be yourself so loud tonight / They’ll hear you from the stars / Sparkling like dynamite / If that is who you are / A hymn for Gloria.” A two-minute, classical vocal piece, much of “Gloria” is performed by London Voices.

Even so, Smith echoes a few key lyrics and serves up a heaping dose of soulful melisma that is absolutely glorious.  Furthermore, on this anthem of perseverance, he composed it alongside of Foy Vance. Smith sings effortlessly, adorning the powerful choral backdrop – a truly stunning arrangement.  The big takeaway is DO NOT let your demons, flaws, and insecurities consume you.  Embrace who you are and live life to the fullest, despite what the haters and skeptics might say.  Also, DO NOT get in your own way. Powerful, Sam, powerful.

Sam Smith • Gloria • Capitol • 2023

Sam Smith, “Gloria”: Music Lifts No. 7 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Capitol; cottonbro studio, Itzel Sandoval, Neeraj Nagdeve via Pexels]