Sam Smith, My Oasis | Track Review 🎵

Sam Smith continues to churn out new music in advance of his TBD third studio album. On “My Oasis,” they’re assisted by Burna Boy.

A new Sam Smith is set to arrive in 2020.  The question is, when? Smith was originally slated to release a third album entitled To Die For.  A number of singles were released in advance of the project, but it was ultimately scrapped, partially due to COVID-19.  Since then, Smith has continued to release singles, but as of publication date, they have yet to announce a release date for ‘SS3’ – if that’s what the album ends up being called.  Regardless, “My Oasis” gives the nonbinary musician another enjoyable, worthwhile single.  He gets an assist from Burna Boy.

“My Oasis” continues a trend of Sam Smith updating their sound. This seemed to be the M.O. even before To Die For was ultimately scrapped. ILYA and Jimmy Napes provides a much more contemporary backdrop compared to the tunes gracing In the Lonely Hour or The Thrill of It All.  Still, even with a slighter ‘younger’ sound accompanying them, Smith remains soulful, flaunting off their incredible, nuanced pipes.

“Oh, babe, I really need you / My feelings gettin’ deeper / My mind is in a free fall / But there’s nothing I can do when it comes to you.” What hasn’t changed regarding Sam Smith is the subject matter: love.  Smith loves – or hates – love depending on the song.  Here, they need love, but instead, there’s nothing more than an oasis – and illusion of what is really desired and needed.  Burna Boy supports Smith’s feelings on the second verse, echoing much of the same happenings.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Sam Smith delivers another enjoyable, worthwhile single with “My Oasis.” I wouldn’t say this pop single necessarily sits atop his rich catalog, but, it’s pleasant and well-rounded.  Burna Boy provides a nice guest appearance, additional contrast to the contrast that already characterizes the record.  If “My Oasis” foreshadows what’s the come on SS3, it should be another good album for the Grammy and Oscar winner.

Sam Smith • “My Oasis” (Ft. Burna Boy) • Capitol • Release: 7.31.20

Photo Credit: Capitol