Sam Smith, To Die For | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Sam Smith delivers another memorable gem with the relatable, thoughtful record, “To Die For.”

Grammy-winning pop musician Sam Smith has been going through some pretty big changes – understatement.  Already out as openly gay,  between releasing The Thrill of it All (2017), and announcing his third studio album, To Die For (May 1, 2020), Smith has been embracing THEIR identity, opting for non-binary pronouns they and them: “I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM after a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out.” Safe to say, they are being true to them.  After numerous advance singles – “Dancing with a Stranger” (early 2019), “How Do You Sleep?” (2019) , “I Feel Love” (2019), and “Fire on Fire” (2018, from Watership Down) – Smith returns with his first newbie of 2020, the forthcoming album’s title track, “To Die For.”  

As with most Sam Smith songs, there are ample selling points.  First and foremost, on “To Die For,” their voice sounds magical.  They spoil us with rich, robust falsetto.  Throughout this pop ballad, Smith sounds expressive, even with vocal effects added to the mix.  Beyond the voice, Stargate (Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Hermansen) and Jimmy Napes provide Smith a gorgeous canvas for Smith to pain upon vocally.  It’s nothing too far-fetched or the least bit wild, but it suits the vocalist – the beat, and keyboards/programming, including the dramatic, warm strings.

Last but not least is the theme.  Sam Smith doesn’t want to be alone – understandable.  Like everybody else in the world, “I just want somebody to die for,” they sing throughout the chorus and bridge of the song.  It’s especially relatable on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Pink lemonade sippin’ on a Sunday
Couples holding hands on a runway
They’re all posing in a picture frame
Whilst my world’s crashing down
Solo shadow on a sidewalk
Just want somebody to die for
Sunshine livin’ on a perfect day
While my world’s crashing down
I just want somebody to die for.”

Final Thoughts

Sam Smith has another great song on their hands with “To Die For.”  The lyrics and theme are relatable to anybody, regardless of sexual orientation, race, or otherwise.  Vocally, Smith remains elite.  Furthermore, Stargate and Jimmy Napes hook them up with strong production.  All in all, “To Die For” is quite enjoyable – sound by all means.

Sam Smith • To Die For • Capitol • Release: 5.1.20

Photo Credit: Capitol