Top 10 Best Songs by Sam Smith

The breakthrough and his absolute signature song. The simplicity is the strength: a drum beat, an organ, and that massive gospel choir in the chorus. It's about the loneliness after a one-night stand.

It's universal and comforting. Sam doesn't beg for love, but for presence. A modern classic that perfectly merged gospel, soul, and pop for a worldwide audience.

The James Bond theme (for Spectre) that won an Oscar. It's grand, dramatic, and orchestral, just as a Bond song should be. The strings are expansive and compelling.

Sam's falsetto in the chorus is of otherworldly beauty and fragility. The song constantly balances on the edge of collapse, which perfectly reflects the tension of the film.

A heartbreaking ballad about infidelity in a marriage. The instrumentation is classical: piano, drums, and strings. It has a timeless quality, as if it's a lost soul standard from the 1960s.

The pain in Smith's voice is tangible. "You say I'm crazy." The way that line is sung, full of disbelief and sadness, gives you chills.

The opening track of the second album. The piano and finger snaps immediately set the tone. It's about emotional self-protection after being hurt too many times.

The gospel choir lifts the song to another level. Sam sings with a resignation that's painfully recognizable. It's sad, but with the head held high of a survivor.

A smooth, sultry R&B track perfect for late hours. The production is minimalist and spacious, with a slow groove.

The voices of Sam and Normani blend beautifully. It's about trying to fill the void after a relationship with fleeting contact. It sounds effortlessly cool and melancholic at the same time.

A radical style break that conquered the world. Dark, sexy, and theatrical. The atmosphere is sinister, with heavy synths and a choir that sounds like an occult mass.

The song is about adultery and forbidden desires. Sam sings with new fierceness and attitude. It's a daring statement of artistic freedom and queer culture.

An upbeat song with a compelling "stomp" beat reminiscent of old Motown records. It's about unrequited love and jealousy.

The energy is high and driving. The chorus is a real earworm, with background vocals creating a full, rich sound. A powerful anthem for the brokenhearted.

Originally the dance hit with Disclosure, but the acoustic version really shows how good the song is. Without the beats, a beautiful, pleading melody remains.

Piano and cello accompany Sam's voice, which sounds full of longing and urgency here. It proves that a good dance song is often based on a good love song.

His very first single, later re-released. It's a pure soul ballad that starts with a bare piano intro. The lyrics are about missing someone.

The buildup to the chorus is a masterclass in dynamics. Smith's voice goes from soft whisper to powerful cry, supported by a swelling choir. A beautiful testament to his talent.

A track marking the shift toward more danceable, modern pop. The beat is tight and "trappy," with a hypnotic bass line. It's about the realization that you're being cheated on.

Sam sounds more self-assured and less like the victim than in earlier ballads. The production is sleek and futuristic, a perfect showcase of their versatility.