In the Lonely Hour

Sam Smith’s star turn on Disclosure’s “Latch” only hinted at the British belter’s potential. In the Lonely Hour deftly blends classic soul, gospel choruses and sumptuously recorded acoustic instruments with 21st-century production flourishes, like the hip-hop beat of "Life Support" and the subtle vocal processing of "Money on My Mind". An extended meditation on unrequited love, the album shows off Smith’s stunning emotive power, from wounded wailing on the mournful “Stay with Me” to barely disguised bitterness on the dazzling “Like I Can”.