Song Review of “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith …
Stay With Me is undeniably one of the best tracks on Sam Smith’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour. It is simply electrifying with its blunt honesty and striking gospel influence.
Mainly piano-based, the gentle beat of the drums adds a warm richness to the overall sound. The song is a perfect vehicle for showcasing the rising star’s talents. If you drew a continuum between Adele’s rich, soulful voice and the somewhat more delicate, but equally powerful passionate performances of James Blake, you might find Sam Smith’s piercing, enticing voice somewhere in between. As he is supported, and never overwhelmed, by an exquisite gospel chorus, the pain is still obvious with the words, “This ain’t love, it’s clear to see, but darling, stay with me.”
If there’s one limitation, it is that the song is too short! I believe the song would have cast a more compelling spell if it were extended. Despite that teeny tiny critique, Stay With Me is a euphoric, slow building soul ballad that promises much more to come from Sam Smith.
