Quantcast

HE WISHES WE WOULDN'T STAY WITH HIM

"I'm touched that my new music made you emotional," says Capitol superstar Sam Smith to a coterie of HITS weasels after a listening session at the Tower, "but I'd appreciate it if you'd stop wiping your noses on my T-shirt. It's hella gross." Seen keeping it together are (l-r) Todd Hensley, Samantha Hissong, Smith, Michelle Santosuosso, Simon Glickman and Michael Dominguez.

We're not really supposed to get specific, but we think we can say that you'll hear some things on Sam Smith's new record, which a few of us checked out at Capitol Studios last week, that you haven't heard before.

One of them is tape hiss. The new set, at a tight 37 minutes, was captured on analog tape, with the singer largely surrounded by live musicians. There is a strong nod to classic soul, notably Muscle Shoals and Memphis. There are gospel choirs and big, soaring strings; there are no fancy features but there is a duet with a guest whose identity you are unlikely to guess. But it's certainly and indubitably a Sam Smith record. The man's voice sounds stronger, richer and grittier than before, and themes of love, loss and faith abound. Those who've been listening to its tracks around the Capitol Congress point to moments of real genius.

Word is the set will be hitting this fall. Everyone at Capitol is very excited to finally have us out of the building.

NEAR TRUTHS: KINGDOMS
File under: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. (3/26a)
ONE SHINING HITS LIST
She shoots, she scores! (3/26a)
YTD MARKET SHARE
Zeroing in on the elite teams (3/27a)
BEST IN THE WEST:
STEVE BERMAN
High time for another Eminem skit (3/26a)
MUSIC REVENUE TOPPED $17B IN 2023: RIAA
Streaming subscriptions lead the charge. (3/27a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
 Email

 First Name

 Last Name

 Company

 Country
CAPTCHA code
Captcha: (type the characters above)