Unholy to Stay With Me: Ranking and Reviewing All 4 Sam Smith Albums

Sam Smith’s music continues to evolve with every release, shaping pop and soul in ways that resonate with millions. Their ability to blend emotional vulnerability with powerful vocal performances has kept each era of their career distinct and memorable. Unholy to Stay With Me: Ranking and Reviewing All 4 Sam Smith Albums explores how these chapters fit together, highlighting the moments that defined their rise and the songs that turned them into a global figure. This introduction sets the stage for a closer look at the four Sam Smith albums that shaped their career, from their breakout success to their bold recent reinventions.

---

What is Sam Smith’s best-selling album?

In the Lonely Hour stands as Sam Smith’s best-selling album. The record connected with a global audience because it delivered clear emotional honesty and instantly memorable songwriting. Moreover, the album maintained strong chart positions for years and generated multiple hit singles. Its commercial impact remains unmatched within the Sam Smith albums catalogue, and it continues to draw new listeners through streaming and radio rotation.

---

How many Grammys has Sam Smith won?

Sam Smith has earned several Grammy Awards, including major wins for In the Lonely Hour. Their early success included awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best New Artist. Additionally, later collaborations and releases received further nominations, demonstrating long-term recognition from the recording industry.

---

What are Sam Smith’s pronouns?

Sam Smith uses they/them pronouns. They publicly shared this in 2019 after speaking openly about their gender identity. Furthermore, their later albums reflect greater personal freedom, which aligns with the visibility they bring to non-binary representation in mainstream music.

---

How many studio albums has Sam Smith released?

Sam Smith has released four studio albums: In the Lonely Hour, The Thrill of It All, Love Goes, and Gloria. Each record marks a different stage in their artistic growth. Moreover, these Sam Smith albums explore shifting styles, influences, and lyrical perspectives.

---

Is Sam Smith related to Lily Allen?

Sam Smith is a third cousin of Lily Allen and actor Alfie Allen. This fact often surprises fans because the connection is not widely discussed. However, the shared lineage highlights a broader creative family history.

---

What is Sam Smith’s most popular song?

“Stay With Me” remains one of Sam Smith’s signature songs because it captured global attention immediately. Additionally, the more recent “Unholy” introduced their sound to new generations, making both songs strong contenders for the title of most popular Sam Smith track.

---

The Albums

1. In the Lonely Hour (2014)

Sam Smith launched their career with In the Lonely Hour and created one of the most defining Sam Smith albums. The record arrived in 2014 and introduced a soulful pop style driven by emotional intensity. Moreover, the album highlighted their powerful voice through singles like “Stay With Me” and “I’m Not the Only One.” Each track explored themes of unrequited love and longing, which helped listeners connect instantly. Additionally, the production relied on clean arrangements that supported Smith’s vocal delivery without overwhelming it. Critics praised the album for its honesty and strong songwriting, and the project quickly gained international acclaim. Furthermore, the album became a major commercial success and earned several Grammy Awards. The impact of this release established Sam Smith as a global star and shaped future expectations for Sam Smith albums. Consequently, In the Lonely Hour remains central to their legacy because it captured their voice at its most raw and heartfelt.

---

2. The Thrill of It All (2017)

Sam Smith expanded their sound with The Thrill of It All, creating one of the most emotional Sam Smith albums. The 2017 release blended soulful ballads with gospel-inspired arrangements, which added depth to the project. Moreover, singles like “Too Good at Goodbyes” showcased Smith’s vocal precision while exploring themes of emotional withdrawal. Additionally, the album featured richer production that supported more mature storytelling. Critics responded positively because the record demonstrated clear artistic growth beyond the debut. Furthermore, the album performed strongly on international charts and solidified Smith’s reputation as a major pop artist. Then, the success boosted demand for live performances and increased global visibility. The project strengthened the Sam Smith albums catalogue because it balanced vulnerability with confidence. Consequently, The Thrill of It All marked an important step in their career and highlighted the evolution of their musical identity.

---

3. Love Goes (2020)

Sam Smith shifted toward a brighter and more experimental sound with Love Goes, adding new dimensions to the Sam Smith albums collection. Released in 2020, the project blended pop, electronic, and R&B influences, which created a more diverse sonic palette. Moreover, singles like “Diamonds” and “To Die For” captured emotional contrasts between heartbreak and personal renewal. Additionally, collaborations with artists like Normani and Burna Boy broadened the album’s reach and introduced new textures. Critics appreciated the willingness to explore fresh directions, even when the tone differed from earlier work. Furthermore, listeners connected with the album because its themes addressed self-reflection and recovery. The commercial performance remained solid despite a challenging release year shaped by global events. Consequently, the album demonstrated Smith’s readiness to evolve and experiment. This record strengthened the Sam Smith albums narrative by showing their versatility and openness to reinvention.

---

4. Gloria (2023)

Sam Smith embraced liberation and bold creativity with Gloria, which expanded the expressive range of Sam Smith albums. The 2023 release introduced energetic pop and dance elements that contrasted with earlier ballad-focused eras. Moreover, “Unholy” became a cultural moment because it offered a daring sound that reached massive global audiences. Additionally, tracks like “Love Me More” explored themes of self-acceptance and emotional independence. Critics praised the album for its confidence and stylistic clarity, noting Smith’s successful shift into more adventurous territory. Furthermore, the album performed strongly across streaming platforms and maintained high visibility due to viral singles. The project represented a significant career milestone because it captured Smith’s most expressive and uninhibited phase. Consequently, Gloria broadened the Sam Smith albums catalogue and showed how their artistry continues to evolve with each release.

---

Sam Smith’s journey across these four albums highlights constant evolution, emotional honesty, and a willingness to explore new creative spaces. Each release added something distinct to their career, whether through intimate ballads, bold pop experiments, or powerful expressions of identity. As the Sam Smith albums catalogue continues to grow, listeners can expect more risks, more reinvention, and the same unmistakable voice that first captured global attention.