Multi-platinum, award-winning artist Sam Smith is commemorating the 10th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, “In The Lonely Hour,” with a special anniversary edition and the launch of a new podcast.
Deluxe Edition Packed with Bonus Material
Due out August 2nd via Capitol Records, the “In The Lonely Hour 10 Year Anniversary Edition” will be available for pre-order soon. Fans can expect all versions to include the original album’s 10 tracks alongside a brand new song titled “Little Sailor.” The Collector’s Edition, a sprawling 4-LP set, boasts a total of 25 tracks, including live renditions of the album’s classics and collaborations with Mary J. Blige, A$AP Rocky, and John Legend.
Sam Smith recreated the album cover for his 2014 album “In The Lonely Hour” to mark its tenth anniversary. The recreation has been well-received by fans and critics. Many have praised Smith for their willingness to embrace their sexuality and for their personal growth over the past ten years.
A Critical and Commercial Smash
Since its release in 2014, “In The Lonely Hour” has achieved incredible success. Certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, the album spawned global hits like “Stay with Me” (Diamond certified in 2020), “I’m Not the Only One,” “Lay Me Down,” and “Money on My Mind.” The critical acclaim was equally impressive, with The Associated Press praising it as “a passionate, heart-wrenching album” and The Washington Post commending it for showcasing “every facet of Smith’s voice to goose pimple-raising effect.”
Sam Smith: A Global Phenomenon
The anniversary edition coincides with a period of immense celebration for Smith. A five-time GRAMMY® winner, they hold two Guinness World Records and have amassed a massive global fanbase. Their latest single, “Unholy” featuring Kim Petras, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, further solidifying their status as a pop powerhouse.
“The Pink House” Podcast Launches
Adding another chapter to their creative journey, Smith is also launching their debut podcast, “The Pink House.” Each episode will feature the artist in conversation with friends and LGBTQIA+ icons, exploring themes of belonging, chosen families, and self-discovery. Inspired by Smith’s childhood home, “The Pink House” aims to create a space for open dialogue and celebrating individuality. According to Lemonada.com, “The Pink House is about the people and places that make us who we are. One of those places was Sam’s childhood home in the English village of Great Chishill, literally called The Pink House.
It was a space of total warmth and love where Sam felt safe enough to find their voice. On the podcast, Sam is sitting down with good friends and queer icons to explore their own “Pink Houses,” how they navigated early struggles and ultimately found their place in the world”.
From this vivid description, we learn that the central metaphor of Sam Smith’s vision is the titular pink house, a physical space symbolizing warmth, love, and the foundation for self-discovery. This concept extends to any place that fosters growth, like a childhood treehouse or a supportive family home.
The podcast delves deeper by exploring guests’ own “Pink Houses,” which can be physical locations or transformative experiences. Imagine these “Pink Houses” as stepping stones across a river, each one shaping our journey. Sensory details like a “warm candle” and “cup of tea with a dear friend” reinforce the sense of comfort and intimacy, making it a safe space for sharing vulnerabilities.
To further enhance this imagery, we can draw other creative analogies. The Pink House itself could be a potter’s wheel, where experiences mold us like clay. Guests’ stories resemble stained glass windows, each adding a unique fragment to the grand narrative.
Ultimately, finding your place in the world is akin to completing a beautiful mosaic, with each guest’s story a unique tile. The podcast paints a welcoming picture, inviting listeners to explore their own formative experiences and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
With the anniversary edition, a new podcast, and a thriving music career, Sam Smith continues to be a captivating force in the music industry.
