I’m personally most impressed with “Love Goes,” the album’s title track featuring Labrinth.
The first disc contains Smith’s latest singles, “Diamonds” and “My Oasis,” along with new hits such as “So Serious,” “Forgive Myself” and “Kids Again” (of which Smith said they’re the proudest). The new album boasts 17 tracks divided into two discs, the second of which is entirely composed of singles released since 2018. The singer-songwriter released their third album, “Love Goes,” only hours before the livestream, at midnight on Oct. The simplicity of the lighting choices complemented Smith’s scaled-down renditions and spared viewers the headaches. Their use of a singular, amber spotlight for the opening and closing tracks created a haunting atmosphere. “My Oasis” bathed the studio in a deep turquoise (reminiscent of aquarium lighting), whereas “Love Goes” was sung against a soft salmon.
Smith also diversified the concert experience by swapping out flashing LED lights with simple, monochromatic hues. The pauses between songs felt familiar and organic instead of empty, as setmates grabbed water and shared a joke. The Abbey Road Studios venue allowed Smith’s band to set up in a relaxed semi-circle arrangement, facing each other rather than the audience. Smith’s team, however, delivered an intimate, engaging performance.
With numerous artists performing online this year, viewers may feel that they are watching a series of YouTube music videos instead of a live event. “This is different, but it’s going to be just as beautiful,” Smith said. Despite the differences, Smith reassured viewers that their concert would be sure to deliver the same soulful charm. Additionally, Smith re-emerged after the final song for a live Q&A rather than a rousing encore number. The studio only held a handful of people and background crew members who wore facemasks.
Rather than strut across a stage, Smith performed their latest hits in London’s Abbey Road Studios. Their words were only the first in a series of glaring reminders throughout the night about how COVID-19 has altered the live music landscape. Of course, I was only following Smith’s advice, who encouraged viewers at home to “get comfy” before settling into their live setlist. In 2020, I watched my second Sam Smith concert through a screen in my bedroom, cuddling my dog, wearing my favorite fuzzy leggings and drinking a large mug of cinnamon apple tea. When I attended my first Sam Smith concert in 2017, I dressed up, took selfies with my best friend and sang along to every song.