Sam Smith Goes Greek September 29 and 30

Fred Hernandez

Music sensation Sam Smith is coming to the Greek Theatre this month for two nights. With his rapid rise on the charts, its no wonder that every seat in the house is taken.

Smith received his big career break collaborating on garage-house band Disclosure’s late 2012 dance-ready single, “Latch,” which peaked at number 11 on the U.K. singles charts soon after. However, a mere seven months later, he was featured on Naughty Boy’s “La La La,” which indeed reached the top of the charts in mid-2013. Soon after, Smith won the 2014 BRIT Critic’s Choice Awards, the BBC’s Sound of 2014 poll and  released his debut album, In the Lonely Hour, which proved also to be a smashing success. He soon wedged himself into the U.S. pop and dance music scene with the Billboard number two hit, “Stay With Me.” It may seem like a quick transition stateside, but he has already made a firm and big impression in his home country in the last few years. His vast knowledge of vocal theory – with help from jazz vocalist Joanna Eden and his supportive mother – gave him a step up in an industry where the chance of breaking out are few and far between. His golden voice, of course, also helped insure his ever rising stardom and great impact on audiences.

In the Lonely Hour deals with themes of loss, heartbreak and unrequited love. Smith delivers the goods with pizzazz and praise-worthy vocals over pop-infused tracks. He transitions effortlessly from a low croon to a piercingly high falsetto with intense gusto.  His voice quivers with vulnerable and genuine honesty when he sings about his desire for more than a one-night stand. Smith says that, “In the Lonely Hour is about a guy that I fell in love with last year, and he didn’t love me back. I think I’m over it now, but I was in a very dark place then. I kept feeling lonely in the fact that I hadn’t fell in love before.” The first break up is always the hardest, which is why In the Lonely Hour feels so raw and emotive, while maintaining strong pop structures fit for mainstream appeal.

Smith has been often compared English pop star Adele. As such, his music mixes gospel, dance, rock and pop – all brought together by his powerful and infectious voice. After his Saturday Night Live television performance, his popularity began a meteoric rise, positioning him as the undeniable breakout artist of 2014. His recent VMA performance of “Stay With Me” was powerful and touching – and didn’t leave a single dry eye in the audience. In spite of all recent success and praise, Smith remains humble. With a silky and dynamic voice like his, it’s hard to not let it get to your head. His live performances may lack twerking, outrageous costumes and a cheap shtick, but he more than makes up for it in his minimalistic and chill-inducing performances.

Sam Smith plays a two night run by popular demand at the Greek Theatre with special guest Broods on Monday, September 29 and Tuesday, September 30. Tickets are available at Stubhub.