After releasing their third studio album Love Goes last October, Sam Smith unfortunately hasn’t had the opportunity to perform it live on tour. As a solutions, the British singer performed a livestream concert from the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. The songs sung during that livestream are now released on this live album. This allows everyone to once again listen to Smith’s beautiful live vocals.
With a large band, backing vocalists, and Sam Smith’s well-known voice, they have released a beautiful live album. Compared to other live albums, it’s just a shame that there’s no applauding, cheering, and singing-along audience audible. That always adds that extra atmosphere. On the other hand, every played and sung note is audible. And that makes up for a lot.
Love Goes earned Smith several hits, all of which are on this live album. Hits like Diamonds, Dancing With A Stranger, and Smith’s collaboration with Calvin Harris, Promises, they perform live. Compared to Smith’s previous albums, In The Lonely Hour (2014) and The Thrill Of It All (2017), the singer has more up-tempo songs on Love Goes. Therefore also on the live album, which likely would have shined brightly during a live performance.
What becomes very clear on this live album is how effortlessly Sam Smith sings. Apart from a few minor notes, Smith is a pitch-perfect singer. And that certainly enhances this album. Whether it’s a faster track like Promises, their well-known breakthrough hit Stay With Me, or even a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, Smith sings it all beautifully and very convincingly.
What is missing in this recorded live performance are the small musical mistakes. They can add charm to live music. It’s understandable that every second is thought about and rehearsed until it couldn’t possibly go wrong. However, this makes the difference with the studio album of Love Goes increasingly smaller. Thus diminishing the relevance of this album unfortunately.
Fans of Sam Smith will definitely enjoy this live album. But it’s also a treat for anyone who missed the livestream or wants to relive it. Unfortunately, the footage of the livestream is no longer available. Only the audio will have to suffice. But without the presence of the audience, that’s more than enough.
