Sam Smith has defined the sound of a generation with emotionally resonant ballads and genre spanning collaborations. This guide organizes every official Sam Smith single, from breakthrough hits to recent releases, for quick reference and deeper listening.
Below is a structured overview of key singles that shaped Sam Smith’s career, including release year, album, and peak chart positions to highlight impact and commercial performance.
| Single | Release Year | Album | Peak UK Singles | Peak US Hot 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay Me Down | 2013 | In the Lonely Hour | 15 | — | |
| Stay With Me | 2014 | In the Lonely Hour | 1 | 1 | |
| I’m Not the Only One | 2014 | In the Lonely Hour | 3 | 9 | |
| Like I Can | 2015 | In the Lonely Hour | 9 | — | |
| Writing’s on the Wall | 2015 | Spectre | 1 | 10 | |
| Too Good at Goodbyes | 2017 | The Thrill of It All | 1 | 5 | |
| One Last Song | 2017 | The Thrill of It All | 6 | — | |
| Dancing with a Stranger | 2019 | Love Goes | 1 | 7 | |
| How Do You Sleep? | 2019 | 7 | — | ||
| Promises | 2018 | 非专辑单曲 | 1 | Promises (with Calvin Harris)— | — |
| Unholy | 2022 | Gloria | 1 | 1 | |
| Spilling Me | 2023 | Gloria | 10 | — | |
| All Over Again | 2023 | Gloria | 35 | — | |
| Divided | 2023 | Gloria | — | — |
Breakthrough Era Singles Analysis
Sam Smith’s breakthrough period centers on the In the Lonely Hour album, where emotionally direct songwriting and powerhouse vocals delivered clear commercial outcomes. These singles established themes of vulnerability, accountability, and romantic introspection that remain central to Sam Smith’s identity.
Key Breakthrough Tracks
“Stay With Me” became a global anthem, turning raw regret into a top chart performance and defining the template for Sam Smith’s early success. “I’m Not the Only One” extended that narrative with a cinematic quality, while “Like I Can” showcased rhythmic versatility within the same cohesive sonic world.
Mid Career Singles Evolution
As Sam Smith’s profile grew, subsequent singles balanced mainstream appeal with artistic experimentation. Collaborations and bolder production choices appeared, yet the focus on lyrical sincerity and vocal clarity remained consistent, bridging past successes with later reinventions.
Notable Later Releases
“Writing’s on the Wall” tied into a major film, demonstrating chart dominance beyond radio formats. “Too Good at Goodbyes” and “One Last Song” from The Thrill of It All reflected refined pop craftsmanship, while “Dancing with a Stranger” with Normani signaled a vibrant new direction in cross genre appeal.
Recent Work and Artistic Direction
The Gloria era marked a pronounced shift toward dance and queer centered energy, with “Unholy” reshaping expectations for mainstream pop. This project integrated bold collaborations, vibrant visuals, and a renewed emphasis on community, amplifying Sam Smith’s cultural relevance.
Recent Single Highlights
“Unholy” topped charts worldwide, proving that risk taking can resonate strongly with audiences. “Spilling Me” and “All Over Again” from the same project maintained narrative cohesion, while “Divided” explored more experimental textures, rounding out a dynamic recent discography.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Trace the arc from emotional ballads to genre diverse hits to understand Sam Smith’s artistic growth.
- Use chart performance data to identify which singles had the broadest cultural impact.
- Explore deep album cuts between major singles to uncover consistent songwriting quality.
- Follow live performances and collaborations to see how Sam Smith continues to evolve their sound.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Sam Smith single performed best on the US Hot 100?
“Stay With Me” reached number 1 on the US Hot 100, making it the highest charting US single among Sam Smith releases.
What was the first UK number one single for Sam Smith? “Stay With Me” was the first UK number one single for Sam Smith, establishing their chart dominance early in their career. Did Sam Smith release any non album singles that charted highly?
Yes, “Promotions,” a collaboration with Calvin Harris, reached number 1 in the UK as a standalone single outside any album project.
Which recent Sam Smith single achieved number one status in 2022?
“Unholy,” featuring Kim Petras, became a number one single in 2022 and marked a pivotal moment in Sam Smith’s recent artistic direction.