With already one of the most soulful voices in music today, Sam Smith’s album “The Thrill of it All” strikes a new nerve with its incredible lyrics and commentary on love and the world around us. If you close your eyes, Smith has a way with words that puts you into the song. He paints a beautiful picture, whether it’s meeting the love of your life or having your heart torn out of your chest. Smith puts you right in the moment even if you haven’t experienced it. Smith’s first and only other album, “In The Lonely Hour,” was wildly successful, landing him a world record for most consecutive weeks in the UK Top Ten for a debut album. He has released a couple of EPs as well and wrote the theme song for the latest James Bond movie. Needless to say, I’m sure he felt pressure, as that is a tough act to follow. But there is no doubt that he delivers. The unique aspect of Smith’s new album is his political commentary on the world, which in my opinion has something to do with last year’s presidential election along with the ever-growing number of other issues in the world. The song that most embodies this new side of Smith is the eleventh song on the album, “Pray.”

Starting with strong piano chords that break into a melancholy melody, Smith throws in amazing runs and vocal range throughout the song. Smith recounts how he tried to block out the news and that he never really found himself as a religious person. But in one of the first lyrics, “I lift up my head and the world is on fire,” he begins to tell us of how he came to see all the conflict around the world and in our country. In an interview Smith stated, “I need to take responsibility … to read more … to open my mind and grow,” which to me should speak to all of us. The song itself is called “Pray,” which indicates that God has something to do with the ballad. Essentially, throughout the whole song he throws in little fragments about how he never really was a religious person but at this point he doesn’t know what else to do but to pray, saying “You won’t find me in church reading the Bible, I am still here and I’m still your disciple.”

I would give the whole album a listen, as you will find it very worth it. But listen to this song especially when you see the news and need a melody to go with your thoughts.