Since skyrocketing to international fame over a decade ago, the British pop and R&B titan has continuously redefined the modern entertainment landscape with their sweeping vocal range.
As they settle into their brand-new, permanent home in New York City following highly successful back-to-back live residencies in Brooklyn and San Francisco, there has never been a better time to reflect on Sam Smith’s staggering catalog.
To properly celebrate Sam Smith’s birthday, we have curated a definitive ranking of Sam Smith’s best hits, highlighting the remarkable artistry and emotional vulnerability that earned them five prestigious Grammys and an Academy Award.
1. “Stay With Me” (2014)
Serving as the massive breakout single from their phenomenal debut album, In the Lonely Hour, this gospel-infused ballad transformed the young British singer into an overnight global sensation. The emotionally raw track brilliantly captures the universal desperation of loneliness following a fleeting romance, perfectly carried by their soaring, angelic vocal range. It dominated international charts, ultimately securing prestigious Grammy Awards for both Record and Song of the Year. Even over a decade later, the sweeping chorus remains an absolutely undeniable, tear-jerking staple in pop culture.
2. “I’m Not the Only One” (2014)
Proving that their early success was certainly no fluke, this devastatingly beautiful piano ballad further established the artist as a master of modern heartbreak. The poignant narrative vividly explores the agonizing realization of a partner’s infidelity, utilizing a stripped-back arrangement that allows their raw vocal pain to take absolute center stage. The track completely dominated global radio waves, generating a deeply emotional resonance that connected with millions of listeners experiencing similar betrayals. It firmly solidified their reputation as a fearless storyteller willing to bare their soul for the sake of authentic art.
3. “Writing’s on the Wall” (2015)
Tasked with the monumental challenge of delivering a James Bond theme song for the blockbuster Spectre, they crafted an expansive, highly cinematic masterpiece. The lush orchestral arrangement expertly balances classic spy-movie suspense with an unprecedented level of intimate vulnerability, perfectly matching the high stakes of the legendary film franchise. The ambitious track broke major historical records by becoming the very first 007 theme to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart. Their spectacular vocal performance ultimately earned a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Original Song, officially securing their status as Hollywood royalty.
4. “Too Good at Goodbyes” (2017)
Kicking off their highly anticipated sophomore era, this melancholic, choir-backed anthem beautifully chronicles the emotional walls we build to survive repetitive heartbreak. The confident production leans heavily into their signature blue-eyed soul influences, relying on a steadily building, rhythmic crescendo that practically demands the listener sing along. It completely resonated with fans navigating complex relationships, quickly becoming one of the most commercially successful streaming tracks of the late 2010s. The song perfectly encapsulates their incredible ability to transform deeply personal emotional trauma into a triumphant, universally relatable pop experience.
5. “Unholy” (2022)
Marking an incredibly bold, heavily celebrated departure from their traditional melancholic ballads, this fiery, hyper-pop collaboration with Kim Petras absolutely shattered the internet. The club-ready smash hit heavily utilized a seductive, choir-driven beat to tell the scandalous story of a cheating husband, instantly becoming a massive viral sensation across TikTok and global streaming platforms. Beyond its undeniable commercial dominance, the collaboration made vital LGBTQ+ history when the duo took home the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The infectious track represents a joyous, wildly liberating creative reinvention for the beloved artist.