Musical Notes – Sam Smith
British Soul
Produced by Lawrence Standifer Stevens
Written by Joseph E. Casanova
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With the release of “Writing’s on the Wall,” Sam Smith becomes the first British male solo singer selected to record a James Bond movie theme since Tom Jones’s “Thunderball” in 1965.
“Writing’s on the Wall” quickly hit #1 on iTunes, a few weeks prior to Spectre opening in theatres in November.
Smith composed the power ballad with British songwriter Jimmy Napes who collaborated on this year’s Grammy Song and Record of the Year -- “Stay with Me.”
Spectre, the 24th 007 film, stars Euro heartthrob Daniel Craig and Academy Award winners Judi Dench and Javier Bardem.
Fellow UK crooner Adele scored an international smash as well as an Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy for 2012’s “Skyfall.”
Often referred to as the “Male Adele,” Smith also earned music’s highest accolade for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album for In the Lonely Hour.
He hit the top ten again with “ ,” but another version recorded with R&B superstar John Legend became a chart-topper across the pond.
The blending of their two voices proves the 23-year-old could sing with just about anyone. “Stay with Me” is solid track on its own.
But add powerful vocals from Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of HipHop Soul,” to the mix and the track reaches another level of cool.
The same can be said for Smith’s work with dance act Disclosure. Together, they’ve racked up club hits with “Omen” and “Latch.”
With the success of “Writing’s on the Wall” and In the Lonely Hour, it would come as no surprise if the youngster nabbed an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Well, if Adele can do it, why can’t he? Late fall and early winter is when studios release the major contenders for award season. So far in 2015, the Bond ballad could be the frontrunner except for some competition from 50 Shades of Gray.
If Sam Smith continues his British blue-eyed soul, then his fans will definitely stay with him for a long time.
