I have to say something that I know will be unpopular, but please hear me out.
I am fully aware that everything is subjective and one persons likes can be another’s hates. For me, I dislike Sam Smith’s music but in the scheme of things, this is an insignificant matter that I was fully prepare to stay quiet about…
Then he did the Bond theme.
I have been following the James Bond franchise since I was boy. I have seen the films countless times and the themes and soundtracks have become as important as the films themselves. With Sam now the singer of Writing’s on the Wall – the new theme for the film Spectre – I can’t simply change the radio station and get on with my life.
Even with all my earlier misgivings and the preconceptions, I did give Sam the benefit of the doubt. I may find his singing somber, depressing and lacking in personality or true emotion – but perhaps I needed to get off my judgmental arse and really listen. I mean – everyone loves the guy, he’s been top 10 in the album charts longer than any other artist and won more awards than I could fit in my flat. Am i just being prejudiced because I feel he’s showing being gay as depressingly sad? (Maybe) Do I miss Adele and feel he’s a pale imitation? (Perhaps) Am I just getting too old to appreciate modern music? (Erm, no – I’m in my 30s not my 80s!)
So, I went back and listened to Sam’s album In the Lonely Hour (I mean even the title – come on… no, I must listen!) I lasted three songs before I could take no more. I just don’t like his music, and that’s fine. I can’t like everything right!
The day it was announced that Sam was singing the theme (after a few groans) I found a BBC Radio 1 interview from that morning. Sam came across as a really great guy; laughing, joking and with a sense of pride that he could put his name to one of the biggest film franchises of all time. It was then I relaxed. What was I worried about? It’s just a film! This seemingly nice, gay lad from London is singing the title song and although I may not like his usually style, this is a Bond theme and will be accompanied by all the usual trimmings which make each one unique. It’s fine, I thought.
Today the theme was released.
It’s Bond, so regardless of the singer I’ve listened to it twice. The melody and production is classic James Bond with an air of John Barry and David Arnold combined. It’s perfect until Sam starts singing. The song is depressing and to make it worse, Sam’s enunciation is terrible. Yes he can reach the high notes but at what cost? He can’t articulate the words so it is incredibly difficult to understand what he is singing. If you can’t get the words out, don’t sing that high. There are singers who can achieve both, just listen to Jimmy Somerville.
This is my problem with Sam Smith’s music. There is no issue with him reaching the high notes, but this is a song and words are vitally important.
I have many theories as to why Sam has become so huge so quickly, but these are subjective and could easily be rubbished by any number of fans.
In my opinion, this theme is the worst to date and I really hope not a reflection on the film itself. I doubt anyone would want to sit through two hours of a movie as depressing as this song.
I’m sure Sam is a lovely person and I appreciate he has a large fan base who would be more than happy to stick up for him and his music, but this is not a good song. It’s mostly inaudible with lost lyrics and words fading into obscurity under a cover of perfectly pitched high notes. Sam said it only took him twenty minutes to write, perhaps he should have spent longer on it.
Take a listen to the song below and judge for yourself, The Writing’s on the Wall.
Terry Gee