Best Sam Smith Songs: Soulful Ballads and Chart-Topping Tracks

John Godfrey

Sam Smith’s voice cuts through the noise of modern pop. Their soulful sound and raw emotion captivate listeners. Smith’s music explores love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Their unique blend of pop and soul has earned them global acclaim. From ballads to dance tracks, Smith’s range is impressive.

The artist’s collaborations amplify their talent. Team-ups with Normani, Calvin Harris, and Disclosure showcase Smith’s versatility. Their duet with Kim Petras, Unholy, became a viral sensation. Smith’s partnerships often push boundaries and challenge norms. These joint efforts have helped solidify their status as a pop icon.

1. Too Good At Goodbyes – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Too Good At Goodbyes
Release Year: 2017
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Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes” is a soulful pop ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. The track showcases Smith’s powerful vocals and emotional depth, exploring themes of heartbreak and self-protection. It’s a relatable anthem for anyone who’s been hurt in love and struggles to open up again.

The song’s production quality is top-notch, blending Smith’s raw vocals with a polished instrumental backdrop. The crisp percussion and subtle piano chords create a perfect foundation for Smith’s voice to soar. The gospel choir adds another layer of depth, elevating the emotional impact of the chorus. This attention to detail in the production enhances the song’s message and makes it a standout in Smith’s discography.

2. Stay With Me – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Stay With Me
Release Year: 2014
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“Stay with Me” by Sam Smith is a soulful ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. Released in 2014, it showcases Smith’s powerful vocals and raw emotion. The song’s simple yet effective arrangement lets the lyrics shine through, creating a memorable and relatable experience for listeners.

The track’s impact on pop culture was undeniable. It snagged multiple awards, including Record of the Year at the 57th Grammy Awards. Smith’s heartfelt performance and the song’s universal theme of loneliness struck a chord with audiences worldwide. This smash hit catapulted Smith to international stardom and cemented their place in the music industry.

3. I’m Not The Only One – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: I’m Not The Only One
Release Year: 2014
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Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One” hit the airwaves in 2014 and quickly became a soulful pop anthem. The track blends R&B and pop elements, showcasing Smith’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery. Its piano-driven melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners worldwide, cementing Smith’s status as a rising star in the music industry.

The song’s music video adds another layer of depth to its narrative. It features a gripping story of infidelity, starring Dianna Agron and Chris Messina as a couple grappling with trust issues. The visuals perfectly complement the song’s themes of heartbreak and betrayal, bringing the lyrics to life in a cinematic fashion. This pairing of audio and visual storytelling helped propel the song’s popularity and resonance with fans.

4. Desire (with Sam Smith) – Calvin Harris, Sam Smith

Artist: Calvin Harris, Sam Smith
Track Name: Desire (with Sam Smith)
Release Year: 2023
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Calvin Harris and Sam Smith’s 2023 hit “Desire” blends house and pop genres seamlessly. The track’s pulsating beat and Smith’s soulful vocals create an infectious dance anthem. It’s a perfect mix of Harris’s signature production style and Smith’s emotive delivery.

The song’s music video is a visual feast that matches the track’s energy. Set in a neon-lit nightclub, it features Smith and a diverse group of dancers moving in sync with the beat. The video’s vibrant colors and dynamic choreography bring the song’s passionate lyrics to life, making it a treat for both eyes and ears.

5. Unholy (feat. Kim Petras) – Sam Smith, Kim Petras

Artist: Sam Smith, Kim Petras
Track Name: Unholy (feat. Kim Petras)
Release Year: 2022
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“Unholy” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras is a sexy, provocative pop banger. It blends dark pop with electronic elements, creating a sultry and edgy vibe. The song explores themes of infidelity and secret desires, with Smith and Petras delivering powerful vocals over a pulsing beat.

The music video for “Unholy” is a visual feast that matches the song’s risqué nature. It’s set in a cabaret-style club, featuring Smith as the emcee and Petras as a seductive performer. The video’s rich, red-hued aesthetics and burlesque-inspired choreography perfectly complement the track’s naughty narrative. It’s a bold, unapologetic celebration of queer artistry and sexual expression.

6. Dancing With A Stranger (with Normani) – Sam Smith, Normani

Artist: Sam Smith, Normani
Track Name: Dancing With A Stranger (with Normani)
Release Year: 2020
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Sam Smith and Normani’s “Dancing with a Stranger” hit the airwaves in 2020, captivating listeners with its sultry pop vibes. The track blends smooth R&B elements with a catchy dance-pop beat, creating an irresistible groove. Its polished production and the artists’ seamless vocal chemistry make it a standout single.

The song’s music video is a visual feast that perfectly complements its sonic atmosphere. Sleek, minimalist aesthetics dominate the clip, featuring Smith and Normani in separate spaces that eventually merge. The choreography is subtle yet sensual, mirroring the song’s themes of longing and moving on. This visual interpretation adds depth to the track’s emotional resonance.

7. Fire On Fire – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Fire On Fire
Release Year: 2020
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“Fire on Fire” by Sam Smith is a powerful ballad that showcases their incredible vocal range. The song blends pop and soul elements, creating an emotional and intense listening experience. Its heartfelt lyrics and soaring melody make it a standout track from Smith’s 2020 album.

The music video for “Fire on Fire” is a visual feast that complements the song’s passion. It features stunning animation inspired by the Watership Down miniseries, for which the song was created. The video’s dreamlike quality and symbolic imagery add depth to the song’s themes of love and sacrifice, creating a memorable and moving experience for viewers.

8. Promises (with Sam Smith) – Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, Jessie Reyez

Artist: Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, Jessie Reyez
Track Name: Promises (with Sam Smith)
Release Year: 2018
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“Promises” by Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, and Jessie Reyez is a catchy dance-pop track that dropped in 2018. The song blends Harris’s signature electronic beats with Smith’s soulful vocals. It’s a perfect mix of upbeat rhythms and emotional lyrics that’ll get you moving.

The music video for “Promises” is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ ballroom culture. It showcases dancers voguing and strutting their stuff in a neon-lit club setting. The video’s inclusive message and stylish visuals complement the song’s energetic vibe. It’s a visual feast that adds another layer to the track’s appeal.

9. Like I Can – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Like I Can
Release Year: 2014
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Sam Smith’s “Like I Can” is a powerful pop ballad from 2014. It showcases Smith’s incredible vocal range and emotional delivery. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners worldwide.

The music video for “Like I Can” is a visual feast. Shot in black and white, it follows Smith and their friends on a night out in New York City. The video captures the energy and excitement of the Big Apple, perfectly complementing the song’s uplifting message. It’s a joy to watch and adds another layer to the already captivating track.

10. Latch – Disclosure, Sam Smith

Artist: Disclosure, Sam Smith
Track Name: Latch
Release Year: 2013
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Latch, the breakout hit by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith, dropped in 2013 and took the music world by storm. This electronic dance track blends deep house beats with Smith’s soulful vocals, creating a unique and infectious sound. The song’s catchy hook and pulsing rhythm made it an instant club favorite.

The music video for Latch is a visual feast that perfectly complements the song’s vibe. It features a series of interconnected vignettes showing people from different walks of life experiencing moments of connection and attraction. The video’s sleek, stylized aesthetic and clever use of transitions mirror the song’s smooth production and seamless flow. It’s a perfect visual representation of the track’s themes of love and desire.

11. Lay Me Down – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Lay Me Down
Release Year: 2014
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“Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith is a soulful ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. Released in 2014, it showcases Smith’s powerful vocals and emotional depth. The track’s stripped-back production allows Smith’s voice to take center stage, creating an intimate listening experience.

The song’s live performances have left audiences spellbound. Smith’s raw emotion and vocal prowess shine through in concert settings, often bringing fans to tears. These live renditions add an extra layer of vulnerability to an already poignant song, making each performance a unique and unforgettable experience.

12. How Do You Sleep? – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: How Do You Sleep?
Release Year: 2019
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Sam Smith’s “How Do You Sleep?” is a pop banger with electronic vibes. The track showcases Smith’s powerful vocals over a catchy beat. It’s a breakup anthem that packs an emotional punch.

The music video for this song is a visual feast. Smith’s dance moves take center stage, showing off a new side of the artist. The choreography is sleek and modern, matching the song’s energy perfectly. It’s a departure from Smith’s usual style, but it works brilliantly.

13. Ahi – Anitta, Sam Smith

Artist: Anitta, Sam Smith
Track Name: Ahi
Release Year: 2024
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Ahi by Anitta and Sam Smith is a scorching hot track that dropped in 2024. It’s a spicy blend of Latin pop and R&B that’ll make you want to dance all night. The duo’s voices mesh perfectly, creating a sultry vibe that’s impossible to resist.

The song’s music video is a visual feast that matches the track’s fiery energy. Set in a steamy nightclub, it showcases Anitta and Sam’s sizzling chemistry through sensual dance moves and intimate close-ups. The video’s vibrant colors and dynamic camerawork perfectly capture the song’s essence, making it a treat for the eyes and ears alike.

14. Money On My Mind – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Money On My Mind
Release Year: 2014
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Sam Smith’s “Money on My Mind” burst onto the music scene in 2014. The track blends pop and R&B elements with Smith’s soulful vocals. It’s a catchy tune that showcases their impressive range and emotive delivery.

The song’s production quality stands out with its crisp, polished sound. Two-step garage beats and electronic flourishes complement Smith’s voice perfectly. The mix creates a dynamic audio landscape that’s both radio-friendly and sonically interesting. It’s a prime example of modern pop production done right.

15. Diamonds – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Diamonds
Release Year: 2020
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Sam Smith’s “Diamonds” is a pop anthem that slaps. The track showcases Smith’s killer vocals over a pulsing beat. It’s a banger that’ll get you moving and grooving in no time.

The music video for “Diamonds” is pure fire. Smith struts their stuff in a series of flashy outfits, serving looks and attitude. The visuals are sleek and stylish, perfectly matching the song’s vibe. It’s a feast for the eyes that’ll have you hitting replay.

16. I’m Not Here To Make Friends – Sam Smith, Calvin Harris, Jessie Reyez

Artist: Sam Smith, Calvin Harris, Jessie Reyez
Track Name: I’m Not Here To Make Friends
Release Year: 2023
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Sam Smith’s “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” is a bold, unapologetic anthem. The track, featuring Calvin Harris and Jessie Reyez, dropped in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite. It’s a dance-pop banger with a catchy hook that sticks in your head for days.

The music video for this song is a visual feast. It’s packed with glitter, glamour, and over-the-top costumes. Smith struts through lavish sets in fabulous outfits, embracing their true self. The video’s extravagant style matches the song’s confident vibe perfectly. It’s a celebration of self-love and individuality that’s impossible to ignore.

17. Writing’s On The Wall – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Writing’s On The Wall – From “Spectre” Soundtrack
Release Year: 2015
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Writing’s on the Wall is a hauntingly beautiful ballad from the Spectre soundtrack. Sam Smith’s powerful vocals soar over a lush orchestral arrangement. The song captures the essence of James Bond’s world, blending romance and danger.

The music video for Writing’s on the Wall is a visual feast. It features Smith singing against a backdrop of iconic Bond imagery. Scenes from Spectre are interwoven with dramatic shots of the singer. The video’s moody atmosphere perfectly complements the song’s emotional intensity.

18. Make It To Me – Sam Smith

Artist: Sam Smith
Track Name: Make It To Me
Release Year: 2015
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Sam Smith’s “Make It to Me” is a soulful ballad that showcases their vocal prowess. Released in 2015, the song blends R&B and pop elements with Smith’s signature emotive delivery. Its heartfelt lyrics speak of longing and the search for true love.

The song’s production quality stands out, with a clean and polished sound that enhances Smith’s vocals. Subtle piano accompaniment and gentle percussion create a intimate atmosphere. The carefully layered harmonies add depth to the track, while the minimalist approach keeps the focus on Smith’s powerful voice. This production style perfectly complements the song’s vulnerable and romantic themes.

19. La La La – Naughty Boy, Sam Smith

Artist: Naughty Boy, Sam Smith
Track Name: La La La
Release Year: 2014
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La La La by Naughty Boy featuring Sam Smith is a catchy pop hit from 2014. The song blends electronic and R&B elements with Smith’s soulful vocals. Its infectious chorus and upbeat rhythm made it a summer anthem.

The music video for La La La is a visual feast. It follows a young boy’s journey through a surreal Bolivian landscape. The video’s vibrant colors and dreamlike sequences perfectly complement the song’s whimsical vibe. It racked up millions of views and cemented the track’s status as a pop culture phenomenon.

20. In The City – Charli xcx, Sam Smith

Artist: Charli xcx, Sam Smith
Track Name: In The City
Release Year: 2023
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“In the City” by Charli XCX and Sam Smith is a banger that hit the airwaves in 2023. This collab fuses pop and electronic vibes with a dash of retro flair. The track’s pulsing beats and catchy hooks will have you grooving in no time.

The music video for this tune is a wild ride through neon-lit cityscapes. It’s packed with glitzy outfits, flashy dance moves, and some seriously cool visuals. Charli and Sam’s on-screen chemistry is off the charts, making it a feast for the eyes and ears.

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John Godfrey

John Godfrey is a music lover and the guy behind Songpier.com, where you’ll find all kinds of music guides. He picked up the drums in high school, which got him hooked on rock. With a Master’s in music education, he now enjoys writing about music and sharing his passion with others.

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