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8.0
132627
8.0 |
NME
Following a smash-hit Number One single, their fourth studio album arrives high with expectation. A liberated – and focussed – approach proves it exceeds them
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8.0
132630
8.0 |
Rolling Stone
A compact, steadily flowing collection of pop songs that showcase Smith’s vocal versatility and personal growth
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7.0
132634
7.0 |
Clash
Decadent, dance-fuelled and defiant, Smith’s fourth album not only showcases their impressive vocal versatility and musical prowess, but it also shows an edgier and more playful side both to their personality and music
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7.0
132646
7.0 |
DIY
Exploring self-acceptance and self-growth with soul-tinged pop
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6.5
132689
6.5 |
Beats Per Minute
Gloria is a frequently satisfying yet uneven statement of self-love and confidence that heralds a new era, both musically and personally, for Sam who proves that it is just as equally an act of vulnerability to show your happiness, as it is your sadness
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6.2
132631
6.2 |
Pitchfork
Sam Smith remains a bit of a pop paradox, a trailblazing figure who often settles into well-trodden songwriting
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6.0
132645
6.0 |
musicOMH
A fourth album features Kim Petras, Ed Sheeran, Jessie Reyez and Koffee, and showcases a voice that makes everything sound listenable. But of terrific moments there are too few
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6.0
132613
6.0 |
The Irish Times
Close but not quite their magnum opus
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6.0
132614
6.0 |
The Independent
Smith’s lovely voice can feel like the aural equivalent of watching a lava lamp
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6.0
132615
6.0 |
The Guardian
With hints of R&B, trap and disco, Smith’s fourth album tiptoes away from their trademark piano-led ballads – but isn’t the ‘edgy’ departure they think it is
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6.0
132617
6.0 |
All Music
Whether autobiographical or a thought exercise, Honey is evocative and often relatable, if in turn inevitably alienating and mercurial
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6.0
132652
6.0 |
The Observer
The singer’s fourth album ups the tempo – and makes history – but stops short of fulfilling its potential as a fun-filled stomper
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6.0
132657
6.0 |
Exclaim
Overall, Gloria seesaws between being compelling and generic, with just enough highs to keep you interested throughout
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5.0
132673
5.0 |
Slant Magazine
As much as Smith tries to step out of the box, the singer still sounds most comfortable playing to their previously established strengths
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4.0
132650
4.0 |
The FT
The singer has broken new ground, but their fourth album is less revelatory
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4.0
132616
4.0 |
Evening Standard
Smith’s voice remains a remarkable instrument but it is asked to carry songs that feature little else of interest
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