Like most of us, Sam Smith first caught our attention on the Disclosure track “Latch,” or Naughty Boy’s “La La La,” and that’s pretty disappointing. Shame on me, and shame on you, because while his performance on both those tracks were incredible and worthy of such praise, Smith is just too much of a talented singer to be playing the supporting role. With last year’s “Lay Me Down” and on his newly released EP Nirvana, we finally get to see Smith as the leading man for he has a voice that can transcend itself throughout myriad environments, much like the ability of an actor to go from the stage to the screen and back again. The soulfulness that this British singer injects into his pop vocals is comparable to that of Stevie Wonder, as it is a rare feat to provide such depth and vulnerability to a powerfully playful voice.
“Money on My Mind” helps us to know Smith on a personal level. It is confessional and pure, capturing the innocence of someone who possesses an incredibly raw talent and is on the verge of stardom and fame. We can only hope that Smith holds tight to his passion, and his desire to “do it for the love” continues to be reflected in his music as he reaches greater heights. If he’s anything like Stevie, he undoubtedly will.