Taking place just last Saturday, Sam Smith made their mark in Boston with the “Gloria” tour. This tour derives its name from their latest album, marking a significant shift in the artist’s musical direction. Renowned for their soul-stirring ballads centered around heartache, Sam Smith’s global success is undeniable.
With the “Gloria” album, Smith ventures into more intimate themes such as desire, intimacy, and personal expression. This concert provided an insightful glimpse into the trajectory of Smith’s musical career. The meticulously curated setlist encompassed songs from their entire discography, inviting the audience on an immersive journey through the artist’s multifaceted musical evolution.
Prior to Sam Smith’s captivating performance, Jessie Reyez electrified the stage, setting the tone for an extraordinary night of music. Kicking off her set with the soulful renditions of “Shutter Island” and “Break Me Down,” Reyez showcased her musical prowess from the very start.
Throughout her performance, Reyez’s engaging stage presence was evident in her remarkable interactions with the crowd. In a heartwarming gesture, she dedicated one of her songs to a couple in the audience, fostering an intimate connection between her music and her fans. Further adding to the surprise and delight of the night, Reyez treated her audience to an unexpected rendition of “One Kiss,” originally performed by Dua Lipa, a track she wrote herself.
As the final notes resonated, Jessie Reyez brought her dynamic ten-song set to a triumphant close with the song that propelled her to international stardom – “Figures.” With this soul-stirring performance, Reyez solidified her status as an exceptional artist, leaving the crowd in awe and primed for the headline act that awaited them.
With a hush of anticipation, the lights faded and the crowd erupted into cheers, signaling the kickoff of the show. The music kicked in, and a dancer strutted onto the stage, adding a touch of flair as they dramatically unveiled what was hidden beneath a white blanket – the stage where Sam Smith was about to work their magic. And what a reveal it was – a massive golden figure, laid out like a gigantic, gold sculpture, ready to serve as Sam’s performance platform. In the midst of this shimmering spectacle, Sam Smith burst onto the scene, starting the show with the song “Stay with Me.”
Throughout the night, Sam Smith enchanted the audience by structuring his show into three themes: Love, Beauty, and Sex. His musical journey spanned his entire repertoire, including soulful ballads like “Lay Me Down” and “I’m Not the Only One” from the debut album “In the Lonely Hour,” as well as his latest, more vibrant tracks “Gimme” and “I’m Not Here To Make Friends” from the album “Gloria.”
The performer charmed the crowd with anecdotes and delightful banter. He revealed that he had the opportunity to reside in Boston temporarily while recovering from vocal surgery. He expressed, “Boston is honestly my favorite city. Coming back here feels like a second home to me, just want to say to all of you here thanks for having me.”
As the evening neared its finale, the atmosphere of the venue transformed into that of a vibrant nightclub. The audience enthusiastically danced and sang along with the artists. Adding an element of surprise, Sam Smith showcased his dance skills and playfully removed a Celtics jersey from his attire.
Sam Smith has truly been a musical revelation from the very start. Through his soul-stirring ballads, he delicately explores the realms of heartbreak, offering listeners a means to navigate their emotions. Embracing pop, dance, and electronic genres in his latest work, he crafts a conduit for both his own liberation and that of his devoted followers. As Sam Smith exits the stage, he personifies sheer freedom and exuberance, a sentiment enthusiastically shared by everyone present in the room.
LISTEN TO SAM SMITH HERE!
CATCH SAM SMITH ON TOUR HERE!
Photo Gallery by: Maria Alejandra Mata
