Singer-songwriter Sam has the sort of clean-cut, genial, edgy but never-too-edgy image that gets people excited. His is soul music for the new generation – immaculately executed, and with a lashing of instantaneous, four-minute emotion. On a song like the melancholic “(still) think of you” he exhibits a clear understanding of fundamental personal truths – “I was just a shell of a person, who craved every form of attention” – and it seems as if he’s going down his own path exploring sounds and sonics that we never could have expected.
There’s something so image-filled and atmospheric about this record and it really dives deep into the topics at hand. The chord progression in the verses is flawless, with Sam soft and silky vocals sliding against the piano like water. The chorus is infectious; with some of the most on point honest lyricism I’ve head.
It’s relatable, while still keeping a piece of sentiment toward something that speaks to the artist’s life. He’s a blooming artist who can present his feelings in a manner that many major artists have a hard time doing. There’s a dark vibe to this song, but it’s strangely coupled with these airy vocals that bring us as listeners into the light.
Sam’s music has this air to it that’s just unexplainable. But this one takes the cake. Smooth and sexy, this song is one of those late night jams. The slow chord progression and pitter-patter of the percussion is so timely done that I can’t even imagine how he put that together; how he simply put together the perfect blend of melancholy and euphoria in one song.
The lyricism is introverted and mono-conversational, but the way it’s executed makes it reach listeners with ease. Nothing feels in excess here. It’s a very big song, but still keeps its subtlety and elegance.
There are very few artists that can single handedly prove their strengths while being so honest and open. This year, there have been so many new artists emerging and some of them fell short of their hype. Sam isn’t one of them. This track travels through so many moods, but it has one constant and that is the overall tone. It’s an airy, yet heavy mixture of both sadness and cool joy.
The high moments still remain grounded, while the low moments still coast on a level that’s not melodramatic. The production is flawless throughout and there’s something about Sam’s writing style that fits him like a glove. I don’t think, under the circumstances, he could’ve done any better with “(still) think of you” and I’m thrilled to be able to have heard it.
