Fall Album Preview 2017: New Taylor Swift, U2, Beck, Sam Smith, Morrissey LPs
What to expect from 'Reputation,' 'Songs of Experience,' return of Mavis Staples, plus vintage re-releases from Metallica, Bob Dylan and more
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Sam Smith
Smith had a tough time after 2014's Grammy-winning In the Lonely Hour, which sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. "I became very distant to my family and friends," he said recently. After a year off to regroup, he's back with a gospel-steeped LP that reunites him with producer Jimmy Napes (who co-wrote his megahit "Stay With Me"), and recruits new collaborators Timbaland and R&B hitmakers Stargate. The single "Too Good at Goodbyes" is about a recent failed relationship. "This album is a selection of short stories from the last two years of my life," he says. "I've poured every ounce of my heart into every song. Fucking hope people like it."