English singer-songwriter Samuel Frederick Smith, who is more popularly known as Sam Smith, today (May 19) celebrates another year of life.

The 30-year-old, who came on the scene in the late 2000s, rose to prominence in 2012 after being featured on Disclosure’s hit single, Latch, and has come into his own and produced several hits since then.

In honour of Sam Smith’s birthday, let us take a look at a few of his songs to add to your playlist.

8. Money On My Mind

The sixth track from Smith’s Nirvana album, Money On My Mind, followed his breakthrough single Latch on which he was featured.

Officially launching his career with this track, Money On My Mind, speaks about resisting the enticement of funds from record labels. Smith, in an interview, said that, “someone in the industry… offended me recently and I had to get it off my chest”.

7. How Do You Sleep

With this song released as the 13th track from the 2020 Love Goes album, Smith shared that he wanted to move away from heartbreak tracks.

“This year, both personally and musically, I feel so free. More than ever I have had so much fun making this record and this video… ,” Smith said.

On the track the artiste also sings about the importance of artistic integrity and independence.

6. Lay Me Down

The lead single from the English singer’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, speaks about an unfortunate unrequited love.

Smith noted that the track was written after he deleted the social media account of an unresponsive potential partner.

5. Latch

Latch, the track which placed the artiste on the scene, was released in 2012. The record by the electric duo Disclosure, features the vocals of Sam Smith.

“I remember hearing Latch and I didn’t even know whether it was good or not, because I didn’t know electronic music or dance music. It just wasn’t for me,” the English singer said.

The song went on to become his first hit on the UK singles chart.

4. La La La

Like Latch, La La La, features the Smith. This Naughty Boy record, released in 2013 speaks about avoiding one’s problems.

The accompanying music video, which seems quite disturbing, is based on a Bolivian legend.

The legend tells the tale of an abused deaf boy who realises he can chase away demons by screaming. Escaping his abusive household, the boy takes with him mismatched friends and a beautiful dog.

3. Too Good At Goodbyes

Released in September 2017, Too Good At Goodbyes chronicles the life of a turbulent relationship. The breakup anthem, featured on his sophomore album, was inspired by Smith’s personal experience.

“This song is about a relationship I was in and it’s basically about getting good at getting dumped. It’s been a long while since I’ve put any music out and I feel that this first single sets the tone of what is to come,” Smith said.

2. Stay With Me

Another one of Smith’s ballads about love, Stay With Me, is one where the artiste pines for a long-lived relationship.

Penned by Smith, James Nappier and William Phillips, the record was written in 30-40 minutes. Speaking in an interview, Smith commented on the organic nature of the track, saying: “The song just flowed out of us so naturally.”

1. I’m Not The Only One

Another track from the artiste’s debut album, this 2014 hit is one of his most popular. On this track, Smith, who claimed he drew inspiration from a relationship he witnessed firsthand, sings of a marriage in which the wife gradually comes to the realisation her husband has been cheating on her.

Despite the pain, anger and hurt she experiences, the deep love she has for him won’t allow her to leave. In the accompanying music video audiences see that instead of confronting her husband, she plays oblivious.