Sam Smith has been in the public eye since the early 2010s, but the transformation from their early years (“then”) to their current era (“now”) is striking.
From heartbroken balladeer to a bold, expressive artist, Smith’s evolution spans sound, identity, music style, and personal confidence.
In this article, we trace Sam Smith’s “before and after” journey with facts, real data, and reflections on what has changed and what has stayed true.
Early Years: The Before
Born and beginnings:
- Born May 19, 1992, in London, England. Raised in a rural area in Cambridgeshire.
- As a child, Sam showed a strong musical interest. Performed in local theater, joined choirs (Youth Music Theatre UK).
Breakthrough and “In the Lonely Hour”:
- First big exposure came with Disclosure’s 2012 track Latch. That led to solo work.
- Debut album In the Lonely Hour, released in 2014, brought hits like Stay With Me, Lay Me Down, and I’m Not The Only One. Known for heartbreak, unrequited love, and loneliness themes.
First identity public disclosures:
- In 2014, Sam publicly identified as gay.
- In 2019, Sam announced they identify as non-binary and began using they/them pronouns.
Transition Phase: Sound, Identity & Artistic Growth
Albums and the evolution of themes:
- The Thrill of It All (2017) deepened the emotional content, tackling themes of heartbreak and identity more openly.
- Love Goes (2020) marked a shift: more dance-pop, more experimentation, and more openness, especially around being queer in personal lyrics.
“Gloria” (2023)
- Gloria is a key marker in the “after” era. It is described by Smith as an album of “emotional, sexual and spiritual liberation.”
- It includes sound explorations: R&B, disco, more bold visuals, and a more expressive identity in both lyrics and presentation.
Sam Smith Then And Now: What Changed?
Identity & creative control:
- After coming out non-binary and embracing they/them pronouns, Smith has spoken more fully about how they feel comfortable in their creative skin.
- They’ve said that in Gloria, they waited until every part of the album felt authentic, free from the pressure to fit expectations.
Sound & lyric transformation:
- Earlier “before” songs often centered on longing, heartbreak, and unrequited love (e.g. Stay With Me). Dominant sound: piano, slow tempo, falsetto.
- “Now” lyrics in recent work address identity, self-acceptance, sensuality, and liberation. Songs such as “Unholy” (2022) with Kim Petras became cultural moments.
Public persona & image:
- Style evolution: in early career, more conservative stage outfits; in recent years, more expressive fashion. Smith has revisited dress and aesthetic choices from earlier life and embraced more fluidity.
- Confidence in performance: more bold visuals, genre blending, willingness to address sexuality, spirituality openly.
Why the Transformation Matters?
- Representation: For queer and nonbinary fans, the shift from “before” to “now” has personal meaning: seeing someone not just survive but thrive visibly.
- Authenticity: Fans often say that Smith’s newer work feels more honest, more real. The emotional connection is deeper.
- Artistic growth: Rather than repeating a formula, Smith has pushed into new genres, richer production, and riskier songwriting.
Sample Timeline: Then vs Now
| Aspect | Before (2012–2017) | Now (2022–2025) |
| Debut & Breakthrough | Latch, In the Lonely Hour — themes of unrequited love, heartbreak, shame. | Gloria, Unholy, Love Goes — themes of identity, liberation, and sexual freedom. |
| Identity | Publicly gay, then later came out nonbinary (2019). | More open expression of gender/sexuality, more fashion risk, more personal freedom. |
| Sound & Genre | Soulful ballads, gospel influences, acoustic piano, slow tempo. | Experimentation: Disco, dance-pop, R&B, more up-tempo collaborations. Stronger visuals. |
| Public Persona | More reserved about identity, less bold with image. | Confident, expressive, performance style is much more dynamic. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sam Smith start identifying as non-binary?
In 2019, Sam Smith publicly shared that they identify as non-binary and adopted they/them pronouns.
How has Sam Smith’s music genre changed over time?
Early work was deeply emotional ballads and soul; recent albums like Gloria mix disco, R&B, dance-pop, and more daring instrumentation.
What album marked Sam Smith’s shift from heartbreak themes to empowerment and honesty?
Gloria (2023) is often cited as the turning point — it emphasizes emotional, sexual, and spiritual liberation.
What are some “then” songs vs. “now” songs to listen to that show this transformation?
Then: “Stay With Me”, “Lay Me Down”, “Writing’s on the Wall”. Now: “Unholy”, tracks from Gloria, and newer songs that reference identity and freedom.
Final Thoughts
If you want to dive deeper, explore Sam Smith’s Story, how they evolved from heartbroken beginnings into a powerful voice of authenticity. It includes exclusive insights, early footage, and emotional stories you won’t find anywhere else.
