Sam Smith announced a series of intimate shows at Greenpoint’s Warsaw through the fall. Due to overwhelming demand, the initial 12 dates were extended to an additional 12. The concerts are in support of their fully acoustic single To Be Free, released on streaming services on July 24. They shared the following on their Instagram: “This residency is something I’ve been thinking about and planning in my head for a long time. It’s such a different experience to play intimate shows, and I’m so excited to host this in a city that I adore”.
I was fortunate to see Sam live on The Thrill Of It Tour in 2018, a show which highlighted their commanding vocals and intimate connection with the audience, against a minimalist but dramatic stage. But this was an opportunity for an up-close and personal experience of their stunning vocals (the venue has a capacity of 1100).
At 9PM sharp, they took to the small stage, wearing an oversized pinstriped, to rapturous applause from the audience. The moment they began to sing To Be Free (the song that sparked the concept for the residency), the crowd went silent, captivated by their soothing vocals. In a 90-minute set, Smith delivered everything I’d hoped for and more! They gave us some deep cuts, slipped in some stunning unreleased tracks, covered some pop songs, and, of course, slayed some Sam Smith essentials.
Twice during the show, Smith got the crowd hyped by letting them take over the vocals on the choruses: their first huge hit, Stay With Me, and fan favorite, I’m Not The Only One. The performance of Stay With Me saw Sam sitting on a chair flanked by four acoustic guitar players, a special moment that was one of my personal highlights of the evening.
I agree with the following sentiments from Instinct’s Isabella I: “While the residency is a huge shift from the glittering grandeur of Smith’s arena shows, it feels like a homecoming of sorts. A reminder of where they began—and what truly matters most: the music, the connection, and the freedom to just be”. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a physical release at some point so that I’ll be able to relive the magical night.
The complete setlist was as follows:
To Be Free
Hazel Eyes (Unreleased)
I've Told You Now
Promises (Calvin Harris & Sam Smith song)
Stay With Me
It'll All Work Out (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover)
Too Good At Goodbyes
Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel cover) - sung by backup singers
Dancing With A Stranger
My Guy (Unreleased)
Angel From Montgomery (John Prine cover)
Unholy
When He's Gone (Unreleased)
The Book Of Love (The Magnetic Fields cover)
I'm Not The Only One
The Lighthouse Keeper
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