![]() In songwriting terms, though, kindness and decency only get you so far. You’d expect nothing less from a famously shy singer who, along with their Grammys, Brits, Oscars and Golden Globes, is surely a shoo-in for the award for Nicest Person in Pop. Sam Smith’s third album, which catalogues the aftershocks of their split with the 13 Reasons Why actor Brandon Flynn (in 2019, Smith came out as non-binary and now uses the pronouns they/them), is among the more reasonable break-up albums you’re likely to hear. Not that writing about a break-up need be a cynical endeavour, or indeed a chance to get even (though if you’re after the sound of sweet revenge, try Pale Green Ghosts by John Grant, who at one stage compares his ex-partner to the chemical Agent Orange). Rare is the pop star who, in the midst of a torturous break-up, doesn’t quietly think to themselves: “Well, at least that’s the next album sorted.” Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks, Marvin Gaye’s Here, My Dear, Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago, Adele’s 25 and Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next all artfully picked over the entrails of a broken relationship, and made a tidy sum in the process.
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