“Unholy”, is the supposed lead single for Sam Smith’s upcoming fourth studio album. The song is a collaboration with German-born singer and songwriter, Kim Petras.

The song is unlike anything Sam has done before and signals their determination to extend their range; to experiment. In an interview with Billboard magazine in August 2022 Sam talked about their need to move away from sad ballads and explore new directions.

Gone are the heartbroken torch songs that defined so much of their [Sam’s] early career; in their place are jubilant sounds ranging from dance-pop kiss-offs to choral expressions of elation. And for Smith, leaning into happiness may be the greatest risk of all… “I think joy for me, and for a lot of queer people, is quite a dangerous place. We’re all masters of pain, and I think it’s … courageous to step into the queer joy of it all.”’

The song tells a story of unfaithfulness and betrayal, reminiscent of “I’m Not The Only One”. The response isn’t grief and passivity, but resilience, humour and mischief; not to be taken seriously and therefore a definite new departure.

Rumours of a collaboration between Smith & Petras first started when Smith posted a photo captioned “Mmm daddy daddy 🫢👅 @kimpetras“.

The Music Universe in its review on the song’s release date of 22 September wrote;

Crafted around a sultry Arabic scale … a multi-voiced, menacing sound collage with instant club appeal, underpinned with a throbbing bass.

Within two days of release the song reached number one on a range of worldwide chart platforms.

Songwriter(s):
S.Smith, J.J.Napier, I.Salmanzadeh, H.R.Walter, B.Slatktin, O.Fedi, K.Petras

Producer(s):
ILYA, Cirkut, B.Slatkin, O.Fedi, Jimmy Napes, S.Smith

Imprint/Promotion Label:
EMI/Capitol