Jimmy Napes: Last News

Sam Smith has announced their fourth studio album ‘Gloria’.The record, which follows on from 2020’s ‘Love Goes’, is due for release on January 27, 2023 (pre-order/pre-save here). Its already been previewed by the Kim Petras-featuring single ‘Unholy’.Posting the official ‘Gloria’ cover art on social media, Smith said they were “overjoyed” to share details of the album.“I’m feeling overwhelmed and emotional as I start to let go of ‘Gloria’ and hand this work over to you,” the singer explained.“It has been magical in every way to make this piece of music and by giving this record to you I am giving you part of my heart and soul.

Sam Smith has covered Christina Aguilera’s ‘Beautiful’ as part of the 2023 Pride celebrations.The rendition, which you can listen to below, is an orchestral update to the Aguilera classic. Smith covered the song as part of Amazon Music’s 2023 Pride.“I’ve been such a massive fan of Christina’s for as long as I can remember and will never forget the first time I heard ‘Beautiful’ and how personally it spoke to me,” Smith shared in a statement about the cover.“The song is a true acceptance anthem and continues to inspire me with its important message to never stop celebrating who you are.

Sam Smith has joined forces with Madonna for new single ‘Vulgar’. Check it out below.The song was released today (June 9) and comes following both artists teasing the collaboration on social media, under the joint alias ‘SXM’.Released via Capitol, the star-studded single comes produced by Smith themself, alongside Ilya, Cirkut, Omer Fedi, Ryan Tedder and Jimmy Napes.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Although it was rumored and teased for weeks before it was officially confirmed, it’s really not a surprise to see Madonna collaborating with Sam Smith: “Unholy,” the British singer’s hit with Kim Petras, was not only the most provocative song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP,” it was exactly the kind of song that Madonna has released more than once in her career: intentionally controversial and boundary-pushing, both musically and thematically (“Unholy” is essentially about a family man having unsafe sex). Thus, she was a perfect person to introduce Smith and Petras before they performed the song at the Grammys: “Are you ready for some controversy?” she began, before continuing, “If they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative or dangerous, you are definitely onto something.”

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Grammy and Oscar winning singer-songwriter Sam Smith has announced their fourth studio album, “Gloria,” will be released on January 27, 2023 via Capitol Records. Made with longtime collaborators Jimmy Napes, Stargate and Max Martin stablemate Ilya, the album is described in the announcement as “not only a creative revelation but something of a personal revolution for the celebrated artist. Lyrically, the subjects dive deep and wide, into contemporary narratives around sex, lies, passion, self-expression and imperfection.” Smith says, “It feels like emotional, sexual and spiritual liberation. It was beautiful, with this album, to sing freely again. Oddly, it feels like my first-ever record. And it feels like a coming of age.”

Sam Smith has announced a pair of shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall next month, marking their first headline gigs since 2019.Although the British pop star has appeared at numerous festivals and promotional events since 2019, their last tour concluded in Cape Town in April of that year.Smith will perform at the iconic London venue on October 21 and 22, with a setlist featuring some of their biggest hits and previewing material from their forthcoming new album. Fans can gain access to a special ticket pre-sale by pre-ordering the star’s new album directly from their online store before 4pm BST tomorrow (September 21).Those who gain access will receive codes at 6pm BST, with the pre-sale opening at 9am BST on Thursday (22).

As the Oscars wrestle with grabbing a larger millennial audience, the dissing of tentpoles in the Best Picture category continues this year. In addition to AMPAS voters overlooking the sixth highest grossing movie ever at the global box office, Sony/Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home ($1.77 billion) for Best Picture, they also snubbed Daniel Craig’s swan song as James Bond in MGM/UAR/Eon’s No Time to Die in that slot as well.

The full list of this week's key New Music Friday releases appears at the bottom of the page, but first, some highlights...

Diana Ross has announced her first new solo album in 15 years.The forthcoming record, which follows on from 2006’s ‘I Love You’, will also be the singer’s first new album of original material in 22 years, with the last being 1999’s ‘Every Day Is a New Day’.Ross’ new album, ‘Thank You’, was written during lockdown with the likes of Jack Antonoff, Jimmy Napes, Tayla Parx and Spike Stent, and is now set for release on September 10 via Decca.“This collection of songs is my gift to you with appreciation and love. I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to record this glorious music at this time,” Ross said in a statement.Welcome to the Decca family Ms Ross @DianaRoss ✨Thank You✨ the new album coming in the Autumn.