‘Money on My Mind’ is the latest single from man of the moment Sam Smith. It follows on from the beautiful, soulful ‘Lay Me Down’, and like that it showcases his gorgeous voice, but this time in a far more upbeat setting. The single is an unexpected pop gem, as Smith’s most recent prior releases have all been more chilled out tracks, and shows the artist learnt a thing or two from his time working with Naughty Boy and Disclosure. His bright falsetto in the chorus proclaiming ‘I don’t have money on my mind/I do it for the love’ is refreshing, in an industry where it’s painfully obvious that so many stars are only there for the monetary gain.
With a catchy piano riff layered over finger snaps and synths, and a driving beat that pushes forward throughout, this single shows exactly why Sam Smith is current king of the accolade: as he creates fresh, interesting pop music that doesn’t rely on cheap gimmicks.
8/10
‘Money on My Mind’ is out February 16th through Capitol Records, and Smith’s debut album In the Lonely Hour is out May 26th
