Sam Smith is at their most vulnerable—and most powerful—on their newest single, “To Be Free.” Released today via Capitol Records, the track strips everything down to a single live take. One voice, one guitar, and one moment captured with emotional clarity.
Smith has always been a master of ballads, but “To Be Free” feels like a homecoming. The lyrics are personal, but the emotion is communal—like a hand outstretched in a moment of connection.
This return to elemental expression is more than just an aesthetic choice. It’s a signal of where Sam Smith is heading next: inward, reflective, intentional. They’ve announced a 12-night residency at Warsaw in Brooklyn this October, titled To Be Free: New York City, that promises an experience as intimate as the track itself. In a career defined by vocal range and emotional transparency, these shows may offer something rarer—presence.
The accompanying video, directed by (LA)HORDE and filmed inside Warsaw, captures the spirit of the song beautifully. Sam Smith begins alone, then gradually gathers community around them — The TwoCity Chorus joining in waves, voices rising together in joy and surrender.
The look and feel of this era is striking. Collaborating once again with Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, Sam Smith leans into timelessness. The aesthetic mirrors the music—classic, pared back, and confident in its minimalism.
As the noise of modern pop crescendos in every direction, “To Be Free” feels like a pause. A deep inhale before the next step. And from the sound of it, Sam Smith is walking forward with more clarity than ever.
