When Sam Smith’s first album came out in 2014 it was the only thing that I listened to for well over a year. (I also may or may not have skipped my highschool graduation party to go see them in concert.) The albums that they have released are all so heartwarming and special. Their most recent album Love Goes completely saved 2020 for me, so of course I decided to pair some of my favorite new and upcoming releases with Sam Smith songs!
“Young” & A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology edited by Dhonielle Clayton
I usually don’t gravitate towards anthologies, but I could not recommend this one more! Filled with diverse stories written by some of my favorites authors, this anthology is inclusive, brave, and fierce. It is filled with lovely voices and strong wishes for a more inclusive and accepting world, and I just had to pair it with one of Sam Smith’s latest songs!
“Kids Again” & Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall
I can not praise this book enough. While I usually do not gravitate towards contemporary stories, this book offers a first hand look into gang life in Jamaica as we follow a young teenager who has to grow up a bit too fast when they joins their uncle’s gang.
“Say It First” & Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift
Two royal heirs set up for an arranged marriage? Do they love each other? Are they going to fall in love? I absolutely could not put this one down and neither will you.
“La La La (feat. Sam Smith)” & The Bright and Breaking Sea by Chole Neill
I always love good enemies to lovers, but when you throw in a female sea captain and a brooding soldier who are forced to work together I am instantly hooked! It is no secret how much I love sea-faring novels, but this one had the perfect amount of romance and slow burn that it is perfect for anyone!
“Promises (feat. Calvin Harris)” & The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner
This song always makes me want to get up and dance, which is exactly how I felt when I was reading this book! It had everything I wanted and more, including thieves, a gang of female bodyguards, magical enemies, and of course a swoon worthy romance!
“I’m Ready (feat. Demi Lovato)” & Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler
The action and adventure in this book is amazing, but the romance–the romance! If a hunt for a legendary ghost ship isn’t enough to entice you, this trilogy has insaney high stakes and heartwarming characters! Plus, the last book in the trilogy A Siege of Rage and Ruin is coming out in January!
“Stay With Me” & Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
There are just some couples that you cannot help but root for. I could not help but root for Chloe and Red since the moment I met them. Can you really blame me when they are that cute together?!
“Too Good at Goodbyes” & Every Day by David Levithan
This is just one of those classic YA novels that everyone seems to have read, but I still stand by my love for it. I think the tagline is enough to sell anyone on reading it: “Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.” I mean, come on!
“Lay Me Down” & The Year After You by Nina de Pass
This song always makes me bawl my eyes out, so I thought I’d be right to pair it with a novel that deals with grief and friendship. If you’re looking for a shorter novel that is hard hitting, then definitely check out The Year After You.
“HIM” & Ziggy, Stardust and Me by James Brandon
This song is so hardhitting, so I thought it would only be fitting to pair it with a novel that deals with homophobia in 1973. Even if you aren’t that into historical fiction novels, I highly suggest checking this one out as it deals with so many important issues and David Bowie!
What’s your favorite Sam Smith song? Leave us a comment below!
