Ep 3. Sam Smith / Anderson East
- October 20, 2018
Sam Smith and Anderson East are the special guests on the third episode of Season 44 of Austin City Limits. This acclaimed music series is filmed at Austin's historic Moody Theater and features live performances by legendary performers and cutting-edge artists from a range of genres.
In this installment, Grammy-winning pop sensation Sam Smith takes the stage to showcase his soulful voice and emotional songwriting. Known for hits like "Stay With Me" and "I'm Not the Only One," Smith has quickly become a household name since breaking onto the scene in 2012. He treats the Austin City Limits audience to a mix of old favorites and new material from his latest album, "The Thrill of It All." Backed by a full band and choir, Smith's powerhouse vocals fill the arena with passion and intensity.
Anderson East, a rising star in the Americana and blues scene, also graces the Austin City Limits stage in this episode. The Alabama-born singer-songwriter has gained a following for his soulful voice and raw, confessional lyrics. He brings his gritty, southern-tinged sound to the episode with hits like "All on My Mind," "Girlfriend," and "Satisfy Me." Fans of blues, rock, and country music will all find something to love in East's compelling set.
The episode kicks off with Sam Smith taking the stage in a sharp white suit, backed by a choir clad in black and white. The energy is electric from the first note as Smith launches into "Burning," a soulful ballad about a lost love. His voice soars effortlessly over the intricate harmonies, and the crowd cheers wildly at the end. He follows it up with a hit from his first album, "I'm Not the Only One," a haunting ballad that showcases his vocal range and emotional depth. The mood lightens up a bit with "One Last Song," a feel-good number that showcases Smith's love of classic soul and pop.
Next up is Anderson East, sporting a black leather jacket and shades, with his guitar in hand. He launches into "Surrender," a soulful rocker about the struggles of love and temptation. His raspy voice and bluesy guitar riffs combine to create a powerful, authentic sound that gets the audience moving. He follows it up with "All on My Mind," a catchy single that's been climbing the charts and showcases his knack for sing-along hooks. He rounds out his set with "Satisfy Me," an upbeat anthem that combines old-school R&B with modern rock.
Sam Smith returns to the stage for his second set, beginning with "Pray," a gospel-infused track from his latest album. The choir joins in for the chorus, lifting the audience to their feet. Smith takes a moment to thank the crowd and reflect on his journey as an artist before launching into "Stay With Me," his mega-hit from 2014. The audience sings along with every word, swaying their arms and waving their phones in the air. Smith's voice soars higher and higher, bringing the song to a breathtaking conclusion.
Anderson East finishes off the episode with a powerful rendition of "Girlfriend," a soulful tribute to the power of unconditional love. His voice cracks with emotion as he croons the chorus: "You can call me your girlfriend, I don't care." He takes a moment to thank the crowd and express his gratitude for the opportunity to perform on Austin City Limits. He closes out the show with a rousing performance of "Encore," an upbeat track that combines funk, soul, and rock to create a unique sound that's all his own.
Overall, this episode of Austin City Limits showcases two immensely talented artists at the top of their game. Sam Smith's soulful pop hits and powerful vocals are a perfect match for Anderson East's gritty, bluesy sound. Fans of live music won't want to miss this electrifying episode, which highlights the best of what Austin City Limits has to offer.
