Singer Sam Smith is finally making his comeback in the music industry after taking an 18 month hiatus. The R&B/Soul singer released his sophomore album, The Thrill of it All, Fri. Nov. 3. The album tells his story of heartbreak, dealing with his sexuality and excessive partying.

“The Thrill of It All” is simply that — a thrill,”  the Associated Press said. “Smith’s piercing voice and vivid lyrics tell stories about his relationships and experiences over the last three years — the good, the bad, the sad and more.”

Smith’s album is heavily influenced by a breakup he went through last year. After the breakup, Smith started frequently drinking, smoking and partying. He was at his darkest point in his life. He realized his health was declining and he needed to do something about it.

“I got to a point last year where I didn’t care anymore about myself. I was being completely reckless and not looking after my body and my mind and heart were literally burning,” Smith said. “I don’t know if I’m ever gonna be as personal again in music because I really had to go to a weird place to get the music out. I was in a bit of a dark place. I just didn’t really like myself that much when I was making this record. But I’m starting to be happier now.”

One of Smith’s biggest goals was to sing about hard hitting issues. He wants to bring light to LGBTQ+ issues in the world. Being apart of the community himself he wants to show his support.

“I want to make people feel uncomfortable. We should be addressing these issues. There are not enough openly gay men or women in the music industry – any industry,” Smith said. “And we need to be at the front, talking, shouting, so that those little kids that live in the middle of nowhere can hear it and hopefully be inspired.”

Smith shows that he is an emotional man and he is not afraid of that. He does not like to conform to standards that society has set for men. He likes to show his emotions and thinks it is very important and he does that through this album. Compared to his last album, In The Lonely Hour, Smith gets deeper not only into his emotions but social problems of the world.

“Smith will bring his new album on the road in 2018,” Rolling Stone’s writer Daniel Kreps said. “The Thrill of It All North American tour begins June 18 in Toronto and runs through September 13 in Calgary.”