17 Best Singers Like Sam Smith

Far from being a true original, Sam Smith’s vocal style is decidedly “now.” The music industry will milk a cow for all its worth, and that means you won’t have to look far and wide for artists that share something (or many things) in common with the English singer-songwriter.

Let’s just say there are more than a few famous singer-songwriters from the UK with a pop, R&B, and soul focus. Not to mention, Sam is big on collaborations with artists who share quite a bit in common with him.

But if you’re on the hunt for more pop music in the style of Sam Smith, you’ll love the guide we’ve prepared for you here. Here are the best singers and artists like Sam Smith.

Adele

Adele’s name inevitably comes up when comparing artists in this field of study. It could be because of that infamous “slur the last phrase of the lyric” approach modern male and female singers have adopted, but other commonalities beg the comparison too.

Both Adele and Sam Smith are English. Further, they both have a soulful quality to their music. If that wasn't enough, Adele’s music is heavily influenced Sam Smith’s, which explains any of the similarities you’ve heard in their tracks.

Adele has already had a massively successful career with four studio albums – 19, 21, 25, and 30. Presented that way, it looks more like a math question rather than a release schedule, but fans suspect the timing for her next album is perfect.

Some of Adele’s noteworthy tracks include “Hello,” “Someone Like You,” and “Rolling in the Deep.”

Ed Sheeran

This comparison is inevitable. The ginger-haired (and we say that with the utmost respect) English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran’s music is largely based around an acoustic-pop sound, an approach widely embraced by artists referenced here.

The heartfelt, relatable emotional lyrical content, the soulful approach to singing, their status as singer-songwriters, their country of origin… need I go on? Oh, and did I mention that the two are close friends? Yeah.

Sheeran began recording music in 2004, and he’s been riding the success train since the release of + in 2011.

Ed Sheeran’s standout songs include “Perfect,” “Photograph,” and “Shape of You.”

Miley Cyrus

At first brush, the Miley Cyrus / Sam Smith connection may seem like a tenuous one. The two, however, have been pictured cozying up next to each other on more than one occasion, and they have even shared stages.

Okay, so that may not be enough to convince you of the link. Well, here’s another place to look – tracks featuring both Miley and Sam. Have a listen to “UNHOLY RIVER (Robin Skouteris Mix)” and tell me the two don’t mesh. Honestly, I’m getting some Lady Gaga vibes from that tune too.

Personal drama aside, Cyrus has remained quite prolific as an artist and actress. She has eight albums as Miley Cyrus, outside of her contributions as Hannah Montana.

Some of her biggest hits include “Wrecking Ball,” “We Can’t Stop,” and “Flowers.”

Jessie Ware

English singer, songwriter, and broadcaster Jessie Ware is friends with fellow English singer-songwriter Sam Smith. The image of the two performing together on multiple occasions has remained a lasting one for fans, or this comparison might be irrelevant.

They’re both proponents of the modern “slur-sing” style I’ve already referenced, so that is one notable similarity.

If you like her singing style, also check out “Say You Love Me,” “Tough Love,” and “What’s Your Pleasure?”

James Arthur

English singer-songwriter James Arthur has publicly dissed Sam Smith before, so we’re not sure he’s his biggest fan. In our estimation, though, he should air on the side of acknowledgment, because without artists like Sam Smith, Arthur’s popularity might be in question.

Smith has taken detours down different shades of pop music alley, but some of his initial success was based on piano-driven acoustic-pop sensibilities, which James Arthur also demonstrates in spades.

James Arthur has got that slur-sing thing down to a science, which is why I will never listen to him intentionally, but if you’re into it, more power to you.

Troye Sivan

28-year-old Australian singer-songwriter initially found success on YouTube and his singing career has blossomed from there. Troye Sivan says he’s been influenced by Lil Nas X, which might be true, but we think he might owe more to the likes of Robyn, Lily Allen, and Cocteau Twins.

Either way, if you strip away the faux-dance-pop (in my estimation, just a ballad disguised as dance music) of a song like “YOUTH” you’ll find a core arrangement that bears much resemblance to Sam Smith tunes. “YOUTH” has also got some mad “We Can’t Stop” vibes.

Oh yeah, and Sivan likes the soft enunciation slur-sing of Millennials and Gen Z too.

Shawn Mendes

Singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes is one of the hottest things emerging out of Canada right now. Mendes has cited the likes of Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars as major influences.

You can tell! Because he finishes his lyrical phrases much the same way as Sheeran and Mayer do, if not more exaggerated (who cares about enunciating anyway?).

If you like his style, you should check out tunes like “Mercy,” “Stitches,” and “It’ll Be Okay.”

Rita Ora

British singer-songwriter Rita Ora rose to fame when she was featured on “Hot Right Now,” DJ Fresh’s 2012 single. Her debut studio release, Ora, shot to the top of the charts in the UK, in the same year.

As with Miley Cyrus, Rita and Sam have been seen cozying up to each other on multiple occasions. Smith has no shortage of industry friends.

Some high points in Ora’s career include “Poison,” “Anywhere,” “Ritual,” and “I Will Never Let You Down.”

Calum Scott

English singer-songwriter Calum Scott rose to fame in 2015 while competing in Britain’s Got Talent. When the dust had settled, he had achieved sixth in the competition, but his cover of Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” struck a chord with listening audiences, making it to number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Why the Sam Smith connection? Well, the two were once in a relationship.

If you like Scott’s style, check out “You Are The Reason,” “Heaven,” and “No Matter What.”