iSouth Artist to Watch: Sam Smith

The iSouth Artist to Watch popped by SiriusXM Hits recently, and recorded a beyond-vulnerable cover of Whitney Houston’s ’80s classic, “How Will I Know.”

In contrast to the original’s infectious rhythm, the U.K. crooner’s version is slowed down considerably, recasting “How Will I Know” as a bittersweet lament of unrequited love. Totally Sam’s M.O., as anyone who has listened wept along to his debut studio album, In The Lonely Hour, can tell you.

Even though there’s a piano accompanying the “Stay With Me” singer, it’s Sam’s voice that’s the star of this video. As he recently told The FADER: “I’m so passionate about the singing voice… What I’m trying to do actually with my album is show that it’s my voice that’s leading. It’s my voice that’s the instrument.”

Well, all that weeping has certainly drained my feelings reservoir. I think I, like, physically need to listen to Whitney’s original “How Will I Know” on repeat for a few hours to build back that serotonin.