Alicia Keys Lends Her Voice to Sam Smith’s New Recording of ‘I’m Not the Only One’
Sam Smith is preparing to release a new version of their hit single “I’m Not the Only One“, and this time they’re not alone. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter announced the collaboration with R&B legend Alicia Keys via a social media post on Wednesday, July 31.
The announcement was accompanied by a heartfelt message from Smith, who expressed excitement and gratitude for the collaboration. “I’m Not The Only One feat. the truly incomparable @aliciakeys,” Smith wrote, emphasizing their admiration for Keys’ talent and spirit. “I am so honored to have such an incredible talent and a beautiful soul join me on this track to celebrate a decade of ‘In The Lonely Hour’,” Smith shared in the caption, posting a photo of themselves alongside Keys.
Fans might remember that this isn’t the first time the duo has performed the song together. The pair first collaborated live during Smith’s 10th-anniversary celebration for their debut studio album, ‘In The Lonely Hour’, held in New York City in June. At the event, Keys made a surprise appearance and performed “I’m Not the Only One” with Smith, marking a memorable moment for both artists and their fans. Reflecting on the performance, Keys remarked, “Can you believe we never did this before? That’s crazy!” The chemistry between the two artists during that live performance set the stage for this exciting collaboration.
The new rendition of “I’m Not the Only One” will be part of the 10th-anniversary edition of In The Lonely Hour. This commemorative release will include reimagined versions of the album’s original tracks, showcasing Smith’s evolution as an artist over the past decade. The album was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 2014, earning Smith multiple Grammy Awards and establishing them as one of the leading voices in contemporary music.
In addition to the collaboration with Keys, Smith has revisited some of the album’s classic tracks with a fresh perspective. One of the standout tracks, “Stay With Me,” has been re-recorded with updated lyrics to better align with Smith’s gender identity in 2024. In a statement about the changes, Smith shared, “This song is truly so special to me, so for the 10-year anniversary I re-recorded the track … including the updated lyric ‘but I still need love, baby understand’ which felt really important to me. It’s beautiful to know that sometimes, we can change the past.”
The decision to update the lyrics reflects Smith‘s journey and commitment to authenticity, offering fans a glimpse into their personal and artistic growth. This new release not only celebrates a milestone in Smith’s career but also highlights their dedication to inclusivity and self-expression.
The reimagined version of “I’m Not the Only One,” featuring Alicia Keys, will be available alongside the rest of the 10th-anniversary edition of ‘In The Lonely Hour‘ on Friday, August 2. Fans eagerly anticipate hearing the unique blend of Smith’s emotive vocals and Keys’ soulful artistry on this iconic track.
For more updates and a preview of the new collaboration, check out Sam Smith’s Instagram post. The release promises to be a celebration of music, collaboration, and the enduring power of a decade-old album that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.