It was the second best-selling album of 2014 in the UK, and the third best-selling of 2014 in the United States. The album was a commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

When In the Lonely Hour was released, it received mostly lukewarm reviews from critics, many of whom praised Smith's singing but were critical of the songwriting. A deluxe edition of the album contains five bonus tracks, including a solo acoustic version of Disclosure's single 'Latch' and Naughty Boy's number-one single 'La La La', on both of which Smith provided guest vocals. The album's third hit single, 'I'm Not the Only One', reached number three in the UK and number five in the US. The album includes the hit singles 'Money on My Mind' and 'Stay with Me', both of which were number one in the UK the latter becoming a hit worldwide, peaking in the top ten in over 20 countries, including reaching number two in the US. In the United States, it was released on 17 June 2014 through Capitol Records America.

It was released in the United Kingdom on, via Capitol UK and Method Records. In the Lonely Hour is the debut studio album by English singer Sam Smith.

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