■ “It was an experience that cannot be put into words” (Utada Hikaru)
Sam Smith released a new version of his hit single “Stay With Me ~I Want You to Be By My Side~” featuring Utada Hikaru on August 23rd, titled “Stay With Me ~I Want You to Be By My Side feat. Utada Hikaru.” The new version features Utada Hikaru and has achieved multi-platinum sales worldwide.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of his debut album, In the Lonely Hour, Sam has teamed up with Hikaru Utada, one of Japan’s best-selling and most influential artists, for a new duet version of “Stay With Me.”
Sam Smith’s debut album, In the Lonely Hour, released in 2014, won four awards at the 57th Grammy Awards and sold 6 million copies in the US. It was the best-selling debut album of the 2010s. It includes hit singles such as “Stay With Me” (10 million copies sold in the US), “I’m Not the Only One” (7 million copies sold), “Lay Me Down” (5 million copies sold), “Money on My Mind” and “Like I Can” (both 1 million copies sold).
■ Comment from Sam Smith
I have a deep connection to this song. It has been such a joy to see it achieve such great success in Japan and I love visiting and performing here. Hikaru’s legacy and record speaks for itself. I am honored to have one of Japan’s most successful artists of all time join me on vocals for the new version of “Stay With Me.”■ Comment from Hikaru Utada
“I am so honored to have been a part of the monumental anniversary of “Stay With Me.” This song has touched so many people with its vulnerability and longing. Singing with Sam Smith on his original vocals and being recorded by the same engineers who recorded it was an indescribable experience. It was like a wormhole opened and we were connected across time and space for a brief moment.”
Release Information
2024.08.02 ON SALE
Sam Smith
ALBUM“In the Lonely Hour (10th Anniversary Edition)”
2024.08.23 ON SALE
Sam Smith
DIGITAL SINGLE“Stay with me feat. Utada Hikaru”
Sam Smith Japan OFFICIAL SITE
https://www.universal-music.co.jp/sam-smith/
Utada Hikaru OFFICIAL SITE
https://www.utadahikaru.jp/
![](https://tokytunes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1724373716_795_Sam-Smith-releases-new-version-of-Stay-With-Me-featuring.jpg)
“Stay with me feat. Utada Hikaru”
![](https://tokytunes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1724373716_153_Sam-Smith-releases-new-version-of-Stay-With-Me-featuring.jpg)
“In the Lonely Hour (10th Anniversary Edition)”