Sam Smith - How Do You Sleep?

In July 2019, Sam Smith didn't just drop a single; they unleashed a thunderous act of artistic liberation. Known previously for heart-wrenching, static ballads, Smith shattered expectations with "How Do You Sleep?"—a pulsating pop-R&B anthem crafted alongside legendary hitmaker Max Martin. Directed by Grant Singer and electrified by the fierce, ground-breaking choreography of Parris Goebel, the official music video showcased Smith shedding their melancholy chrysalis. Dancing boldly alongside a troupe of powerhouse performers, Smith delivered a mesmerizing masterclass in fluid, unapologetic queer expression.

This fiery rebirth arrived at a pivotal moment in our Time Capsule of 2019. Fresh off coming out as non-binary earlier that year, Smith’s bold moves resonated through a cultural landscape undergoing massive shifts. It was the summer when Avengers: Endgame reshaped cinema history, TikTok was rapidly redefining global music trends, and Lil Nas X was tearing down genre barriers atop the charts. Amidst this cultural whirlwind, "How Do You Sleep?" racked up hundreds of millions of views, standing tall as a beacon of self-love. It marked the definitive chapter where Sam Smith traded sorrow for the dance floor and truly stepped into their authentic power.