“His new single, “unholy” is a radical departure... featuring a track with Arabic undertones that focuses on a husband and his unrepentant promiscuity against his wife.” Plugged In · 3 years ago
Reviewers highlight the drastic shift in Smith's artistic direction, though the results are polarizing.
: The production is heavily influenced by the late Sophie and PC Music, using metallic synths and sharp percussion that contrast with Smith's typically soulful ballads. Sam Smith - Unholy Sped Up (Lyrics) ft. Kim Petras
: It centers on a husband and father who frequents The Body Shop —an infamous all-nude strip club on the Sunset Strip—while his wife ("Mummy") remains unaware at home.
: Some critics find the lyrics "lackluster" or "shitty," arguing that they glorify cheating or feel "eternally unerotic" despite the song's attempt to be shocking. Critical Reception “His new single, “unholy” is a radical departure
: By increasing the BPM, the track transforms from a sultry cabaret-style stomp into a chaotic, club-ready anthem that became a viral sensation before its official release. Lyrical Analysis The lyrics tell a literal story of infidelity and adultery.
The track is built on a "grinding" bassline and features a Middle Eastern-inspired chord progression in . : It centers on a husband and father
The "Sped Up" version of Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy" is a high-energy remix that amplifies the original track’s nocturnal, hedonistic appeal. While the standard version is already a departure for Smith into dark electropop and metallic hyperpop, the sped-up rendition leans further into the "TikTok-core" aesthetic, making the grinding bass and choir chants feel more urgent and frantic. Musical Style & Production