Song Review: Sam Smith & Demi Lovato Are Waiting For a Lover on Dynamic "I'm Ready" Single

   The album has been renamed, the release date delayed due to COVID-19, but British crooner Sam Smith has been slowly teasing their third studio album by already sharing "Dancing With a Stranger", "How Do You Sleep?", "To Die For", and a Donna Summer cover.

   Demi Lovato, on the other hand, has been prepping the release of her upcoming seventh album. She's shared the tear-jerking "Anyone" and official lead single "I Love Me". Both becoming her first two number one hits on the Digital Song Sales Chart.

   Today, the pair join forces for the ABBA-inspired "I'm Ready", the fifth offering from Smith's delayed project.

   Co-written by both Smith and Lovato, with support from Savan Kotecha (Ariana Grande, The Weeknd), Peter Svensson, and the song's producer ILYA (Jennifer Lopez, Clean Bandit), the new "I'm Ready" fits comfortably within both artist discographies: an intriguing blend of confidence, vocal high notes, moody production, and a joyous backing choir.

   Both artists may have mended numerous broken hearts in the past, building a tough exterior as to not get hurt again. However, they now surround themselves in love and happiness, ready for someone to show them affection.

   "He's not a cheater, a believer, he's a warm, warm-blooded achiever, it's a lonely night in my bed in the heat of the summer," Smith sings on the opening verse.

   While heavy bass accompanies the uncertainty of current reality on the verses, "I'm Ready" quickly switches gears and adds a dash of optimism and gospel influence for what could be when the soaring chorus rolls through. The jarring juxtaposition is effectively bridged by alluring, convincing trademark vocal performances from Smith and Lovato.

   To encourage smiles on an anthem that finds "kindness punks" preparing for battle, Smith uses the accompanying music video as an official invitation to the queerest Olympics ever hosted. After scrapping with high-heeled, hunky wrestlers on the mat, Smith beats competitive drag queens such as Valentina and Gigi Goode in the 100-meter sprint. Meanwhile, Lovato coaches winning diving and synchronized swimming routines before both accept their deserved gold medals on the podium.

   Altogether, "I'm Ready" and its visual become Smith and Lovato's most captivating and forward-thinking release of their careers. I'm already in love.