Dancing with a Stranger
"Dancing with a Stranger" is a song by English singer-songwriter Sam Smith and American singer Normani, released as a single by Capitol Records on January 11, 2019.[1][2] Co-written by Smith and Normani with producers Stargate and Jimmy Napes, the track blends pop and R&B influences, exploring themes of moving on from heartbreak through a metaphorical dance with someone new.[3] It later appeared as a bonus track on Smith's third studio album, Love Goes, released in October 2020.[4] The song achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaking at number seven after 14 weeks on the chart, marking Normani's first top-10 hit on the ranking.[5] In the United Kingdom, it entered the UK Singles Chart at number four and rose to a peak of number three, becoming Smith's eleventh top-10 single there and Normani's first in the country.[6] Internationally, "Dancing with a Stranger" topped charts in countries including Poland and reached the top 10 in over 20 territories, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.[7] It was the most-played radio song globally in 2019.[8] The song has been certified 4× Platinum in the US by the RIAA (4 million units) as of 2021, underscoring its enduring popularity.[9][10] Critically acclaimed for its sultry production and vocal chemistry between Smith and Normani, the track earned a nomination for Song of 2019 at the People's Choice Awards, though it did not win.[11] It later received the Song of the Year award at the 2020 BMI London Awards, recognizing it as the most performed song of the year among BMI's repertoire.[4] The official music video, directed by Márk Peták and released on January 29, 2019, features the artists in a retro-inspired club setting and has amassed over 968 million views on YouTube as of November 2025.[12] "Dancing with a Stranger" also gained prominence through live performances, including a notable duet by Smith and Normani at the 2019 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.[5]Production
Background
"Dancing with a Stranger" originated from Sam Smith's desire to channel personal emotional turmoil into an uplifting track following a breakup in late 2018. During their tour for the album The Thrill of It All, Smith, feeling the weight of heartbreak, intentionally shifted away from their signature ballad style toward something more liberating and dance-oriented, inspired by nights out seeking distraction through clubbing and fleeting connections. This motivation stemmed from a need for catharsis, as Smith later reflected that the creative process helped explore themes of freedom and self-discovery.[13] The collaboration with Normani was announced on January 4, 2019, through social media posts by both artists, teasing the single's release on January 11 via Capitol Records. For Normani, this was a significant solo collaboration following her earlier releases like "Love Lies" after Fifth Harmony's hiatus announcement in 2018, building on her emerging solo presence and showcasing her vocal prowess alongside Smith's emotive delivery. The partnership came together serendipitously when the two artists, both in the studio circuit, connected over shared creative energies, with Normani adding layered harmonies that deepened the track's emotional resonance.[14][13] Initial writing sessions occurred in Los Angeles, involving producers Stargate—Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor E. Hermansen—alongside Jimmy Napes, a frequent collaborator with Smith. The song's inception drew directly from 1980s and 1990s dance-pop influences, evoking the era's infectious grooves and escapist vibes to craft a modern anthem that blended nostalgia with contemporary R&B-pop sensibilities. Smith described the goal as producing a "dancefloor anthem" that captured sultry melancholy while encouraging movement and release.[13]Composition
"Dancing with a Stranger" was written by Sam Smith, Normani, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor E. Hermansen, and James Napier. The song is set in the key of A♭ major at a tempo of 103 beats per minute in 4/4 time.[15][16] It employs a verse-chorus structure, incorporating pre-chorus build-ups that heighten tension before the chorus and a bridge that provides contrast toward the end.[17][3] Instrumentation centers on a prominent synth bass line created using Native Instruments Massive, electronic drums that drive the groove, and layered vocals processed with compression and reverb for an ethereal quality.[18] These elements fuse disco and R&B influences, with the lead synth derived from a modulated sine wave pad in Absynth 5 adding rhythmic texture via a funky muted guitar sample from Kontakt.[18] The production, handled by Stargate, blends contemporary pop arrangements with retro dance sensibilities, emphasizing simplicity in layering to highlight vocal interplay and groove.[18] This approach draws from disco icons like Donna Summer for its soulful, danceable energy and modern electronic stylings akin to Calvin Harris's work.[19]Recording and personnel
The recording of "Dancing with a Stranger" took place primarily in late 2018, following a chance encounter between Sam Smith and Normani in September 2018 during Smith's The Thrill of It All World Tour, when both artists were working in adjacent studios in Los Angeles. The core tracking sessions were completed by the end of the year, with final mixes finalized in December 2018 ahead of the single's release the following month.[3][20] Principal recording occurred at The Stellar House in Venice, California, with additional sessions in Los Angeles to accommodate the collaborators' schedules and contributions from producers Stargate. Mixing was handled at Pacifique Studios in North Hollywood, California, ensuring a polished, radio-ready sound that emphasized the duet's sultry R&B elements.[3][21] Post-production involved refinements to optimize the track for commercial release, including adjustments to the intro for the radio edit version, which clocks in at 2:51 and streamlines the opening to heighten immediate engagement.[21]Personnel
| Role | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Vocals | Sam Smith, Normani |
| Vocal production | Jimmy Napes |
| Instruments and programming | Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor E. Hermansen (Stargate) |
| Guitar overdubs | Ben Jones |
| Recording engineers | Mikkel S. Eriksen, Thomas Warren |
| Mixing engineer | Kevin “KD” Davis |
| Executive producers | Tim Blacksmith, Danny D |
| Producers | Jimmy Napes, Stargate |
Release and promotion
Release
"Dancing with a Stranger" was released as a digital single on January 11, 2019, through Capitol Records in collaboration with Keep Cool/RCA Records.[1][22] The track premiered via digital download and streaming platforms as part of an initial rollout that included teasers on social media and Vevo earlier that week.[14] The single marked a key moment in Sam Smith's transition toward their third studio album, Love Goes (2020), where it later appeared as a bonus track.[23] For Normani, the release served as a significant step in building anticipation for her solo career following her 2018 signing to Keep Cool/RCA Records and ahead of her debut album Dopamine (2024).[22] Internationally, the song saw variations in its rollout, with a limited-edition crystal clear 12-inch vinyl single issued in the UK and Europe on March 8, 2019, by Capitol Records, while primary distribution remained digital globally.[24]Formats and track listings
"Dancing with a Stranger" was initially released as a digital single on January 11, 2019, by Capitol Records, featuring the standard version of the track.[25] The song runs for 2:51 in its original form and became available across major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.[26] A limited edition 12-inch vinyl single was issued on March 8, 2019, in crystal clear pressing, limited to a specific run for collectors in the UK and Europe. This physical format included the standard track on the A-side and an instrumental version on the B-side, both at 45 RPM. Promotional CD-R singles were distributed in select markets, including France and Sweden, for radio and industry use, typically containing the standard radio edit.[27]Digital Versions and Remixes
Several digital variants and remixes were released to extend the single's reach. The acoustic version, featuring stripped-down instrumentation, was made available on February 14, 2019, emphasizing the vocal performances of Smith and Normani.[28] This rendition clocks in at approximately 3:02.[29] The official remix by Cheat Codes was released digitally on March 8, 2019, transforming the track into an upbeat electronic dance version lasting 3:13.[30] This remix was issued as a standalone digital single and integrated into streaming playlists. Streaming platforms offered exclusive enhancements, such as a spatial audio mix on Apple Music, utilizing Dolby Atmos for immersive listening, added in subsequent years to the single's availability.[31] On Spotify, the standard track serves as the primary single edit without additional alterations noted.| Format | Track Listing | Duration | Release Date | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Download (Standard) | 1. "Dancing with a Stranger" | 2:51 | January 11, 2019 | Capitol Records |
| Digital Download (Acoustic) | 1. "Dancing with a Stranger (Acoustic)" | 3:02 | February 14, 2019 | Capitol Records |
| Digital Download (Cheat Codes Remix) | 1. "Dancing with a Stranger (Cheat Codes Remix)" | 3:13 | March 8, 2019 | Capitol Records |
| 12" Vinyl (Limited Edition) | A1. "Dancing with a Stranger" B1. "Dancing with a Stranger (Instrumental)" | 2:51 (each) | March 8, 2019 | Capitol Records |
Compilations
The track appeared on several compilation albums shortly after its release. It was included on the US edition of Now That's What I Call Music! 70, released on May 3, 2019, as track 6 in its standard form.[32] In the UK, it featured on Now That's What I Call Music! 102, released in 2019, alongside other contemporary hits.[33] These inclusions helped broaden the song's exposure through physical and digital compilation sales.Promotion
The promotion of "Dancing with a Stranger" emphasized radio airplay and social media engagement to build its popularity as a crossover hit. Capitol Records focused on an old-fashioned radio campaign, which propelled the single to significant airplay success in the UK and US, culminating in it being named the most performed song of 2019 in BMI's repertoire at the BMI London Awards.[34] This strategy contrasted with viral streaming debuts, allowing the track to climb charts gradually through consistent rotation on stations like BBC Radio 1 and Capital FM.[13] A key component was a social media campaign that encouraged user-generated content, including dance challenges inspired by the song's sultry R&B groove. Choreographers like Kyle Hanagami released tutorial videos that went viral on YouTube, prompting fans to create and share their own versions, while platforms like TikTok amplified remixes and covers, extending the song's reach among younger audiences.[35] Fan remixes, often blending the track with electronic or pop elements, further fueled online buzz and playlist inclusions. Live performances played a vital role in the later stages of promotion. Smith and Normani gave their first joint live performance at iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball in Tampa, Florida, on December 1, 2019, marking a milestone in the single's rollout with synchronized choreography that echoed the music video's intimacy.[5] Smith then debuted the song solo at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball on December 8, 2019, delivering a high-energy rendition that highlighted its danceable vibe.[36] The single also tied into Normani's emerging solo career, providing momentum for her August 2019 release of "Motivation," as the success of "Dancing with a Stranger" showcased her vocal range and positioned her as a rising R&B star.[37] The music video, released on January 29, 2019, served as an initial promotional anchor.[38]Music and lyrics
Musical style
"Dancing with a Stranger" is a slinky, seductive pop-R&B jam that incorporates elements of soul-pop with a sultry, danceable groove, blending sleek, modern production with a pulsing beat designed for dancefloor appeal.[39] The track draws influences from 1990s R&B and pop, featuring a polished, layered arrangement with a prominent bassline and subtle electronic elements that evoke nostalgic yet fresh club tracks, while producer Stargate's signature style crafts an infectious, mid-tempo groove.[39] Normani's verses infuse the song with contemporary R&B flair through her smooth, sultry tones, providing a dynamic contrast to Sam Smith's aching falsetto hooks and soulful delivery, which heighten the track's emotional depth and vocal chemistry.[39] This upbeat shift marks a departure from Smith's earlier ballad-driven hits like "Stay with Me," infusing their classic soulful sound with a club-ready energy that brings maturity and pain to the dancefloor.[40][41]Lyrics and themes
"Dancing with a Stranger" explores themes of heartbreak and the search for temporary solace in the aftermath of a romantic split, portraying dancing as a form of escapism to alleviate loneliness. The lyrics depict a protagonist grappling with unresolved emotions, using a fleeting encounter with an anonymous partner as a distraction from lingering pain. This narrative captures the tension between vulnerability and the desire for liberation, emphasizing how physical intimacy on the dance floor serves as a momentary antidote to emotional turmoil.[42][43] Central to the song's emotional core is the chorus, where Sam Smith sings, "I don't wanna be alone tonight," a line that underscores profound vulnerability and the fear of solitude following a breakup. This plea reflects a raw admission of not being over an ex-partner, with the act of dancing with a stranger symbolizing a transient salve for heartache rather than a genuine resolution. The "stranger" motif represents an impersonal, no-strings-attached connection, highlighting the song's focus on short-lived romance as a coping mechanism. Inspiration for these themes drew from Smith's personal experiences, particularly their 2018 breakup with actor Brandon Flynn, during which Smith sought to channel feelings of loss into an uplifting rather than melancholic track.[3][44][45] The duet structure introduces dual perspectives, blending Smith's post-breakup longing with Normani's empowering resolve to move forward. In her verse, Normani conveys a similar sense of reluctance—"I wasn't even going out tonight"—but pivots to proactive escapism: "Boy, I need to get you off of my mind," illustrating an assertive response to heartbreak through self-initiated distraction. This interplay adds depth, portraying the shared human experience of using nightlife and anonymous flirtation to reclaim agency amid emotional vulnerability.[3][43]Music video
Development
The music video for "Dancing with a Stranger" was directed by British filmmaker Vaughan Arnell, whose selection was announced in early 2019 ahead of the visual's premiere.[38] Arnell, known for his work with artists like George Michael and Bruno Mars, aimed to capture the track's essence through a visually striking narrative that highlights isolation and connection.[38] The concept drew inspiration from 1990s club aesthetics, evoking the intimate, haunting vibe of Arnell's 1996 video for George Michael's "Fastlove," while emphasizing emotional intimacy and brooding sexuality to mirror the song's themes of post-breakup longing.[38] Production was handled by Moxie Pictures, with Sue Caldwell serving as producer; the shoot occurred across two distinct locations in England—a sleek, modern house set in the wintry countryside for Sam Smith's solitary scenes, and a studio set resembling an abandoned warehouse for Normani's high-energy dance sequences—to create parallel worlds that dovetail without the leads ever interacting on screen.[38][46] Smith and Normani starred as the central figures, supported by a diverse ensemble of dancers that included performers such as Theo Maddix, Petra Hajduk, Ziggy, Lilith Luna, Shan Khan, and Lee Bridgman, selected through casting director Lesley Beastall to bring dynamic, inclusive movement to the visuals.[38] Choreography was led by Sean Bankhead, whose expertise in contemporary and street styles amplified the video's rhythmic intensity, particularly in Normani's explosive group routines.[38] Cinematography by Will Bex and editing by David Webb further enhanced the moody, holographic effects surrounding Smith's performance, blending serenity with underlying tension.[38] Coordinating the production presented logistical hurdles, as Normani was balancing her solo promotional commitments and early tour preparations following her departure from Fifth Harmony, while Smith was deep into pre-production for their third album. Despite these scheduling constraints, the shoot wrapped efficiently, allowing the video to launch on January 29, 2019, as a key promotional element for the single's rising chart momentum.[12]Synopsis
The music video for "Dancing with a Stranger" opens with Sam Smith in a modern house set in the wintry countryside, gazing longingly, evoking a profound sense of solitude and yearning.[12][47] This initial scene transitions as Normani enters a separate, high-energy club environment with a confident stride, before she initiates an intimate dance with a stranger, mirroring the song's motif of seeking temporary solace.[12][48] A subsequent montage showcases intertwined dancing between Smith and anonymous partners in his isolated setting, interspersed with Normani's parallel sequences in the club, visually symbolizing fleeting human connections set against an undercurrent of emotional isolation.[12][38] The narrative builds through intercut parallel scenes of each artist dancing separately, emphasizing their isolated yet thematically connected journeys of vulnerability, without any direct interaction between Smith and Normani.[12] Complementing the visuals, the video employs retro-inspired outfits on the performers and dancers, vibrant neon lights pulsing through the club environment, and deliberate slow-motion effects to heighten the sensual tension and introspective mood.[12] As of November 2025, the video has amassed over 1 billion views on YouTube.[12] It concludes with a fade-out depicting unresolved tension as the characters disengage from their encounters, directly echoing the lyrical themes of reluctant heartbreak and the illusion of moving forward.[12]Critical reception
Reviews
Upon its release, "Dancing with a Stranger" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised the vocal chemistry between Sam Smith and Normani as well as the song's sultry, retro-inspired production. Rolling Stone highlighted the duo's "undeniable chemistry" and described the track as a "sultry, slow-burning duet" with a "magnetic pull," noting how the "joy is basically oozing out of every beat, note and perfectly harmonized line."[39] However, not all feedback was unanimous, with certain critics pointing to the song's formulaic pop structure as a limitation.Accolades
"Dancing with a Stranger" received several accolades from major music organizations, recognizing its commercial success and artistic impact. The song won the iHeartRadio Music Award for Best Collaboration in 2020.[49]| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ASCAP Pop Music Awards | Most Performed Songs | Won[50] |
| 2020 | BMI London Awards | Most Performed Song of the Year | Won[34] |
| 2020 | iHeartRadio Music Awards | Best Collaboration | Won[51] |
| 2020 | BRIT Awards | British Single | Nominated[52] |
Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Dancing with a Stranger" achieved significant commercial success on international charts following its release in January 2019. In the United States, the song peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent a total of 57 weeks.[54] It also reached number 1 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart, marking a milestone for both artists in the pop radio format.[55] In the United Kingdom, "Dancing with a Stranger" debuted at number 4 on the Official Singles Chart before climbing to a peak of number 3, sustaining a presence for 31 weeks.[6] The track was recognized as the most-performed song of the year in the U.S. at the BMI London Awards, highlighting its dominance on radio airplay.[34] The song performed strongly across other global markets, entering the top 10 in more than 20 countries, including topping the chart in Poland. Notable peaks included number 6 on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart, number 8 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, and top 10 positions in nations such as Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden.[56][57] On year-end charts, "Dancing with a Stranger" ranked number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2019, reflecting its sustained popularity. It was the most-played global radio song in 2019. In terms of streaming, the track surpassed 1 billion plays on Spotify by early 2020 and over 1.5 billion as of November 2025, underscoring its digital impact.[58]| Chart (2019) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 7 | Billboard |
| US Adult Pop Airplay | 1 | Rock on the Net |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 3 | Official Charts |
| Australian Singles (ARIA) | 6 | aCharts |
| Canadian Hot 100 (BHS) | 8 | Billboard |