Sam Smith - Unholy (ft. Kim Petras) [ Perfectly Slowed — & Reverb ]

: Sam Smith has described the song as a way of "liberating oneself from the clutches of others' secrets". Why It Works

: The added "echo" creates a sense of vast, empty space, making Sam Smith’s and Kim Petras’ vocals feel like they are echoing through the "Body Shop" itself. Lyrical Context : Sam Smith has described the song as

You can listen to various versions of this edit on platforms like SoundCloud or YouTube Music . Sam Smith, Kim Petras - Unholy (slowed+reverb) - SoundCloud Sam Smith, Kim Petras - Unholy (slowed+reverb) -

: It follows a father leaving his children at home to visit a strip club (the "Body Shop") while his wife remains unaware. : By reducing the speed, the heavy bass

The slowed-down pace forces the listener to sit with the narrative of the song:

The "Slowed & Reverb" style—a subgenre rooted in hip-hop and vaporwave—is designed to evoke nostalgia and emotional depth. For "Unholy," this aesthetic leans into the "nightmare" or "ominous" quality of the track, making the chorus feel more like a ritual than a pop hook.

: By reducing the speed, the heavy bass synths and 808s become more cavernous and menacing.