: Sam Smith has described the song as a way of "liberating oneself from the clutches of others' secrets". Why It Works
: It follows a father leaving his children at home to visit a strip club (the "Body Shop") while his wife remains unaware. : Sam Smith has described the song as
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. For "Unholy," this aesthetic leans into the "nightmare"
The "Slowed & Reverb" treatment of hit "Unholy" transforms the high-energy club track into a haunting, atmospheric experience. By stretching the tempo and layering it with deep echo, this version emphasizes the song's darker themes of infidelity and clandestine secrets. Atmosphere & Soundscape Atmosphere & Soundscape The slowed-down pace forces the
The slowed-down pace forces the listener to sit with the narrative of the song:
