“This is one of those songs that makes your skin crawl as you listen to the celebratory tone used to praise a man for lying to his wife.” Plugged In
: Critics describe the track as a radical departure for Smith, moving away from soulful ballads into a "villain era" marked by "grinding" basslines, Middle Eastern chord progressions, and an eerie cathedral-like choir effect. “This is one of those songs that makes
: The accompanying music video features notable performers like RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Violet Chachki and Gottmik, further leaning into a cabaret and burlesque aesthetic. Meaning Behind "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras - Released version is too clean
“The cell phone audio makes it feel like you're outside a weird club, listening in. Released version is too clean.” TikTok · jarred jermaine · 3 years ago The "Body Shop" mentioned in the lyrics ("Mummy
Community feedback ranges from high praise for the song’s catchiness to sharp criticism of its lyrical themes. “I love it.. Unholy is the best song of 2022.” TikTok · cbcgem · 3 years ago
The viral TikTok compilations for Sam Smith and Kim Petras's hit "Unholy" center on the song's seductive, bass-heavy chorus and its dark narrative of infidelity. The "Body Shop" mentioned in the lyrics ("Mummy don't know daddy's getting hot at the body shop") is a direct reference to a famous historic , rather than a car repair shop or the beauty retailer. Compilation and Song Analysis
: While the TikTok snippets were widely adored for their "raw" energy, some critics felt the full song didn't live up to the intense hype, describing the additional verses as a "lukewarm" follow-up to the viral chorus. Listener Perspectives