The "Sped Up" version of Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy" is a high-energy remix that amplifies the original track’s nocturnal, hedonistic appeal. While the standard version is already a departure for Smith into dark electropop and metallic hyperpop, the sped-up rendition leans further into the "TikTok-core" aesthetic, making the grinding bass and choir chants feel more urgent and frantic. Musical Style & Production
: It incorporates Gregorian-style choir vocals and an "oh-wee-oh" chant that some reviewers have noted as a nod to the winged monkeys in The Wizard of Oz .
: The production is heavily influenced by the late Sophie and PC Music, using metallic synths and sharp percussion that contrast with Smith's typically soulful ballads. Sam Smith - Unholy Sped Up (Lyrics) ft. Kim Petras
: By increasing the BPM, the track transforms from a sultry cabaret-style stomp into a chaotic, club-ready anthem that became a viral sensation before its official release. Lyrical Analysis The lyrics tell a literal story of infidelity and adultery.
The track is built on a "grinding" bassline and features a Middle Eastern-inspired chord progression in . The "Sped Up" version of Sam Smith and
Reviewers highlight the drastic shift in Smith's artistic direction, though the results are polarizing.
: Some critics find the lyrics "lackluster" or "shitty," arguing that they glorify cheating or feel "eternally unerotic" despite the song's attempt to be shocking. Critical Reception : The production is heavily influenced by the
Watch these reviews and musical breakdowns to see how the song's dark production and viral success were analyzed: