Sam Smith is back, and for real, their new album ‘Hazel Eyes’ dropping August 21 is already making waves. This highly anticipated fifth studio album promises to be a deeply personal journey, reflecting three years of meticulous craftsmanship alongside a tight-knit circle of friends and collaborators. Fans are buzzing, and it’s clear this project isn’t just another release; it’s a significant evolution for the artist who continues to push boundaries and bare their soul through music. The lead single, ‘My Guy,’ offers a tantalizing taste of the emotional depth we can expect from ‘Hazel Eyes’.
Recording part of this ‘dope’ record at the iconic Electric Lady Studios in New York City is, dare I say, a serious flex. This legendary studio, founded by Jimi Hendrix, has been the birthplace of countless classic albums from artists like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and D’Angelo, to name a few. The hallowed halls of Electric Lady carry a certain magic, and for an artist like Sam Smith, soaking in that history while co-producing with Simon Aldred and David Odlum, alongside collaborators Feist, Shahzad Ismaily, and Rob Moose, undoubtedly infused the album with a unique, timeless quality.
New York City itself serves as a central muse for ‘Hazel Eyes,’ with Smith now calling the bustling metropolis home. This isn’t just a casual mention; the city’s vibrant energy and melting pot of experiences are woven into the very fabric of the album, described as a ‘heartfelt ode.’ Much like how artists from Bob Dylan to Alicia Keys have found profound inspiration in the city’s pulse and unique rhythm, Smith’s move to NYC seems to have unlocked a fresh wellspring of creativity, offering a backdrop for tales of love and self-discovery that ‘hits different’ when steeped in urban romance.
Smith’s own words confirm the intensely romantic and personal nature of ‘Hazel Eyes.’ They’ve poured years into this project, acting as a producer and pushing themselves artistically every step of the way. This kind of deep, hands-on involvement signifies a significant growth trajectory since their earlier works. The album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a chronicle of life lessons learned, beautifully documented through melodies and lyrics, promising a level of vulnerability and introspection that will undoubtedly resonate deeply with listeners.
The accompanying single, ‘My Guy,’ is straight up fire, a song Smith feels they’ve ‘been waiting a lifetime to write and sing.’ Co-penned with Feist and Ismaily, it reportedly ‘fell out of the sky’ on a summer’s day in New York. This track aims to capture the ‘glow and warmth of love,’ a theme that has always been central to Smith’s artistry, but here, it feels re-examined with a fresh perspective. It’s a testament to their enduring appeal that they can continue to explore universal emotions with such raw honesty, making each new iteration feel utterly compelling.
Coming off the heels of their Grammy-winning album ‘Gloria’ and the global banger ‘Unholy’ with Kim Petras, Sam is highkey setting the stage for something deeply intimate and soulful with ‘Hazel Eyes.’ Their recent residencies at iconic venues like Brooklyn’s Warsaw and the newly refurbished Castro Theatre in San Francisco demonstrated Smith’s powerful ability to connect with fans in an up-close, immersive way. This album looks to build on that connection, offering a soundtrack for reflection and heartfelt emotion that many will find truly on point.If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends or leave us a comment!
Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
