Sam Smith is entering a new era. The GRAMMY, BRIT, Golden Globe, and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter has announced their fifth studio album, ‘Hazel Eyes’, arriving August 21st via Capitol Records. Alongside the announcement, Smith has released the album’s lead single, ‘My Guy’ – a buoyant celebration of requited love accompanied by an official music video.
More than three years in the making, ‘Hazel Eyes’ marks one of Smith’s most personal projects to date. The 12-track album sees the artist taking on a larger creative role behind the scenes as a producer while exploring themes of romance, vulnerability, self-reflection, and artistic growth.
“This album is an incredibly special record to me,” Smith said in a statement. “I have been writing it for over three years with a very small group of beautiful, dear friends of mine. This album is very personal, and I feel I have deepened myself as an artist through the making of it, through being a producer on the record, to walking alongside this record from the start to the finish and pushing myself at every single turn.”
They added: “This record and this music is incredibly romantic. I’ve learned so many life lessons through making this album, and I’ve documented it all through the music.”
Co-produced by Smith alongside Simon Aldred (Rag’n’Bone Man, Avicii) and David Odlum, ‘Hazel Eyes’ was largely crafted in New York City, where Smith now lives. Sessions included contributions from indie icon Feist, multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily, and acclaimed string arranger Rob Moose, with portions of the album recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. The result blends influences from baroque pop, British folk, outlaw country, and left-field R&B, while placing Smith’s unmistakable vocals front and centre.
‘My Guy’ offers the first glimpse into that sonic world. Co-written by Smith, Feist, and Ismaily, the track leans into euphoric devotion, celebrating the rare comfort of fully reciprocated love. Feist and Moses Sumney add playful, girl-group-inspired harmonies that underscore the song’s affectionate confidence. Earlier this week, Smith performed the single on Later… with Jools Holland.
Sam Smith – My Guy (Official Video)
The album announcement also coincides with a landmark live performance. On Friday, Smith will headline an intimate set at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City, kicking off Pride weekend with a performance at the first LGBTQ+ visitor center within the U.S. National Park Service. The event celebrates the enduring legacy of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising while bringing one of pop’s defining voices to one of queer history’s most significant landmarks.
‘Hazel Eyes’ arrives August 21st via Capitol Records and is available to pre-order here.
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