Sam Smith entering a new era. The GRAMMY, BRIT, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning singer-songwriter has announced her fifth studio album, “Hazel Eyes”arriving August 21 via Capitol Records. Alongside the announcement, Smith has released the album’s lead single, ‘My Guy’ – a lively 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 take on a greater behind-the-scenes creative role 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’ve 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 like I’ve immersed myself as an artist by making it, by being a producer on the record, to walking alongside this record from start to finish, pushing myself at every turn.”
They added: “This record and this music are incredibly romantic. I’ve learned so many life lessons making this album, and I’ve documented it all through the music.”
Co-produced by Smith on the side Simon Aldred (Rag’n’Bone Man, Avicii) and David Odlum, “Hazel Eyes” was largely manufactured in New York City, where Smith now lives. The sessions included contributions from the indie icon Feistmulti-instrumentalist and acclaimed string arranger Rob Moosewith parts of the album recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. The result mixes influences from baroque pop, British folk, outlaw country and left-field R&B, while placing Smith’s unmistakable vocals at the center.
‘My Guy’ provides the first insight into that world of sound. Co-written by Smith, Feist and Ismaily, the song leans towards 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 begin 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 US 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 important landmarks.
“Hazel Eyes” arrives August 21 via Capitol Records and is available for pre-order here.
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