Full Breakdown
Sam Smith Announces Fifth Album “Hazel Eyes” and Lead Single “My Guy”
6/25/2026, 12:34:29 AM
Album Announcement and Core Details
British Grammy-winning vocalist Sam Smith announced the forthcoming fifth studio album Hazel Eyes on June 24, 2026. The 12-track record will be released via Capitol Records on August 21, 2026 (see note on conflicting dates). The album is introduced by the lead single “My Guy,” which debuted with an official music video.
Background and Creative Context
Smith describes Hazel Eyes as “a heartfelt ode to the city of New York which Sam now calls home,” and the most personal work to date. Written over three years with a close circle of friends, the project explores romantic love, emotional vulnerability, artistic freedom, and self-reflection. It follows the 2023 album Gloria, which produced the global hit “Unholy” with Kim Petras.
Key Collaborators and Production
The album is co-produced by Sam Smith, longtime collaborator Simon Aldred, and David Odlum. Additional contributors include Canadian singer-songwriter Feist, multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily, and string arranger Rob Moose. Recording sessions took place partly at Electric Lady Studios in New York.
Timeline of Recent Activities
- June 24, 2026 – Album and “My Guy” single announced; press release issued.
- Late 2025–early 2026 – “To Be Free” residency series launched at Brooklyn’s Warsaw (24 nights) and San Francisco’s Castro Theatre (8 nights), previewing unreleased material.
- June 26, 2026 – Smith performed at the Booking.com Theater at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, marking the start of NYC Pride Weekend.
- Later 2026 – Planned appearance on Later… With Jools Holland (U.K.) featuring “My Guy.”
Tracklist and Album Data
1. “Everlasting Love”
2. “Hazel Eyes”
3. “Moondance” (feat. Feist)
4. “My Guy”
5. “When He’s Gone”
6. “Thief”
7. “Love Is a Stillness”
8. “Sugar Rush”
9. “Oh Mother” (feat. The TwoCity Chorus)
10. “Constant Companion”
11. “Hold On”
12. “To Be Free”
Official Statements from Sam Smith
In the press release, Smith emphasized the album’s intimacy, noting it was written over three years with a “very small group of beautiful, dear friends.” Smith highlighted the dual role of artist and producer, stating the process deepened their artistry and allowed them to “push myself at every single turn.” The single “My Guy” is presented as a “lifelong-waiting” composition intended to convey warmth and love in a “cold and distant world.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “This album is an incredibly special record to me.” — Sam Smith, Singer-songwriter
- “I have been writing it for over three years with a very small group of beautiful, dear friends of mine.” — Sam Smith
- “ ”This is a song that I feel I have been waiting a lifetime to write and sing.” — Sam Smith
- “In this sometimes cold and distant world, I hope you can feel the love and the closeness of this recording.” — Sam Smith
On-the-Ground Reports: Residencies and Performances
The “To Be Free” residency blended Smith’s hits with unreleased Hazel Eyes material, featuring surprise guests Hozier, Ed Sheeran, Brandi Carlile, Sienna Spiro, and Kim Petras. The June 26 performance at the Stonewall venue was billed as an intimate set to kick off NYC Pride Weekend.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While most sources list the release date as August 21, 2026, the Tribune Pakistan article cites October 16, 2026. No official clarification has been provided, leaving the exact launch date unresolved.
Why It Matters
“Hazel Eyes” marks a stylistic shift toward stripped-back, genre-blending arrangements and deep personal storytelling, potentially redefining Smith’s artistic identity after the commercial success of “Gloria.” The album’s New York inspiration underscores a geographic and emotional relocation that may influence future work.
What’s Next
Fans can anticipate the full album on the announced release date, additional live appearances during Pride month, and further promotion through media outlets such as Later… With Jools Holland. The rollout continues to build momentum for Smith’s evolving catalogue.
