Album Review: Sam Smith, Hazel Eyes

At the 2023 Grammys, Sam Smith and Kim Petras turned ‘Unholy’ into full-blown pop theatre – red costumes, devil horns, flames – utter blasphemy that ruffled the feathers of Ted Cruz and Marjorie Taylor Greene, and had Elon Musk invoking the apocalypse. Even the Church of Satan took umbrage. It was a hoot.

For fifth album Hazel Eyes, Smith has packed away their pitchfork, cloven hooves and pointed tail in the pursuit of love. Sam is in love, and the record is essentially a love letter to their fiancé, fashion designer Christian Cowan. Gently strummed opener ‘Everlasting Love’ details the genesis of their relationship, while the eponymous title track establishes Cowan as the central romantic figure.

Similar to George Michael, Smith is a famous British singer who has faced intense public scrutiny around their sexuality, enjoyed periods of flamboyance, and now leans into soul and gospel. The songcraft throughout is stellar – sultry ‘Moondance’ being Exhibit A, featuring Feist, who also brings her art pop touch to ‘My Guy’ and ‘Constant Companion’.

New York City is another muse; indeed, the record was recorded at Electric Ladyland, with none other than Dave Odlum part of the core production crew. His fingerprints are all over standout ‘When He’s Gone’ and the little gem that is ‘Love Is A Stillness’.

Closer ‘To Be Free’, meanwhile, affirms the wider sonic thesis – Smith's voice alongside sparse instrumentation and a large human chorus, rather than burying it inside electronic production.

8/10