Sam Smith’s fifth album may represent a conscious retreat from the pop-industrial machinery that has powered much of their career. Where 2023’s ‘Gloria’ bounced between provocative dance-pop, traditional balladry and gospel, ‘Hazel Eyes’ settles into a warmer blend of soul, jazz and folk. The result, while not particularly original, is often excellent.
Inspired by Smith’s relationship with designer Christian Cowan, this is ostensibly a love story, with arguments, betrayal and reconciliation alongside some pretty soapy declarations of devotion. The production is largely acoustic and this gives the songs room to breathe, while Smith’s first co-production credit perhaps explains why the arrangements feel unusually sympathetic to their voice.
The title track demonstrates the approach at its most convincing. Swooning strings and gently unfurling harmonies complement a performance that is expressive without becoming overbearing. Smith’s sincerity has occasionally felt like a bit much, but here it just about stays on the tracks.
Moondance, co-written by Feist, is similarly accomplished. Its gnarled guitar and ghostly backing vocals introduce a bit of mischief alongside the friction, suggesting a full collaboration between the pair could produce something genuinely strange and exciting.
Oh Mother is less successful. Beginning with handclaps and an a cappella vocal before exploding into gospel call-and-response, it is designed as the album’s showstopper. But the choir, ad-libs and slammed piano chords feel more calculated than cathartic, pushing a compelling account of betrayal towards musical theatre.
There are moments elsewhere when the low-key arrangements blur together and the writing settles for broad affirmations about love and freedom. Even so, the album establishes and retains a consistently high level of quality music making. It may not be life-changing, but it feels like a crucial moment for Smith.
Having finally secured a US number one alongside Kim Petras with ‘Unholy’, they can afford to relax the desperation for another hit. ‘Hazel Eyes’ sounds like the work of an artist beginning to enjoy that freedom. They will never be George Michael, but then again, he may have been a one-off.
Sam Smith Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu September 03 2026 - MANCHESTER Albert Hall
Fri September 04 2026 - MANCHESTER Albert Hall
Tue September 08 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
Wed September 09 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
Fri September 11 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
Sat September 12 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
Tue September 15 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
Wed September 16 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
Fri September 18 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
Sat September 19 2026 - LONDON London Coliseum
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
