Sam Smith Drops 'Hazel Eyes': Inside the Romantically Charged 12-Track Album

Sam Smith is opening up like never before on their brand-new fifth studio record, *Hazel Eyes*. The 12-track collection dives deep into modern romance, self-reflection, and emotional growth, representing a bold new chapter for the London-born hitmaker. Music critics at Billboard have taken a close look at the complete tracklist, ranking every single song as the chart-topping vocalist lays bare their evolving personal journey. This fresh era reflects a major life shift for the 34-year-old Grammy winner. After originally building an empire on heartbreak and hypothetical pain, Smith is now drawing inspiration directly from real-life love and brand-new surroundings. Central to the record's romantic storytelling is their partner, British fashion designer Christian Cowan—the hazel-eyed muse who helped inspire the project's title—alongside Smith's recently adopted home base of New York City. ## Sam Smith new album Hazel Eyes song ranking Smith's pop trajectory kicked off with an undeniable back in 2014 thanks to their debut global smash *In the Lonely Hour*. Remarkably, the crooner famously penned those tear-jerking anthems before ever enduring an actual romantic breakup. Across four previous studio projects, the performer gradually filled in the blanks of their own identity, exploring desire, growth, and sexuality right in the public eye. That raw honesty translated into massive commercial success. Smith has racked up billions of music streams, secured five Grammy Awards, and scored seven top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2023, Smith made music history alongside pop star Kim Petras when their sensational collaboration "Unholy" climbed to the number one spot on the Hot 100, establishing Smith as the first openly nonbinary artist to top the chart. ## Who is Sam Smith partner Christian Cowan On *Hazel Eyes*, Smith builds a rich romantic mythology that blends intimate affection with the kinetic energy of Gotham. Instead of leaning purely on abstract lyricism, the 12 songs weave personal tales around their dynamic bond with Cowan and the freedom of living in Manhattan. Evaluating the complete album, music reviewers note that Smith arrives closer than ever to showing fans who exists beyond that iconic, soul-stirring vocal tone. The project bridges the gap between Smith's signature vulnerability and a newly found sense of romantic stability.