Sam Smith takes on co-producer role for first time with fifth album reflecting life changes, including engagement to same-sex partner

Polished pop album reflects turning points including move to New York and engagement

British singer-songwriter 'Sam Smith' released the 12-track fifth studio album 'Hazel Eyes' on the 21st. The album is a masterful work on which Smith took the reins creatively and raised the bar for its overall quality by receiving a 'co-producer' credit for the first time since making their debut.

The new album features the title track alongside 'Everlasting Love', 'My Guy', 'Love Is a Stillness' and 'Constant Companion'. It moves freely among baroque pop, British folk and the experimental textures of R&B. Smith also crafted a richly layered sound by collaborating with indie-pop artist 'Feist' and the 28-member vocal group 'Two City Chorus' at world-renowned music spaces including 'Electric Lady Studios' in New York.

'Hazel Eyes' emerged from sweeping changes in the artist's personal life. Work on the album began around the time Smith left their native England and moved to New York. Above all, the dramatic emotional arc of Smith's engagement to British fashion designer 'Christian Cowan', whom they had dated for years, runs deeply through the album.

Universal Music said, "The album takes its name from the self-titled track, the most direct expression of love among the songs 'Sam Smith' has written to date." The label added, "It offers a look at the artist's journey as they break down their defenses and move toward commitment and sincerity." On the 22nd, the music video for 'Constant Companion' will also be released, pairing weighty vocals with majestic string melodies.

'Sam Smith' described the new album as "the work that brought me closer to myself than ever before." Smith added, "I learned to honor the timeless value of 'pop music'—something anyone, regardless of the path they've taken, can deeply relate to." Smith emphasized, "Taking an unabashedly romantic approach is the most honest way to reveal yourself," and stressed, "In the era we are living through, it is profoundly important to sing about love in a whole and direct way."