Sam Smith’s Hazel Eyes 12 Songs Ranked
Sam Smith has always been a master of emotional alchemy, turning the ache of heartbreak into chart-topping soul. But with the release of his latest effort, Hazel Eyes, the singer is taking a fascinating turn, delving into a deeper, more complex emotional hinterland that asks not just about pain, but about personal identity, desire, and the complicated pursuit of love.
Throughout his previous work, Smith built his empire on exploring heartbreak from a safe, hypothetical distance. His smash hit In the Lonely Hour set the stage, but the subsequent albums allowed him to fill in the blanks—examining growth, personal identity, and desire with a sense of artistic discovery. He successfully navigated this journey, scooping billions of streams and numerous awards, solidifying his place as a dominant force in pop music.
Now, on Hazel Eyes, the focus shifts inward. The record introduces dual muses who become figures in a wider romantic mythology, exploring the feelings they inspire rather than simply rendering them. This artistic pivot reflects a maturation, moving beyond the narrative of external pain to explore the nuanced realities of connection and self-acceptance.
The title track, “To Be Free,” acts as a poignant reflection of this journey, grappling with the tension between maintaining a public persona and finding freedom through patient, requited love. It’s a deeply relatable meditation on shedding the weight of performance to embrace genuine emotion.
Musically, the album finds Smith returning to the familiar textures of his earlier work, yet infused with a newly exploratory ear. While the sound remains rooted in his signature style, it incorporates subtle surprises, weaving in elements like country guitar into tracks such as “When He’s Gone.” This new palette allows for a richer storytelling, further emphasized by collaborations, including work with Canadian indie songwriter Feist, which adds an emphatic layer to the narrative.
The album’s energy was on full display during Smith’s recent U.S. concert residencies. Featuring performances in cities like Warsaw and planned shows in Manchester and London, Smith delivered a commanding vocal presence. In these events, minimal stage production allowed the sheer force of his voice to illuminate the album’s emotional depth, providing an intimate experience for his audience.
The performances showcased an evolution; Smith moved beyond the soft-focus piano balladry of his earlier work, successfully stretching his vocal capabilities across a more varied musical landscape. It was a testament to the fact that true artistic growth isn’t just about what you sing, but how you dare to explore the uncharted emotional territories of your own life.
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