Sam Smith’s ‘Hazel Eyes’: All 12 Songs Ranked

Sam Smith’s fifth full-length album, *Hazel Eyes*, explores deeper emotional landscapes, building on their career’s evolution from heartbreak-focused storytelling to introspection and self-discovery. After a career defined by global hits like *In the Lonely Hour* (2014) and five Grammy Awards, Smith’s artistic journey has centered on personal growth, identity, and romantic themes—though their lyrics often avoided literal representation of partners or locations. The album’s dual muses—Sam Smith and their partner, the hazel-eyed fashion designer Christian Cowan—become symbolic figures in a broader romantic mythology. Tracks like the title track and *To Be Free* reflect on self-perception and love, while *When He’s Gone* incorporates country guitar influences. Collaborations with Feist and a minimalist concert production (including sold-out residencies in Brooklyn and London) highlight Smith’s vocal prowess and artistic reinvention. *Hazel Eyes* ranks all 12 songs, blending familiar textures with subtle surprises. Tracks like *How Do You Sleep?* (a slinky, trop-pop hit) and *I’m Not Here to Make Friends* (a disco-infused anthem) showcase Smith’s versatility, while *Moondance* (a Feist collaboration) underscores their storytelling depth. The album’s title, an ode to Cowan and their engagement, ties into themes of love, freedom, and personal transformation.