Sam Smith's New Album Is Called Hazel Eyes and the Title Is a Total Mistake

Sam Smith’s fifth albumHazel Eyeshas been out since late August, but the title itself turns out to be one big misunderstanding. During an appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Smith confessed they thought hazel eyes were brown, like hazelnuts. The album was actually written about someone with hazel eyes, and Smith only realized the error about four months ago. That means the entire campaign, brown outfits included, was built on a wrong assumption.“All my clothes were brown for the whole album campaign. It’s a nightmare,”Smith said.

The mix-up is funny, but the album behind it is serious craft.Hazel Eyestook three years to make and marks the first time Smith co-produced, working alongside Simon Aldred and David Odlum. It was written from a much happier, more secure place than 2023’s intenseGloria, focusing on Smith’s relationship and love songs that come from stability rather than drama. Collaborators include Feist, Shahzad Ismaily, Moose, and the 28-member TwoCity Chorus.

Instead of a traditional arena run, Smith is supporting the record with the intimateTo Be Freeglobal residency, trading huge crowds for close-up rooms. It’s a bold move for a Grammy-winning artist with a massive catalog, and it fits an album this personal. So, do you know what color your own eyes actually are, or are you also finding out right now?