Sam Smith reveals how Christian Cowan inspired new album

Sam Smith says their upcoming album is inspired by love, specifically their relationship with fiancé Christian Cowan. 

Smith, 34, made the revelation during an appearance on The New Yorker Radio Hour, where they praised Cowan for being very supportive throughout the process of creating the new record, Hazel Eyes.

Smith described the album as a personal tribute to their relationship, while also being mindful of how much of their private life to share publicly.

Smith admitted they were initially nervous about writing music from a happy, loving place, since their earlier music often came from more difficult emotions. They shared that they used to feel afraid of falling in love, especially after their first album became so successful. But over time, Smith realized that love could be just as meaningful and inspiring to write about as pain.

The new album, Smith's fifth studio release, comes out on August 21. It follows several previous albums released over the past decade.

Smith confirmed their engagement to Cowan in July, revealing that the album's title was inspired by Cowan's eye color. Smith also shared that they began writing one of the album's songs the night before their very first date, marking a new experience of writing about mutual, requited love.

Smith and Cowan were first seen publicly together in December 2022, though they didn't confirm their relationship until attending the Met Gala together in 2024.