Sam Smith’s new video is a sweaty and sultry, Western-inspired queer epic
Smith’s new album, Hazel Eyes, is out now.
Mark
Singer Sam Smith dropped their fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes, on Friday. On the same day, they dropped a visual for their new track, “Constant Companion.”
Smith has sometimes been criticized for unapologetically refusing to censor themselves for mass, mainstream consumption. The video for “Constant Companion” is the latest example of this.
How about we take this to the next level?
Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today
Shot in Spain and directed by Albert Moya, it depicts Smith and a lover (dancer Gonzalo Alonso) seducing each other in a Western-inspired, dusty outback.
There are cowboys in chaps, mud wrestling, and Smith in suspenders and thigh-high leather boots. It’s all set against a tender ode to keeping a lover close.
“I can be the razor in your hat, you can be the blade that’s got my back / And when the good old darkness comes, I will keep you safe within my arms,” sings Smith over a simple musical backing courtesy of Rob Moose, known for his work with Bon Iver and The National.
Watch below.
“My Guy was the real honest visual expression of its love story, and Constant Companion is a full blown cinematic fantasy,” said Smith on Instagram, referencing the first track [“My Guy”] released from Hazel Eyes.
“Thank you to the incredible Albert Moya and all the unreal talent involved in making this video happen. In the hottest summer heat in the deserts of Spain, we all got to be free. This song deserves a movie and that’s what it got.”
“More in tune with my artistry and self than ever before”
On another Instagram post, talking about their new album, Smith said, “Hazel Eyes is out today. I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of myself or an album. Sometimes to grow we have to listen to ourselves and only ourselves. I feel more in tune with my artistry and self than ever before with the release of this record.
“Above all, this is an album about love. True love. I am so overjoyed to capture my emotions in a bottle like this. This album will always mark one of the most magical, confronting, happiest and challenging times of my life as a person and an artist.”
In a press statement about Hazel Eyes, Smith said, “In many ways, this album brought me closer to myself than I’ve ever been. It taught me to embrace what comes naturally to me as an artist and honor the music I love most, which is timeless pop that connects with people from all walks of life.
“It also showed me that being vulnerable isn’t just about exposing your pain, it can be just as vulnerable to be openly romantic. And in the world we’re living in right now, singing about queer love with complete honesty and directness feels very important.”
In interviews, Smith has acknowledged that their relationship with fiancé, Christian Cowan, inspired some of their latest lyrics. Hazel Eyes is a nod to Cowan’s own eye color.
Hazel Eyes is the first album the singer has also co-produced, alongside Simon Aldred and David Odlum.
Related
Sam Smith covers Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry” & has everyone in tears
Smith’s cover of the heartbreak ballad has people in tears.Sam Smith confirms engagement to partner Christian Cowan
Smith and Cowan have been dating for the past four years.
Sign up for the Queerty newsletter to stay on top of the hottest stories in LGBTQ+ entertainment, politics, and culture.
