Sam Smith has released their fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes, and with it, a cinematic new music video for the track “Constant Companion.” The visual trades in grand pop spectacle for a more intimate, rugged fantasy, placing a queer love story in the dusty, sun-baked landscape of a classic Western.
Shot in Spain by director Albert Moya, the video features Smith alongside dancer Gonzalo Alonso. The two portray lovers whose connection is expressed through a series of sensual and earthy scenes, including mud wrestling and intimate moments set against a sparse, rustic backdrop. The aesthetic is a clear nod to Western tropes, complete with cowboys in chaps, but reimagined through a distinctly queer lens. Smith themself appears in suspenders and thigh-high leather boots, continuing their practice of creating unapologetically expressive and personal visuals.
A Cinematic Fantasy
On social media, Smith described the video as a “full blown cinematic fantasy,” a contrast to the more direct, “honest visual expression” of the album's first single, “My Guy.” They added, “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.”
The song itself is a tender ballad, with lyrics that speak of protection and deep partnership: “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.” The simple musical arrangement comes courtesy of Rob Moose, who is known for his work with artists like Bon Iver and The National.
An Album About True Love
The new album, Hazel Eyes, is a deeply personal project for Smith. The title is a direct reference to the eye color of their fiancé, designer Christian Cowan, whose relationship has been a significant inspiration for the new music. It also marks the first time Smith has taken on a co-producer role, working alongside Simon Aldred and David Odlum.
In a statement, Smith reflected on the album's creation, noting it brought them closer to their artistic self. “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,” they said.
Smith also spoke on the vulnerability of expressing joy and romance in their work. “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.”
