THE APEX TIMES
Sam Smith says he is already recording an electro follow-up to “Hazel Eyes,” describing an “intense, hyper-pop” dance direction
The singer told Billboard he is pursuing a full dance-album approach inspired by his love of club music, with production choices meant to push a more electronic, high-energy sound.
Sam Smith says he has started working on the follow-up to his “Hazel Eyes” album, describing the new project as a dance-forward record built around electro-leaning sound and a more club-oriented energy. In an interview with Billboard published on August 14, the singer said he is “already recording” the electro follow-up, positioning the next release as a departure from the tonal palette that listeners heard on “Hazel Eyes.”
Smith said the upcoming album is meant to function as a full-on dance project, with an emphasis on electronic textures and “intense, hyper-pop” styling. He linked the direction to his own preference for dance music, describing an attraction to sounds that are designed to move in a live setting rather than remain purely focused on introspective songwriting.
In describing his motivation for the new material, Smith also used physical-energy language, telling Billboard that he is “really hungry” to “shake” his “ties.” The remark was presented in the context of creating tracks that prioritize movement and rhythm, rather than a primarily mid-tempo or acoustic listen.
The singer did not provide a release date or track list in the Billboard report. He also did not identify specific collaborators, labels, or producers in the published account. As a result, the only confirmed element is that Smith has begun recording and that the direction is being framed as electro and dance-oriented, centered on an “intense, hyper-pop” sound.
Smith’s “Hazel Eyes” era has been marked by a steady mainstream presence for the artist, and the new comments indicate an attempt to keep momentum while leaning more decisively into club-scale production. For fans, the next phase implied by Smith’s statements points to an album concept built around electronic hooks and high-energy arrangements, which could change how audiences approach his later singles if and when they are released.
Because no additional details were included in the Billboard interview report, it is unclear how the electro follow-up will be structured, whether it will feature multiple musical shades within the dance focus, or how quickly it may move from recording into completion and distribution. Until further announcements, the primary public record remains Smith’s statements that he has started recording and that he is aiming for an energetic, electronically driven album experience.
Why It Matters
- The comments suggest an accelerated creative timeline from recording into a prospective next release, but without dates or schedules the timing remains uncertain.
- A shift toward electronic, hyper-pop dance styling may affect how audiences and media outlets frame Smith’s future singles and promotional strategy once material is released.
- For industry stakeholders, dance and club-oriented records often rely on different rollout considerations than more purely pop or ballad-led projects, including playlisting and live performance fit.
- If Smith’s stated direction holds through final production, “Hazel Eyes” listeners may see a broader stylistic arc from emotive pop toward higher-tempo electronic emphasis.
Key Facts
- Billboard reported on August 14, 2026 that Sam Smith said he is “already recording” an electro follow-up to his “Hazel Eyes” album.
- Smith described the upcoming project as a full-on dance album inspired by his love of dance music.
- He characterized the sound as “intense, hyper-pop” and tied it to electro-leaning production choices.
- Smith told Billboard he is “really hungry” to “shake” his “ties,” describing the project in terms of physical, movement-oriented energy.
- The Billboard report did not include a release date, track list, or named collaborators.