Sam Smith has said they are already recording a sixth studio album, despite their fifth, Hazel Eyes, not being released until 21 August. The follow-up is expected to move away from Hazel Eyes’ live-instrument approach towards a more intense electronic sound, reflecting Smith’s desire to make freer, dance-focused music.

Smith described experimenting with screams and unusual sounds in the studio, which they say are being transformed into unexpected tracks. Both albums draw on their relationship with fiancé Christian Cowan, although Smith characterised Hazel Eyes as a traditional queer love record and the new material as naughtier and more playful; Hazel Eyes follows 2023’s Gloria, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200.