Sam Smith returns with New Single 'My Guy'

Words: Tom Gensler

Photo by Collier Schorr

For the last few years, Sam Smith has drawn attention for outrageous outfits, raunchy songs and even raunchier videos, all of which is very much defined by their 2022 hit Unholy. But, before then, Smith was noted for truly beautiful vocals and pop songs with generous lashes of soul and class that really set them apart. Smith has just announced their latest album, Hazel Eyes, releasing in August, putting out the single My Guy alongside the announcement.

My Guy is a welcome return to the soulful, pop-leaning tunes they gained traction from. The production is fairly minimalistic, with a gradual build throughout, but there's a large focus on the vocals, which are sublime. Smith has got one of the best voices in British music, so it's amazing to see it again, front and centre. The instrumentation and additional choir voices are all designed to complement their vocals, and this works massively in their favour.

The instruments are lowkey, with simple drum and guitar parts, building with piano and strings as the track progresses. The simplicity is clever, as Smith’s vocals and the longing lyrics they hold are very much the focus, and the minimalism helps to guide them into new sections and sonic territory without taking away from the sweet and soulful moments. Additionally, the combined sound of the instruments is smooth and sexy, which only amplifies the lyrical content. There’s so much to be found in the simplicity, and that’s where the enjoyment lies. It's an easy listen but there’s depth and soul to it; it's fun and beautiful

The backing vocals are sublime, especially in the later moments. There’s this brilliant stutter section where the backing vocals sit under Smith’s crooning as the instruments build, and the combination of all the elements just sit right. The song is very inviting; it's hard to listen to just once or twice. There’s just such a good feeling to it.

Lyrically, it's simple, but sweet and longing, and that’s enough. It doesn’t mess around with complicated lateral metaphors for the vast longing the song coveys, getting straight into the content of having someone, and wanting them and longing for everything they are, in any form. There’s a cute honesty to the track, even in the title, and down to the stripped-back sonics. It's very raw, but positive, and emotional, but not in a way that offsets the actual feelings the song wants to get across. Smith seeks comfort and solace in the comfort of their partner, and that truly rings through at every moment.

My Guy is a joyful and nuanced modern love song, which is refreshing both in the landscape of modern music and considering Smith’s recent musical musings. This is a near-perfect first single, and I’m extremely excited for the rest of the project, I’m hoping it sticks to this honest, stripped-back energy.