Sam Smith, My Guy | Song Review

Gifted pop singer-songwriter Sam Smith delivers a sublime, love-driven ballad with “My Guy,” the lead single from their fifth album.

Aww, the feels – L-O-V-E! Preceding Gloria, Academy and Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Sam Smith (they/them) embraced controversy – unholiness, if you will. Feathers were ruffled (*cough* conservatives), but there was no denying the banger they collaborated with Kim Petras. “My Guy”, the lead single and fourth track from Smith’s fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes (arrives August 21, 2026), hits different.  While an MLM (men loving men) like this one won’t silence those myopic, homophobic skeptics,  it’s hard to deny how beautiful and heartfelt this ballad is. “My Guy,” a romantic, love-driven song, was written by Smith, Simon Aldred, Shahzad Ismaily, and Feist (Leslie Feist). Smith produced it with Aldred and David Odlum, with additional production by Feist.

Although it is restrained, “My Guy” is enchanting.  The first of many times I listened to it, I found myself hypnotized.  Despite not being ‘in your face,’ it’s alluring, mesmerizing, and potent.  There is a pureness about “My Guy” that makes it stand out.  The subtlety of this soulful pop ballad is part of its undeniable charm.  The production is sufficient, never forcing things – a simple rhythmic groove, spare guitar, and colorful keys.   Sam Smith is always the focal point, never inhibited by the production. Their vocals are lovely and sincere; you buy what they’re selling. Smith gets terrific support from background vocals, who also keep things non troppo. Beyond top-notch vocals, the theme and those thoughtful, love-centric lyrics are the crème de la crème.  “How could I know / A love could be this true?” Sam sings in the second verse and continues, “And I didn’t know / A dance could be this slow.”  The memorable chorus is the most rousing moment, but again, it never gets too high or overdoes it.

“And like all good things, it caught me by surprise

You could dream he’s yours all you want, but he’s mine, mine, mine

He’s my guy

He’s my guy.”

“My Guy” is a stellar return by Sam Smith.  Although far less controversial than “Unholy” could ever hope to be, the authenticity, emotion, and sheer romance are utterly sublime.  This song, and the sincerity with which Sam sings it, makes me desire to find that special bond.

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Sam Smith » Hazel Eyes » Capitol Records UK / Polydor Label Group » 8.21.26 [📷: Capitol Records UK / Polydor Label Group]

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