Ed Sheeran’s “Play”: A New Chapter Begins
Ed Sheeran will release his eighth studio album, Play, on 12 September 2025, via Gingerbread Man Records and Atlantic Records. Departing from the deeply intimate acoustic tones of his recent projects, Play marks a return to big pop, infused with global musical influences and stirring melodies.
Three singles have already set the tone:
- “Azizam”, released in April 2025, blends Persian instruments like santoor and daf with heartfelt lyrics – a vivid opener for the album’s soundscape.
- “Old Phone”, released on 1 May 2025, is both nostalgic and personal: Sheeran revived an old phone from 2015 and mined messages for lyrical inspiration – a reflection on memory, loss, and growth.
- “Sapphire”, out in June 2025, features Indian influences, sitar, percussion by Arijit Singh, and even a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan in its vibrant music video shot in India.
While the full track list isn’t officially public yet, press coverage and streaming metadata confirm that these singles represent the album’s tone: a playful yet heartfelt fusion of modern pop and acoustic warmth. Thematically, Play is the first in a new symbol‑themed series following the mathematical albums like ‘÷’ and ‘=’, hinting there will be follow-ups titled Pause, Rewind, Stop, and Fast Forward.
Taken together, Play feels like a joyful reset — expansive, culturally rich, and emotionally resonant. Whether you love singing along or just listening deeply, Sheeran’s new album promises to be an intimate global journey set to a backdrop of acoustic and pop textures.
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