Following months of anticipation, Ed Sheeran has finally confirmed September 12 as the release date for his new album “Play,” which he describes as a response to “the darkest period” of his life. The star’s eighth studio album, featuring 13 tracks with eastern influences and an exploration of global sounds, marks his return to “big pop” after several years of more acoustic releases.
A colorful comeback after tough times
Ed Sheeran is stepping back into the spotlight in a big way. His upcoming album “Play” is set to drop on September 12, 2025, through Gingerbread Man Records and Atlantic Records, and it’s already generating buzz with its two lead singles “Azizam” and “Old Phone.”
What’s making this release particularly significant is the emotional journey behind it. The British superstar has revealed that this album was created as a direct response to what he calls “one of the darkest periods” of his life. In a candid social media post, Sheeran shared: “Coming out of all of that, I just wanted to create joy and technicolor, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring.”
This technicolor approach is already evident in the vibrant pink album artwork and the artist’s recent playful promotional activities, which have included pop-up pubs and concerts on open-top buses. It seems this album represents not just new music, but a new chapter for the 34-year-old musician.
“It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish,” Sheeran says about the album. “It encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father.”
Global sounds and eastern influences
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of “Play” is its musical direction. Crafted during Sheeran’s worldwide tour, the album draws inspiration from various global cultures, particularly eastern sounds.
The first single “Azizam” – a Persian word meaning “my dear” or “beloved” – showcases this international influence. The track, which peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April, features rhythms and melodies inspired by Persian musical traditions. Sheeran created the song with producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, who suggested exploring sounds from his Persian heritage.
“I loved how a lot of rhythms, scales, melodies and instruments were different but similar to the Irish trad music I had grown up with,” Sheeran explained about the creative process. “It was showing to me music connects us all, and really is a universal language.”
The second single, “Old Phone,” reveals a more nostalgic side of the album. Sheeran wrote it at 2 AM while jet-lagged in India, where he was finishing the album. The song was inspired by discovering an old cell phone, which contained messages from a deceased friend and an argument with an ex-partner.
A return to “big pop”
For fans who’ve been following Sheeran’s career closely, “Play” marks a significant shift back to mainstream pop music. After releasing more acoustically-driven albums in recent years (including 2023’s “Autumn Variations”), the star told Variety in December 2024 that he was “getting back into big pop for the first time in a long time.”
This return to pop comes as part of Sheeran’s larger artistic vision. “Play” is the sixth in his planned series of ten albums, following the mathematics-themed records “+”, “×”, “÷”, “=”, and “−”. While appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in March, he revealed that his remaining albums would complete a cycle with titles including “Pause,” “Rewind,” “Fast Forward,” and “Stop.”
The fun factor: Cowboy hats and open-top buses
One thing that stands out about this album release is how much fun Sheeran seems to be having with it. The promotional campaign has featured some unusually playful elements that reflect the artist’s current mindset.
“Going into this album campaign, I said to myself, I just want everything I do to be fun and playful,” he explained. “So that’s why we are building pubs for folk jams, doing gigs on open-top buses, and singing in pink cowboy hats on bars.”
This approach reflects a maturing perspective from the global superstar. “The older I get, the more I just want to enjoy things, and savor the moments that are mad and chaotic,” he admits.
To promote the album’s second single “Old Phone,” Sheeran even created a special Instagram account called @teddysoldphone, where he shares previously unseen photos from a phone he stopped using about ten years ago. This nostalgic glimpse into his past has delighted fans and created additional buzz around the upcoming release.
Special performances and fan experiences
Beyond the digital promotion, Sheeran is giving fans unique opportunities to experience his new music live. He recently made a surprise appearance at Coachella, where he created a bespoke British pub called “The Old Phone” and performed his new single live for the first time.
Additionally, he’s announced three special concerts at Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich, England from July 11-13. Ipswich holds special significance for Sheeran – he’s not only a supporter of the local soccer team but has also become a minority shareholder in the club.
These Ipswich shows will feature impressive opening acts, including:
- Pop-rock group Busted
- Rising star Myles Smith (known for hits “Nice To Meet You” and “Stargazing”)
- Fellow British singer-songwriter James Blunt
What’s on the album?
While the complete tracklist for the standard edition of “Play” includes 13 songs, fans who purchase the deluxe version will get two additional tracks – “Problems” and “War Games.” Vinyl enthusiasts will be treated to a 16th song called “Regrets.”
So far, we know the album will feature:
- “Opening” (track 1)
- “Sapphire” (track 2)
- “Azizam” (track 3)
- “Old Phone” (track 4)
- “Symmetry” (track 5)
- “Camera” (track 6)
- “In Other Words” (track 7)
- “A Little More” (track 8)
- “Slowly” (track 9)
- “Don’t Look Down” (track 10)
- “The Vow” (track 11)
- “For Always” (track 12)
- “Heaven” (track 13)
- “Problems” and “War Games” (deluxe edition)
- “Regrets” (vinyl exclusive)
Have you noticed how different this sounds from his previous work? After his more introspective, acoustic albums, Sheeran seems ready to deliver chart-topping pop hits again.
If you’re a fan who’s been missing the catchier side of Ed, September can’t come soon enough. And with his current worldwide tour continuing through the summer, many more fans will get to experience pieces of this new album live before its release.
Will “Play” become the biggest album of 2025? With Ed Sheeran’s track record of success and this bold return to pop, it certainly seems possible. Mark your calendars for September 12 – this might be the most colorful and emotionally powerful music we’ve heard from him yet.
