Since bursting onto the scene with his 2017 hit “Shape of You”, Ed Sheeran has been making countless waves through the music world. Many award-winning albums later, the British Grammy winner has returned with his forthcoming new album, Play. Set for release on September 12, 2025, the pop-oriented album was released on Sheeran’s own label, Gingerbread Man. Ultimately, the 13-track album aims to continue the colorful vibe that every Sheeran fan knows and loves. Led by the rising lead single “Azizam”, the album also introduces a few different sounds from what Sheeran fans are used to.
Ed Sheeran is Back!
Video of Play (Album Trailer) courtesy of Ed Sheeran
Released on April 5, 2025, the up-tempo, Persian-inspired dance song also has vibrant Native American and Iranian influences. Inspired by Sheeran’s wife and their love affair, “Azizam” translates to “my dear” or “my beloved. Since debuting at number three on the UK Singles Chart, the song has become Sheeran’s 42nd top 10 hit in the UK. The album’s second single, “Old Phone,” is a melodic ode to a cell phone that Sheeran stopped using ten years ago. Released on May 1, 2025, the acoustic guitar-driven single is a reflective, mixed-emotional trip down memory lane.
Packed with a multitude of vibrant images, video clips, and album snippets, Play’s trailer is a prismatic collage of Sheeran’s thriving evolution as an artist. Sheeran has mentioned that his inspiration for the album was a forthright response to the darkest period in his life. Rising above it, he just wanted to create uplifting music that was fun and playful. While touring in multiple countries, Sheeran thoroughly enjoyed himself as he was exposed to different cultures and different ways of life. Describing Play as “a rollercoaster of emotions, the album also epitomizes everything that Sheeran loves about the fun side of music.
It also showcases his current position in life as a human, father, and partner. With his newfound look on life, Sheeran aims to enjoy things more, relishing not only the pleasant moments, but the chaotic ones as well. To date, Sheeran has sold 200 million records worldwide, making him of the world’s top selling music artists. Ultimately, the Halifax born, Framlingham raised hit-maker will continue to evoke, inspire, and entertain.
Play can be preordered on Sheeran’s website now!
