Ed Sheeran is back to being a pop star. Finally. After years of math symbols, grief-stricken acoustic sets, and low-key folk records that felt like they were whispered in a Suffolk shed, the man has flipped the switch.
He didn't just release an album. He started a whole new pentalogy.
If you’ve been following the news, you know that Ed Sheeran Play dropped on September 12, 2025. It’s the eighth studio album in a career that shows no signs of slowing down, but it’s also a massive departure. It’s colorful. It’s loud. Honestly, it’s kinda weird in the best way possible. While everyone was expecting more of the same "guy with a guitar" vibes, Ed went to Goa, India, and started messing around with sitars and Persian scales.
Why Ed Sheeran Play is More Than Just a Pop Album
People love to put Ed in a box. You know the one: wedding songs and loop stations. But Ed Sheeran Play is basically his way of kicking that box into the ocean. He’s calling this the "Stereo Era." It’s a direct response to the heaviness of his 2023 record, Subtract, which was—let’s be real—a tough listen if you weren't in the mood to cry.
This time, he’s exploring.
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The album isn't just a collection of radio hits; it’s a global experiment. Ed spent a huge chunk of time recording in India, specifically in Goa, working with musicians who don't usually show up on a Western pop record. We're talking about instruments like the ghatam, daf, and santoor.
It works.
Take the track "Sapphire." It’s got this incredible South Asian percussion that hits differently than anything on Divide or Equals. He even brought in Indian superstar Arijit Singh. It’s not just a feature for the sake of streams; it’s a genuine fusion. Ed mentioned in an interview that "Sapphire" was the moment he knew where the album was heading. He wanted to showcase the "beauty and breadth" of culture through a pop lens.
Then there’s "Azizam." The title is Persian for "my dear." It’s got these soaring Persian strings that were suggested by producer Ilya Salmanzadeh. Ed said it felt like "opening a door to a completely new and exciting world." It’s playful. It’s explorative. It’s the sound of a guy who has $200 million in the bank and finally feels like he can do whatever he wants.
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The Tracklist: A Rollercoaster of Moods
- Opening – A rap-heavy intro that feels like a throwback to his Taylor Swift collab "End Game."
- Sapphire – The heart of the Indian influence.
- Azizam – Persian-inspired and deeply romantic.
- Old Phone – The standout emotional "gut punch" of the record.
- Symmetry – A mix of Middle Eastern vibes and big pop hooks.
- Camera – A sweeping ballad about his wife, Cherry.
- In Other Words – Classic Ed songwriting with a fresh coat of paint.
- A Little More – A funky, jazz-inspired track that’s surprisingly angry.
- Slowly – A peaceful, almost haunting ballad.
- Don't Look Down – The "breakup" song that explores the end of a relationship.
- The Vow – The inevitable "first dance" wedding song.
- For Always – A story of unrequited love.
- Heaven – A light, hopeful finish.
The Heartbreaking Story Behind "Old Phone"
You can’t talk about Ed Sheeran Play without talking about the song "Old Phone." It’s the track everyone is texting their ex about.
The backstory is wild.
During a legal battle (he’s had a few), a judge ordered Ed to turn over his old devices to lawyers. When he finally powered up a phone he hadn't touched since 2015, it was like a time capsule. The first message he saw was from Jamal Edwards, his best friend who passed away in 2022. The next was from an ex. The third was from a family member he hadn't seen in a decade.
He wrote the song at 2:00 AM while jet-lagged in India.
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"Old Phone" isn't flashy. It’s just Ed and a guitar, but it carries the weight of ten years of life. It’s the "Small Bump" or "Supermarket Flowers" of this era. It reminds you that despite the big production and global tours, he’s still that same kid from Suffolk who can write a lyric that makes you feel like someone is peeling an onion in the room.
The "Loop Tour" and the Future of the Symbols
If you’re wondering where he goes from here, the plan is already set. Ed Sheeran Play is just the first part of a five-album pentalogy. The symbols are changing from math to media controls:
- Play (Out now)
- Pause
- Rewind
- Fast Forward
- Stop
He even joked about an album called Eject that he wants released the day he dies. Morbid? Maybe. But it shows how much he thinks ahead.
Currently, Ed is on the Loop Tour, which kicked off in Paris in late 2025 and is tearing through Australia and New Zealand right now in January 2026. If you've ever seen him live, you know the drill: one man, one guitar, and a custom-built loop station that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Except this time, he’s bringing out guests like Vance Joy and Aaron Rowe.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re trying to get the most out of this new era, don't just stream the hits. The real magic of Ed Sheeran Play is in the details.
- Listen to the Deluxe Edition: Tracks like "Problems" and the remixes featuring Hanumankind and Karan Aujla add a much harder edge to the project.
- Watch the "Camera" Music Video: It was shot entirely on an iPhone in Croatia and stars Phoebe Dynevor from Bridgerton. It’s basically a masterclass in intimate filmmaking.
- Check the Credits: Look for names like Blake Slatkin and Cirkut. They brought a modern, polished pop sound that balances out the traditional Indian instruments.
- Go to a Show: The Loop Tour is set to be his most ambitious yet, with dates running through November 2026 across North America.
Ed Sheeran Play isn't just another album for the collection. It’s a reset. It’s a reminder that pop music doesn't have to be boring or "safe" to be successful. By blending his Suffolk roots with sounds from Goa and Tehran, Ed has managed to make the world feel a little bit smaller and a lot more melodic.