With a successful world tour wrapping up this month, Ed Sheeran has released his eighth studio album, Play, on September 12, 2025. This record comes with a pink textured cover featuring a white triangle and has already produced five singles: “Azizam,” “Old Phone,” “Sapphire,” “A Little More,” and “Camera.” It also marks the beginning of his five planned albums with titles after media control symbols. The first track, “Opening,” sets a strikingly honest and personal tone. Sheeran reflects on faith, grief, and becoming resilient, mentioning the loss of a close friend (referred to as “brother”) and his wife’s medical struggles. The song soon transforms into a rap verse where the artist battles with his authentic self and the pop-star persona the world expects. It is an unusually raw song that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
From there, Sheeran leans into his pop instincts. “Azizam,” the first single, has a pulsing beat that could fill a dance floor. With layered vocals, fading and shifting production, and its Persian inspiration, the song has a hypnotic pull, while singing about dancing all night and learning to move like water “under the lights” makes it a very relatable track for many. Another track, “Symmetry,” calls back on these cultures while keeping the album fun and showcasing his ear for fun melodies. “Sapphire” builds on the energy, continuing the lighting imagery with fireworks reflecting in the muse’s eyes. The sleepless, partying-all-week vibe stands strong with cross-cultural fusion, featuring lyrics and beats from the Punjabi culture. The lyric translates to “they sparkle just like stars,” according to the YouTube captions. In the extended version of the album, Sheeran collaborates with Indian singer, composer, and producer Arijit Singh to create a version that is sung mostly in the Indian language. It is a refreshing exploration in the current music scene while still recalling previous works by the British artist.
Later, “Camera” calls back to Sheeran’s previously released ballads. Here, he sings about a muse who cannot see their own beauty while he admires them, promising that a flashing memory is better than any photograph. His vocals nod back to his roots while his production offers a contemporary and fresh beat. “In Other Words” continues his tradition of intimate songwriting, sharing all of himself with a lover while expressing the desire for the gesture to be returned. At its core, Play balances vulnerability with excitement, leading listeners through confessions of loss to carefree, danceable tracks and an even more memorable culture collaboration. Despite its experimental sound, this project reminds many why Ed Sheeran remains one of today’s most successful songwriters; he mixes honesty with celebration. As the first of five future promised albums, Play feels like both a strong stand-alone story and also the first part of a much larger picture. If this record is any indication of the future for Ed Sheeran, he is entering one of the most rewarding and personally fulfilling periods in his career.
- Rachel Phinney
