Ed Sheeran has revealed details about his upcoming eighth studio album, Play, set for release on September 12 via Gingerbread Records/Atlantic Records.
The announcement comes alongside the release of his new single, "Old Phone," which he co-produced with Ilya Salmanzadeh and Blake Slatkin. Sheeran has already set the stage for the album with the earlier release of "Azizam," the lead single, which dropped earlier this month.
The album marks a personal journey for the singer-songwriter, who described Play as a direct response to what he called "the darkest period of my life." In creating the album, Sheeran sought to explore the joy of music and incorporate diverse global influences from places he has toured. He explained, “Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour,” adding that his creative process was influenced by his travels, including time spent in Goa, India, where the album was completed.
Play reflects Sheeran’s growth both as an artist and as a person, encompassing the complexities of life, love, and fatherhood. The album’s sound blends global influences, including Persian music, which inspired "Azizam," a track Sheeran later released in collaboration with Iranian singer Googoosh.
Sheeran also introduced a nostalgic Instagram account, @TeddysOldPhone, sharing photos from his old phone as part of the album’s buildup. Looking forward, Sheeran promises more playful moments before the album’s release, with plans to engage fans through unique experiences like pub folk jams and open-top bus gigs.
The album’s tracklist includes: Opening, Sapphire, Azizam, Old Phone, Symmetry, Camera, In Other Words, A Little More, Slowly, Don’t Look Down, The Vow, For Always, and Heaven.
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