Ed Sheeran is back — and this time, he’s going acoustic with a twist. His upcoming album, titled “Play”, is set to release on September 12, 2025, and fans can expect a refreshing blend of stripped-down melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and global influences.
The album marks the start of a new chapter following his math-themed series (like +, ÷, and =). Play is the first in a planned five-part “symbol” collection, with future titles like Pause, Rewind, and Fast Forward already hinted at.
GIANT PINK BALLOON AT VENICE GRAND CANAL MALL
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) August 5, 2025
A giant pink “PLAY” themed balloon has been spotted atop Venice Grand Canal Mall. Ed Sheeran’s newest album, "Play," drops this September 12.
Jan Milo Severo / https://t.co/3UWeeHiNED pic.twitter.com/gKNVySm8li
So far, three singles have been released, each showcasing a different side of Ed’s evolving style:
- “Azizam” (released in April 2025) – a dreamy acoustic track featuring Persian instruments like the santoor and daf, inspired by Iranian music and culture.
- “Old Phone” (May 1, 2025) – a nostalgic ballad built from real texts pulled off Sheeran’s recovered iPhone from 2015.
- “Sapphire” (June 2025) – an upbeat pop-acoustic song with Indian classical instrumentation alongside Indian singer Arijit Singh. The music video, featuring Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, was shot across Mumbai and Rajasthan.
Read Also: Exclusive Ed Sheeran Hits the Track with George Russell at Miami GP
While the full tracklist is still under wraps, these early releases suggest ‘Play’ will be more than just mellow acoustic pop — it’s Ed’s global love letter to music itself.
