Ed Sheeran’s New Album ‘Play’ Brings Acoustic Heart With Global Flair

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.

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.

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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.