Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Ed Sheeran Sets Release Date for 8th Album

ED SHEERAN during Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California Coachella Music Festival 2025, Indio, California, u.s - 19 Apr 2025
Photo by Daniel DeSlover/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock (15261132ak)

Ed Sheeran has officially announced the release date of his much-anticipated eighth studio album, Play, set to drop on September 12, 2025. This announcement marks a significant moment for Sheeran as he transitions from his renowned Mathematics series of albums—Plus, Multiply, Divide, Subtract, and Equals—to the beginning of a new, exploratory era with Play. Known for his constant musical evolution, Sheeran is once again venturing into new territories with this record, drawing inspiration from various cultural influences he encountered during his global tours, particularly Indian and Persian musical traditions.

The album promises to deliver a fresh and vibrant sound, which Sheeran describes as a collection filled with joy and colors, reflective of a more light-hearted and playful phase in his life. The thematic shift is mirrored in Play's cover art, which features the phrase “Play is leaving the past behind,” a testament to Sheeran's desire to move beyond darker periods of his past. The album’s production involved collaborations with international producers and musicians, adhering to Sheeran's intent to integrate diverse cultural elements and traditional musical instruments into his pop sensibilities, making this a global musical journey. Collaborators on the album include renowned names like Ilya Salmanzadeh and Savan Kotecha, who have worked with top pop artists like Ariana Grande and One Direction.

The lead single from Play, Azizam, released in April 2025, has already made waves on music charts, displaying the album's international flair with its Persian musical influences and distinctive instruments such as the santoor and lute. Following this, Sheeran has released another single, Old Phone, which carries a more personal and introspective tone. The track was inspired by an old mobile device he reactivated, unearthing a series of messages from friends and family that evoked a sense of nostalgia and reflection, illustrating the passage of time and its impact on identity and relationships. The single combines Sheeran’s classic acoustic style with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with growth, memory, and the passage of time.

With Play, Sheeran embarks on this new album series that will eventually include Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind, and Stop, hinting at a creative concept that connects music to the rhythm and flow of everyday life. In various interviews and statements, Sheeran emphasized how personal experiences, such as becoming a father and overcoming past challenges, shaped the themes of his new work. He recollects the joy of creating music that is both fun and technically vibrant, aiming for a sound that encapsulates varied emotional landscapes—from euphoria to introspection.

The anticipation for Play is amplified by Sheeran's promotional activities, which include unique, creative gigs noted for their spontaneity and fun—like performing on open-top buses and engaging in folk jams in unconventional settings. Additionally, Sheeran launched an Instagram account, @teddysoldphone, sharing nostalgic memories and unseen photos, further engaging his fanbase by offering glimpses into his creative process and inspirations.

Sheeran’s 2025 will also feature a tour beginning in May across Europe, incorporating this new musical direction into live performances that promise to be dynamic and engaging. His growing discography, now including this departure into \”big pop\” soundscapes, reflects his adaptability and innovative spirit, ensuring that Play is poised to be another milestone in Sheeran's illustrious career. As he uses music to connect with diverse cultures and personal milestones, Ed Sheeran continues to redefine the landscape of modern pop music, promising an album that is as sonically adventurous as it is reflective of his growth as an artist.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Kate Nash Birmingham Pride, UK - 25 May 2019

Kate Nash Unveils Powerful New Single ‘GERM’

Kate Nash, renowned for her ability to intertwine social commentary with catchy melodies, has once again ignited conversations with her…

Caleb Followill of Kings of Leon iHeartRadio ALTer EGO, Show, The Forum, Los Angeles, California, USA - 15 Jan 2022

Kings of Leon Cancels UK/European Dates Due To ‘Freak Accident’

Kings of Leon, a prominent name in the rock music scene, recently announced the unfortunate cancellation of their much-anticipated UK…

Jason Bonham of Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience performs at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Nov 2023 Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience in concert, Hard Rock Live held, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Nov 2023

Jason Bonham Extends Tour & Adds North American Dates

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening is amplifying its celebration of the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s eminent album “Physical Graffiti”…

Billy Strings Austin City Limits Music Festival, Weekend 1, Day 3, Texas, USA - 06 Oct 2019

Billy Strings Returns To The 2025 Bluegrass Festival

The rise of Billy Strings in the bluegrass world has been nothing short of phenomenal, marked by both his musical…

John Butler Trio performs during the Solidays festival in Paris, France, on June 22, 2019. 2019 Solidays Festival - Paris, France - 22 Jun 2019

John Butler Announces New Solo Album ‘PRISM’

John Butler, the renowned Australian musician, is poised for an impactful return with the release of his new solo album,…

Thom Yorke of The Smile Festival d'ete de Quebec, Day 9, Quebec City, Canada - 14 Jul 2023

Thom Yorke Releases New Song “Dialing In”

Thom Yorke, the iconic frontman of Radiohead and The Smile, has unveiled a new track entitled “Dialing In,” which serves…

Bono attending the "Bono: Stories Of Surrender" red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2025 in Cannes, France. "Bono: Stories Of Surrender" Red Carpet - 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival, France - 16 May 2025

Bono Supports Springsteen Saying ‘There’s Only One Boss in America’

In a recent series of media appearances, U2’s Bono has become a vocal ally of Bruce Springsteen in the ongoing…

Tim Mcilrath Lead Singer and Guitarist of the Chicago-based Melodic Hardcore Band Rise Against Performs During Their Concert at the Annual Volt Festival in Sopron 208 Kms West of Budapest Hungary 02 July 2015 the Festival Runs From 01 to 04 July 2015 and Presents International Acts on 15 Stages Hungary Sopron Hungary Music Festival - Jul 2015

Rise Against Announces First New Album In Four Years

In a significant return, Chicago’s punk rock stalwarts, Rise Against, have announced their first album in over four years, titled…

James "J.Y." Young and Tommy Shaw of Styx perform at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Jan 2025 Styx in concert at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Jan 2025

Styx Confirms New Concept Album

Rock legends Styx are set to make waves again with their latest studio effort, “Circling From Above.” This album represents…