Ed Sheeran is turning the page on his famed Mathematics era with a fresh new story titled Play, set to release on 12th September 2025.
With the surprise release of the deeply emotional new single ‘Old Phone’, Sheeran gives fans a powerful preview of what promises to be one of his most adventurous and transformative albums yet.
Having already cemented his place as one of the world’s most beloved singer-songwriters, Sheeran now looks to the future with curiosity, joy, and a deep desire to connect across cultures.
Play is not just a title—it’s a statement of intent. It marks a shift from the introspective, often melancholy tones of previous records to something more expansive, colourful, and above all, fun.
A Musical Journey Beyond Borders
What sets Play apart from Ed’s earlier work is its global musical influence. Drawing inspiration from Indian and Persian music—genres he encountered while touring—Sheeran has fused these elements with the Irish folk melodies that shaped his youth.
The result is a “borderless musical language,” as he describes it, which brings a refreshing cultural richness to the album.
He finished recording the album in Goa, India, where he also experienced what he called “the most fun, explorative creative days” of his life.
It’s clear that Play is a celebration of freedom, creativity, and cross-cultural connection—an antidote to the darkness Sheeran says he was emerging from when he began crafting the album.
Ed Sheeran’s ‘Old Phone’ – A Nostalgic Masterpiece
As a lead-up to the full album, Sheeran dropped the single ‘Old Phone’, and it’s already resonating deeply with fans.
Produced by Blake Slatkin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, the track blends nostalgic acoustic textures with modern pop elements.
The song tells the story of finding an old phone that hadn’t been used since 2015. Within it, Sheeran finds digital echoes of his past—conversations with a lost friend, an unresolved argument with an ex, and family members now distant or changed.
It’s a poignant reminder of how time, memory, and technology intertwine in modern life, and how confronting the past can reshape our understanding of ourselves.
Lyrically, it’s classic Ed: vulnerable, introspective, and heart-tugging. But musically, there’s a sense of maturity and layered production that hints at the larger sonic experiment Play will offer.
A New Era of Fun, Freedom, and Expression
More than just a new album, Play seems to represent a personal and artistic rebirth for Ed Sheeran. In his own words:
“Coming out of the darkest period of my life, I just wanted to create joy and technicolour… The older I get, the more I just want to enjoy things and savour the moments that are mad and chaotic.”
That sentiment is playing out not only in the music, but in how Sheeran plans to promote it. Think pubs built for folk jams, gigs on open-top buses, and singing in pink cowboy hats at bars.
He’s embracing chaos, fun, and playfulness not just as a musical motif, but as a way of life.
This energy feels like a direct response to years of introspective albums dealing with loss, mental health, and fame’s isolating effects. Play offers balance—it honours the emotional depth Sheeran is known for while opening the door to spontaneity and exploration.
Why ‘Play’ Could Be One of Ed Sheeran’s Most Important Albums
Sheeran’s Play might very well become one of the defining pop records of 2025. It’s deeply personal, yet universally accessible.
It’s inspired by real experiences but shaped by global sounds. Most importantly, it shows us that even artists at the top of their game are still capable of surprising themselves—and us.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of his acoustic ballads or a new listener drawn in by his global hits like Azizam, this album promises to offer something for everyone.
It’s a reminder that music can be both a comfort and a celebration, a mirror and a dance floor.
Save the Date: 12th September 2025
Ed Sheeran’s Play drops worldwide on 12th September 2025, and pre-orders are now open. With more singles expected to drop before release day, fans can expect a full campaign of surprises, collaborations, and unforgettable moments.
For now, Old Phone sets the tone—a bittersweet, beautiful start to what’s shaping up to be one of Ed’s most exciting eras yet.
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