Ed Sheeran is back with a fresh chapter in his musical journey.
The British singer-songwriter has officially announced that his upcoming album, Play, will be released on September 12. To mark the occasion, Sheeran dropped a brand-new single, “Old Phone,” the second preview from the album following the vibrant global pop track “Azizam.”
With “Old Phone,” Sheeran takes a turn into nostalgic and emotional territory. The song reflects on the powerful and often disorienting experience of revisiting the past. After switching on a phone he hadn’t used since 2015, the artist found long-forgotten messages from a lost friend, an argument with an ex, and distant family connections—reminders of how time and separation reshape who we are.
Produced by Blake Slatkin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, the track pairs raw emotion with warm acoustic melodies, capturing the essence of Sheeran’s early songwriting style. It’s a heartfelt return to roots while also showcasing an evolved artist who embraces the emotional weight of his journey.
Play represents a bold new phase for Sheeran as he steps beyond the “mathematics” album series that defined his earlier work. Now, in 2025, he’s experimenting with new sounds, collaborators, and cultures. The album draws inspiration from the musical traditions of India, Persia, and Ireland, blending global influences with his signature acoustic and pop sensibilities.
Sheeran described Play as “a record made in response to the darkest period of my life.” He explained that creating the album across different countries—finishing it in Goa, India—brought joy and color back into his music. “It’s a rollercoaster of emotions,” he said, “capturing everything I love about music, where I am in life, as a person, a partner, and a father.”
In true playful fashion, Sheeran plans a light-hearted promotional campaign for Play, including folk sessions in makeshift pubs, performances on open-top buses, and cowboy hat singalongs in bars. “The older I get,” he added, “the more I want to enjoy and savor the crazy, chaotic moments.”
Play is now available for pre-order, with more surprises promised before the album officially drops.
