ED SHEERAN RELEASES ALBUM ‘PLAY’
Story by Arden Vale
13 Sep 2025
Ed Sheeran is back with his eighth studio album. ‘Play’ is out now (September 12, 2025). To celebrate the release, Sheeran launched a limited-edition ice cream flavour called ‘Play Pink’, which featured tropical dragon fruit and guava.
Ed Sheeran’s eighth studio album, Play, was released on September 12, 2025, marking it a new chapter in the sing/song writer’s career. In contrast to his album ‘Subtract’ this album is a shift towards brightness and experimentation, inspired by Sheeran’s desire to create something more joyful after a difficult period in his life.
The album featured a mix of global appearances, with Sheeran recording parts of it during his travels. Tracks such as ‘Sapphire’, showcased his growing interest in blending cultures through music. Another standout, ‘Old Phone’, leaned into nostalgia, with lyrics reflecting on the passing of time and the comfort of familiar memories.
Sheeran explained that ‘Play’ was born out of his wish to reconnect with the lighter side of songwriting. After years of creating more emotionally heavy projects, he wanted to build something ‘explorative and celebratory’.