ALBUM REVIEW | Ed Sheeran – Play

Play, Ed Sheeran’s eighth studio album, was released on September 12. Following Subtract, the final project of his Mathematics era, this record marks a return to the big pop sound in his discography.

Sheeran surrounded himself with a full team for this new project, which he produced alongside Blake Slatkin, Cirkut, ELVIRA, Fred again.., ILYA, Johnny McDaid, Louis Bell, Omer Fedi, Savan Kotecha and Steve Mac & watt.

The album tackles themes such as recovery, especially in “Problems“; joy, like in the summer hits “Azizam” and “Sapphire” but also in “Freedom” and “War Game“; and living fully in the present like his wife’s favorite song “Heaven“, and the “Opening” track. Sheeran also digs through his memories, rediscovering old messages in “Old Phone“, and navigating nostalgia in “Regrets” and the acoustic “Slowly“.

In “A Little More,” Ed Sheeran flips to a brighter, upbeat vibe while talking about what comes after a toxic relationship. It’s the fourth single off Play, and he first teased it on Instagram with a funny clip of him and Rupert Grint lip-syncing along. Fans immediately picked up on how sharp the lyrics were. The video picks up right where the “Lego House” video left off, with Grint reprising his role of the obsessed fan, having just gotten out of 14 years in prison.

Love and vulnerability have always been signature themes for Sheeran, and they run strongly through this project as well — appearing in tracks like “Symmetry”, “In other words“, “Don’t look down“, “The vow” and “For Always.” “Camera“, the latest single to date, was also accompanied by a Emil Nava-directed video that was shot entirely on an iPhone. Starring Bridgerton‘s Phoebe Dynevor, Sheeran offers an intimate look at his relationship with his wife, Cherry Seaborn, by recreating some of their favorite memories together.

Ed Sheeran’s Play solidifies his evolution as an artist, blending his storytelling with fresh sonic experimentations. It balances introspective ballads and infectious pop anthems, demonstrating his ability to connect with listeners on both a personal and universal level. Sheeran is about to start his new tour this December in Paris, ending it next year in Tampa, Florida.