Review
So "Play" dropped and honestly, Ed Sheeran's really doing something different here 🎵 This is his eighth studio album, and he's kicking off this whole five-album series inspired by media control symbols—pretty ambitious if you ask me. After spending so much time in his acoustic era, he totally switched gears and went full-on technicolour pop, pulling inspiration from his travels around the world. The album actually got finished in Goa, India, which makes total sense when you hear all those global vibes woven throughout.
The production on this thing is wild in the best way possible. You've got tracks like "Azizam" bringing in Persian rhythms, "Sapphire" channeling Bollywood energy, and "Symmetry" hitting you with Punjabi influences—all wrapped up in those catchy hooks Ed's known for. Then there's the radio-ready bangers like "Old Phone," "Camera," and "A Little More" that climbed the UK charts, proving he can still deliver those mainstream hits while experimenting with new sounds. It's this whole culture-spanning mix that somehow works together without feeling forced 🌍
But don't worry, he didn't abandon the emotional stuff that made us love him in the first place. Songs like "In Other Words," "The Vow," "For Always," and "Heaven" show off that vulnerable side, especially now that he's navigating life as a partner and dad. Then you get playful moments on "Slowly" and "Don't Look Down" that keep things from getting too heavy. "Opening" kicks everything off with this cinematic feel that lets you know you're in for a ride. The whole album manages to feel both totally Ed and like a fresh step forward at the same time ✨ - Eva
Artist Bio
Ed Sheeran is a singer-songwriter from England who started releasing music independently in the late 2000s, breaking through with his debut album + in 2011. His style blends pop, folk, and R&B influences, with a knack for catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics on hits like “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud.” Ed has won multiple Grammys, collaborated with artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, and is often compared to James Blunt, Shawn Mendes, and Lewis Capaldi. He’s recognized for his laid-back, everyman image and massive worldwide success.
