After closing his era of albums named after mathematical symbols, Ed Sheeran returns with a new proposal: a series of records inspired by media control icons, beginning with “Play.” The album introduces thirteen tracks that blend Sheeran’s familiar ballads with fresh sounds and subtle experiments.
“Opening,”, the first track of this new record, reflects on Sheeran’s recent struggles and his mindset coming out of them. The song sets the tone of the album, and it works as a doorway into this new era: experimental and a bit surprising.
The following song, “Sapphire,”, is vibrant and immediately catchy. The chorus sticks easily, and the melody flows in a way that makes it feel lively. It’s the kind of track that can quickly connect with the audience.
“Azizam,”, the lead single of the album, comes with a new proposal. Its title means “my dear” or “my darling” in Farsi. In this song, he dives into Middle Eastern-inspired sounds that perfectly blend with Sheeran’s familiar style.
“Old Phone,” the album’s second single, is built on simple lyrics about memory and nostalgia. Its powerful atmosphere leaves space for the emotional core to come forward. It’s the kind of song that quietly lingers with you after listening.
The next track is “Symmetry.” This song is one of the album’s more visible experiments. The structure and rhythm are less predictable, which makes it stand out, though it may divide listeners who expect a more traditional pop track.
“Camera,”my personal favourite, goes back to Sheeran’s familiar, emotional and romantic lyrics. While it is less experimental, it carries a sincerity that makes it one of the most affecting pieces on the record.
“In Other Words,” another one of my favourites, reduces everything to piano and voice. Its minimalism highlights Sheeran’s songwriting and creates a great sense of intimacy. It’s quiet but emotionally effective, making it stand out for its honesty.
Following the two very familiar ballads is “A Little More.” This song has a sharper tone than most of the album. The lyrics express frustration, and the guitar adds a restless edge that gives the song a raw, emotional weight.
“Slowly” slows the pace again. Its rhythm and melody create a reflective, almost meditative mood, which makes it one of the album’s more atmospheric tracks.
“Don’t Look Down” lifts the energy once more. The song feels determined, with lyrics about focus and perseverance, which creates a perfect balance with the softer moments that come before and after.
“The Vow” returns to Sheeran’s strength as a storyteller. The writing is direct, almost conversational, which gives the track an honest tone. The acoustic guitar and gentle arrangement support the honesty of the words, making it feel grounded and personal.
“For Always” also has a reflective note, something typical of the British singer-songwriter. The arrangement is calm and still, leaving space for the vocals to carry the weight of the song.
The album’s last track, “Heaven,”, closes this record with a calm and uplifting tone. The melody is smooth, and the harmonies give it a warm, peaceful feeling. It leaves the listener with a sense of peace, wrapping up the album in a reflective way that fits the overall tone.
Overall, “Play” is an album shaped by global influences, which bring variety and freshness, yet Sheeran always circles back to what he does best: charming ballads and catchy verses. Some tracks carry a sense of familiarity, but the record also introduces experiments that push him into new territory. “Play” is a record that balances comfort with curiosity, and it leaves the door wide open for what’s coming next in this new era.
