Ed Sheeran is back—this time with a heartfelt journey through memory lane in his latest single, “Old Phone,” taken from his upcoming album Play, which is set to release on September 12.
Known for pouring raw emotion into his music, Sheeran leans into nostalgia and healing with this track, offering fans a glimpse into not only the sounds of his past but the transformation he’s undergone in recent years.
If Old Phone feels like an emotional time capsule, that’s because it is. The idea for the song came when Sheeran had to revisit an iPhone he hadn’t touched since 2015. The reason? Legal matters involving a few lawsuits required him to turn in his old devices. What he didn’t expect was that switching on the phone would trigger a wave of memories. Old texts from lost friends, a former flame, and estranged family members sent him spiraling into the past. He admitted in an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that revisiting those messages “really spun me out.” The emotions that followed became the foundation for “Old Phone,” and in many ways, the entire Play album.
From Darkness to Technicolour
In a candid Instagram post, Sheeran opened up about the emotional backdrop of Play. He described it as a response to one of the darkest periods in his life—a period that left him creatively and emotionally drained. But instead of staying in that dark place, he chose to channel his energy into something uplifting. Play became a celebration of life, a way for Sheeran to bring joy back into his world—and the world of his fans.
“Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour,” Sheeran shared. “And explore cultures in the countries I was touring.”
And explore he did. Sheeran recorded the album while traveling across the globe, finally completing it in Goa, India. He speaks of those creative sessions with a kind of lightness and gratitude, calling them “some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life.” This energy, he says, is infused throughout the entire record.
A Glimpse into the Future, Rooted in the Past
Play is more than just another album in Sheeran’s discography. It marks the beginning of a new thematic series. Much like how his earlier albums—+ (Plus), x (Multiply), ÷ (Divide), – (Subtract), and = (Equals)—followed a symbolic pattern, Play will be the first in a new lineup that includes albums titled Rewind, Fast-Forward, and Stop. This sequence suggests a deeper reflection on time, growth, and the rhythms of life.
In Play, Sheeran isn’t just looking back—he’s dancing through it. The album is, in his words, a “rollercoaster of emotions.” It’s packed with color, rhythm, and culture, all wrapped in the artist’s signature storytelling. Sheeran says the project reflects who he is today: not just as a musician, but as a human being, a partner, and a father.
From Pubs to Pink Cowboy Hats
Instead of promoting Play through the typical press tour and media blitz, Sheeran has opted for something a bit more... chaotic—in the best way possible. He’s been hosting impromptu gigs, jamming in pubs, riding open-top buses, and even singing on bar counters in a pink cowboy hat. If it sounds playful, that’s exactly the point.
“The older I get, the more I just want to enjoy things,” Sheeran said. “And savour the moments that are mad and chaotic.”
This lighthearted, live-in-the-moment attitude has become a central theme not just of the album, but of the entire campaign around it.
Tracklist Teases and Musical Directions
The album consists of 13 tracks, including the upbeat and internationally inspired “Azizam”, the first single released prior to Old Phone. Produced by Ilyah Salmanzadeh, who has worked with stars like Ariana Grande and Charli XCX, “Azizam” draws from Persian musical influences. The term itself means “my dear” in Persian, and Sheeran embraced that culture through the vibrant, danceable sound.
Here’s the full tracklist for Play:
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Opening
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Sapphire
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Azizam
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Old Phone
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Symmetry
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Camera
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In Other Words
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A Little More
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Slowly
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Don’t Look Down
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The Vow
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For Always
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Heaven
There are no featured artists on the album, a choice that seems intentional—perhaps to keep the narrative and sound purely Sheeran.
Following Up a Strong 2023
Sheeran’s last album, Autumn Variations, came out in 2023 and climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart, continuing his streak of commercial success. But while Autumn Variations leaned into seasonal introspection, Play bursts open with life and vibrance. It’s a leap from falling leaves to strobe lights—and fans seem ready to follow.
With Old Phone, Sheeran isn’t just singing about the past—he’s making peace with it, remembering it, and choosing to move forward with intention and joy. The track’s raw honesty, combined with a catchy, stripped-down melody, reminds us why Ed Sheeran continues to be one of the most relatable and compelling artists in pop music today.
