Ed Sheeran on a Dark Period of Life: Exclusive Review of the Album Play.

Ed Sheeran's New Album

According to The Sun: Ed Sheeran shared that he poured his soul into his eighth album titled 'Play', created in response to his 'darkest period of life'.

As the first journalist to hear this 13-track album, I can confidently say that this is Ed's strongest and most personal creation to date.

Ed updated his 2014 hit 'Thinking Out Loud' in the song 'The Vow', where he shares his love story with Cherry Seaborn.

He also wrote a heartfelt new song for his daughters — Lyra and Jupiter. I do not hesitate to admit that the song 'For Always' made a significant impression on me. It sounds like a love letter to his girls, whom Ed, as always, tries to raise in the most normal way.

“Sometimes the stars lead you better than I, and you close your eyes, holding the hand of another person.

Your skin, your hair, your world will change, you will trust someone, your heart will break.

I will be the constant support that remains.”

The Album's Themes

Ed also touches on the theme of mortality in the song, showcasing his tender vocals as he sings to his daughters: “And throughout my life, until we meet again, I am forever, I always will be.”

The album, recorded in various countries and completed in India last year, covers many themes. In the song 'A Little More', Ed expresses his anger — a track addressed to someone who will undoubtedly feel the tremor.

However, the true main theme of this record is love.

'In Other Words' will likely be a song that his fans choose for proposals to their significant others during his concerts, as it is another ode to Cherry — his childhood sweetheart.

This song is filled with observations of their ordinary life together and will help fans feel even more connected to Ed.

In several tracks, Ed mentions Cherry's second pregnancy in 2022, when she was diagnosed with a tumor that doctors could not remove until after she gave birth.

Cherry has recovered, but the scars from this significant event, as well as the loss of his best friend Jamal Edwards just weeks prior, left a mark on Ed's lyrics.

The first track of the album 'Opening' is perhaps the song where he poured out his pain.

“I cried by my brother's grave.

I held the hand of my wife's surgeon.

I spent weeks in the darkest cage.

But now the day bursts wild properly.”

So while 'Opening' is shocking, Ed impresses everyone with the quick and brutal rap he performs at an impressive level.

His lyrics flow like a stream of consciousness, where Ed recalls all aspects of his life at this point, including the years it took him to break into the industry.

“I no longer talk to that guy.

I know why, but he is not sure.

What's the background for this?”

Overall Conclusion

The album 'Play' is a vibrant comeback for Ed, and I am sure that his fans will love it and listen to it again and again.

Ed Sheeran, 'Play'

★★★★★

The album 'Play' is not only a result of Ed's personal experiences but also reflects the stages of his life that he has gone through lately. Each track here has its story, and each of them addresses important themes that his audience can relate to. The new album reaffirms Ed's talent as a master of lyrics and melodies, for which his fans will always appreciate him.