Ed Sheeran releases new single Azizam

On April 4, 2025, Ed Sheeran released his latest single, “Azizam,” marking the beginning of a new musical chapter. This track serves as the lead single from his forthcoming eighth studio album, “Play,” which is part of an ambitious pentalogy including “Pause,” “Rewind,” “Fast-forward,” and “Stop.” Sheeran revealed that this series was inspired by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino’s approach to creating a set number of works before focusing on special projects.

“Azizam,” translating to “my dear” in Persian, is a heartfelt dedication to Sheeran’s wife, Cherry Seaborn. The song blends Sheeran’s signature acoustic style with Middle Eastern musical elements, featuring instruments like the ghatam, daf, santoor, and lute. These additions reflect the influence of producer Ilya Salmanzadeh’s Iranian heritage, aiming to create a cross-cultural sound.

The accompanying music video, dubbed the “Pink Heart Video,” was filmed in Ipswich and New York. It showcases a pink heart-shaped balloon symbolizing love, accompanying Sheeran through various daily activities and performances. This visual metaphor underscores the song’s romantic theme.

Critics have noted that while “Azizam” incorporates Persian musical influences and features contributions from the refugee-led Citizens of the World Choir, it predominantly retains Sheeran’s familiar English pop sound. The track includes rhythmic acoustic guitar, a catchy chorus, and personal lyrics, aligning with Sheeran’s established style.

Fans can stream “Azizam” on major platforms like Spotify. Additionally, limited edition physical copies, including a white 7-inch vinyl featuring the exclusive bonus track “Crashing,” are available for pre-order through Sheeran’s official store, with shipments expected to begin on April 30, 2025.

This release has generated significant excitement among fans and critics alike, highlighting Sheeran’s continued evolution as an artist and his willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes.

Newsdesk