Ed Sheeran explores cross-cultural influences in new album 'Play'

In September 2025, Ed Sheeran released his eighth studio album ‘Play,’ a project that showcases his desire to unite people through music. Recorded during the 'Mathematics World Tour' and finalized in Goa, India, the album carries Indian influences while maintaining a quintessentially British everyman spirit. This collection of songs aims to appeal to a global audience, evidenced by features from notable artists like Indian singer Arijit Singh and Iranian singer Googoosh. Throughout the album, Sheeran reflects on personal themes and nostalgia, making it relatable and accessible to his fans. Most of the tracks remain true to Sheeran's roots, offering the emotionally charged acoustic ballads and upbeat pop sounds he is known for. While the project does deviate slightly from his past works by introducing some new collaborations, the singer-songwriter effectively balances cross-cultural elements with familiar themes. The tracks such as 'Old Phone' and 'For Always' resonate with listeners by exploring themes of friendship, change, and parenthood. The album opens with 'Opening,' a track that touches on Sheeran's experiences with fame, mental health, and family, marking an honest reflection of his journey as an artist. Some themes are recurrent, and certain songs draw comparisons to previous hits, indicating Sheeran's comfort zone while still attempting new stylistic directions. Despite the ambitious scope of 'Play,' it doesn't abandon the qualities that made Ed Sheeran a household name, showcasing his versatility as both a musician and a storyteller. Overall, the reception of 'Play' reflects a mixture of admiration for its bold attempts at cross-cultural engagement while being weighed against the familiar sounds that fans expect. It achieves a blend that appeals to both residence in familiar territory and exploration of new influences. Sheeran's efforts resonate well, and this album is likely to be enjoyed by fans of various musical backgrounds.