Ed Sheeran Presses ‘Play’ on Upcoming Album With Nostalgic Single ‘Old Phone’

rollingstone.comPublished: 5/1/2025

Summary

Ed Sheeran’s *Play* is a deeply emotional release, kickstarting with the haunting single “Old Phone,” which evokes nostalgia through nostalgic visuals of an old iPhone and heartfelt remembrances of loved ones. During a special acoustic performance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, Sheeran’s music showcased a blend of melancholy and joy as he embraced the fun and creativity central to his craft. The album, part of a new series inspired by mathematical operations like “Rewind” and “Fast-Forward,” reflects Sheeran’s evolution from navigating darker creative periods to channeling vibrant, dynamic energy into his music.