Ed Sheeran has launched a new era of his recording career.
The multi-platinum UK singer-songwriter today (April 4) released Azizam (Asylum/Atlantic), which has been heavily trailed on social media.
It marks the end of the Mathematics phase of Sheeran’s recording career, though the + - = Divide x – Tour Collection compilation remains in the Top 10 and peaked at No.1 earlier this year. The album was No.3 overall in Q1.
A new pop album by Ed Sheeran is planned for later this year. It follows the more low-key campaign for the release of 2023 folk album Autumn Variations via his own label, Gingerbread Man.
Azizam was recorded with Swedish/Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzadeh (Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Ellie Goudling, Sam Smith).
The title is a Persian term of endearment that means "my dear" or "my beloved”.
In a statement, the track is described as a “celebration of cross-cultural collaborations brought to life, this rhythmic pop song is about the universality of emotion”.
Ed Sheeran said: “Even though it’s completely different to anything that I’ve ever done before, Azizam feels familiar to me. I wanted to create a party atmosphere in a song and Ilya Salmanzadeh, who I worked with on the track, helped bring that to life. He was so inspiring to work with.”
The single was teased online with an impromptu street performance in New Orleans with The Soul Rebels.
PHOTO: Petros Studio
