Ed Sheeran has released a brand-new single titled “Azizam,” giving fans their first taste of his upcoming eighth studio album. The song’s title, which means “my dear” in Farsi, immediately signals that Sheeran is exploring new territory. “Azizam” blends Ed’s signature heartfelt songwriting with a vibrant pop production and even a subtle Middle Eastern influence woven into the melody. The track opens with a gentle acoustic vibe before building into a catchy, up-tempo chorus that’s bound to lodge in listeners’ heads. Lyrically, Sheeran pours out adoring sentiments to a loved one, with the term of endearment azizam repeated lovingly throughout the hook. It’s a swooning love song at its core, but delivered in a fresh sonic wrapping that feels like a departure from his recent releases.
This single marks the beginning of a new era for Ed Sheeran, and it definitely hints at a new direction for his music. In contrast to the introspective folk-pop tone of his last projects, “Azizam” sees Ed returning to a bigger, radio-ready pop sound — this time with a global twist. He’s even revealed plans for an alternate version of the song sung entirely in Farsi, underscoring his willingness to experiment and connect with a broader audience. Fans and critics are noting that Sheeran sounds reinvigorated: his vocals glide over a punchy beat and lush production that wouldn’t have felt out of place in his Multiply days, yet the world music undertones are something new for him. The single is the lead-off for his forthcoming album (reportedly titled Play), and if “Azizam” is any indication, Ed is poised to blend his trademark romantic songwriting with bold new influences. It’s a promising evolution — one that has fans excited to see how this next chapter unfolds when the full album drops later this year.
