Ed Sheeran has officially launched a new era in his music career with the release of his latest single, "Azizam," on April 4, 2025. This vibrant track marks a significant return for the artist, who has taken a creative detour into the realm of Middle Eastern influences, inspired by the Persian heritage of his producer, Illya Salmanzadeh.
The title "Azizam" translates to "my dear" or "my darling" in Farsi and is infused with traditional instruments such as the ghatam, a clay pot used for percussion, and the santur, a hammered dulcimer originating from Iran. Sheeran expressed his excitement about the cultural exploration, stating, "Now the song's finished, and it's out, I'm discovering more and more every single day that Persians are really, really proud of their culture, and it's great to celebrate it," during an interview with BBC Radio 1.
Sheeran debuted "Azizam" live on the streets of New Orleans about three weeks prior to its official release, performing alongside the Soul Rebels brass band. The event took place in the city's French Quarter and was part of a series of surprise performances that Sheeran has been hosting in various locations, including a recent appearance at an Irish pub in Boston on St. Patrick's Day. The recorded version of the song also features background vocals from the Citizens of the World Choir, a group comprised of refugees and their allies.
Upon its release, the single has received a mix of reviews, with The Guardian awarding it three stars. While the publication noted that the Persian elements felt somewhat incidental to the overall pop sound, it acknowledged Sheeran's knack for creating catchy hooks. Pop critic Alexis Petridis remarked, "Azizam does its job with the kind of ruthless efficiency you might expect from Sheeran in unabashed pop mode," highlighting the song's ability to stick in listeners' minds. The Telegraph's Neil McCormick described it as "lighter than candy floss and twice as sticky," predicting its imminent rise to the top of playlists.
Fans have responded positively to the song as well. One listener shared, "I'm from an Iranian family, and there are so many Persian music influences in the song, which is amazing to hear." This feedback underscores Sheeran's intention to honor and celebrate Persian culture through his music.
"Azizam" serves as the lead single for Sheeran's upcoming eighth studio album, titled "Play," which is set to be released later this year. During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Sheeran revealed that this album will kick off a new series of records, with subsequent titles including "Pause," "Rewind," "Fast-Forward," and "Stop." He humorously noted that he has plans for a posthumous release, jokingly titled "Eject," which will feature songs written throughout his life.
This new material comes at a pivotal moment in Sheeran's career. His previous two albums, "Subtract" and "Autumn Variations," released in 2023, marked a departure from his usual upbeat pop style, showcasing a more introspective side. Despite receiving critical acclaim, these albums struggled commercially, with "Subtract" being the first in his discography not to achieve platinum status in the UK. "Autumn Variations" debuted at number one but quickly fell out of the Top 40 and has yet to be certified gold.
Despite these challenges, Sheeran remains one of the most-streamed artists globally. On Spotify, he has had 12 songs surpass a billion streams, with "Shape of You" being the second-most streamed song of all time, boasting over 4.3 billion plays.
In discussing the creative process behind "Azizam," Sheeran shared that working with Salmanzadeh was a natural fit. "I loved how a lot of rhythms, scales, melodies and instruments were different but similar to the Irish trad music I had grown up with," he said. This blending of cultural influences reflects Sheeran's broader artistic vision, which seeks to explore and celebrate diverse musical traditions.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Sheeran sees "Azizam" as both a personal and professional reset. He noted, "After two years of sad acoustic music, it’s nice to put something out happy." This sentiment resonates with fans who have eagerly awaited his return to the pop scene.
Sheeran's promotional efforts for "Azizam" have included creative appearances, such as showing up on a double-decker bus outside the Capital Breakfast studio in London, where he celebrated the song's release with the show's hosts. This playful approach to marketing reflects his desire to connect with fans and share his excitement about the new music.
Looking ahead, Sheeran's upcoming album, "Play," promises to be a vibrant collection of songs that continue to push the boundaries of his artistry. He has expressed enthusiasm for the direction of this project, emphasizing the playful and celebratory nature of the music. With a blend of pop sensibilities and cultural exploration, Sheeran aims to captivate audiences once again.
As the music industry evolves, Sheeran's ability to adapt and innovate remains a hallmark of his career. With "Azizam," he not only showcases his growth as an artist but also pays homage to the rich tapestry of global music. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this new single and forthcoming album resonate in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
