It’s been three years since we last saw an album from Ed Sheeran, and even longer since we saw a true album (his last album was a collection of collaborations). The “Shape of You” singer has been laying low, spending time with family (including his daughter!), and experiencing life to find new song inspiration. It seems like he found them. Yesterday, Ed announced that his next album, a return to his mathematics theme will be coming in October.
Titled =, the album will include 14 tracks including his summer single “Bad Habits” and another song released alongside the announcement and tracklist, “Visiting Hours.” In the Instagram live stream where he announced the album, Ed shared that the album is inspired by some of the major changes in his life like getting married and starting a family as well as some losses he has experienced.) With that change in mind, butterflies are a big part of the album’s theme and cover design.
= will be out on October 29, 2021. It’s available for pre-order now.