Equation solved: Ed Sheeran releases '=' tracklist and a folksy new single
Ed Sheeran is almost done solving his discography of mathematical symbols.
The English singer has confirmed that his fourth album will be titled = (pronounced Equals) and set to drop on Oct. 29. The upcoming album fits into the equation of his first album + (Plus) which came out in 2011, followed by x (Multiply) in 2014, and ÷ (Divide) in 2017.
Written in the span of four years, the 30-year-old shared that the new project is very much a "coming of age" record that follows his life since he took a hiatus to get married and welcome his first child.
"It's been a long, long process. I’ve been through love, loss, new life, grief, and everything in between during the whole period of writing it, and I feel like it’s really a coming of age record," he shared on Instagram.
"I’ve never been more proud of a body of work, or more excited/nervous for you all to hear it."
The album showcases 14 new solo tracks since the singer's separate "Collaborations" album.
- Tides
- Shivers
- First Times
- Bad Habits
- Overpass Graffiti
- The Joker and the Queen
- Leave Your Life
- Collide
- 2Step
- Stop the Rain
- Love in Slow Motion
- Visiting Hours
- Sandman
- Be Right Now
Meanwhile, Sheeran returned to his folksy roots with the release of Equals' second single, Visiting Hours. With his familiar vocals and toned-down instrumentals, the somber song is reminiscent of the artist's earlier works from the + (Plus) era.
He shared that he wrote the song while on a 2-week quarantine to attend the funeral of his friend and Australian music promoter Michael Gudinski.
Listen to Visiting Hours here:
Banner photos from Ed Sheeran's Instagram