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 In a move few global pop stars have ever attempted in history, he has confirmed a posthumous album sealed in his will,  ‘Eject’, to be released only after his death. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Sheeran said: “Eject is the album in the will. It’s actually in my will, and Cherry gets to pick the tracks for it. It’s full, like it’s in there if I were to go tomorrow.”

The 13-track Play marks the first instalment in a new five-album series with titles that echo a cassette deck: Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind and Stop. When recording ‘Play’, Sheeran spent a month touring India. The single, ‘Sapphire,’ was created by teaming with award-winning Indian singer and composer, Arijit Singh. In the words of Sheeran: “I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India… It’s a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish; it encapsulates everything that I love about music and the fun in it.”

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Lyrically, ‘Play’ offers a fascinating, sometimes jarring mix. The album incorporates elements of Indian and Persian culture, with a specific focus on sounds originating from instruments like tablas, bansuri flutes, the santoor, and a hammered dulcimer of Iranian origin. From tender reflections on domestic life in ‘In Other Words’ to surprising, sharp barbs aimed at a former friend in ‘A Little More’, and a direct address to his plagiarism lawsuits on the ‘Opening’ track, the album reveals interesting shades of emotions ranging from muted melancholy to vexation. The album reflects an artist grappling with his public persona versus his private realities. While it does spring surprises through the incorporation of global influences, the experimentation is not sustained, as the album soon retreats into a pop formula caught between global experimentation and familiar balladry.

‘Play’ isn’t just another Ed Sheeran album; it’s a statement of intent. By threading Persian nodes, Indian percussion, and Amy-esque horn arrangements into his trademark pop structures, Sheeran has risked alienating the comfort-zone listener to stretch his sounds, while discovering himself. Not every experiment lands; some of his global textures feel incomplete and confusing. From the calculated creative pivot of ‘Play’  to the unprecedented foresight of ‘Eject’, he is demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of how to manage an enduring artistic brand. Sheeran isn’t just releasing music; he is actively engineering a multi-generational legacy, ensuring his voice, vision, and artistic integrity will resonate far beyond his own lifetime.

Euphoric Sad Songs is a nine-track EP, and contains tracks such as Natalie Don’t, Regardless, and Love of Your Life. Both Natalie Don’t and Love of Your Life was released previously by Raye, to build the already high anticipation from fans, and it did just that. 

Euphoric Sad Songs is the latest project from Raye following the singer-songwriter taking a two-year break from making music. Her last EP, Side Tape, made big waves back during its 2018 release and contains popular songs such as Cigarettes, Decline, and Wife Me. 

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Raye recruited both Rudimental and Regard for Euphoric Sad Songs. DJ Regard makes a powerful appearance on Secrets, whilst British pop titans Rudimental collaborate with Raye on Regardless. Regardless samples Rapture, iiO’s anthem from back in 2005. 

In an official statement, Raye spoke out about the meaning behind her new mini-album. Raye said of Euphoric Sad Songs: “This project explains the nine stages of grief. The first song is a really dramatic, confused power ballad.”

Raye continued, saying: “Then we progress through to the last song when you finally say with your full heart that you’ve healed. I’m very proud of this work and I can’t wait for everyone to hear all the tracks. I hope everyone enjoys this slice of me.”

Raye announced her new EP via social media last night. Taking to Instagram, Raye posted the EP cover art, as well as a lengthy caption relaying her excitement at the surprise release.

Within the caption, Raye conveyed her love towards her fans, declaring: “my darlings this is something I wanted to surprise you with in this dreadful time so I hope this brings you some joy.” This is certainly true, as the post has gathered over 10,000 likes from Rayes’ ever-growing fanbase. 

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Last week, Raye shared the official music video to Love of Your Life. Raye dances in a 1950s style get up, then the camera projects a kaleidoscopic display of the talented vocalist. In a celebration of girl power, Raye is joined by two dancers, jiving simultaneously to the song’s funky breakdown.

The music video to Love of Your Life was received joyfully from fans, as the video has obtained a whopping 346,000 views. The visual accompaniment to Love of Your Life can be watched in full here.

Rachel Agatha Keen, famously known as Raye, was born in London in 1997. Raye debuted her first EP, Welcome to the Winter, back in 2014.

Euphoric Sad Songs is out everywhere now. The tracklisting for Rayes’ brand new EP can be found in full below:

1. Love Me Again
2. Change Your Mind
3. Regardless (Feat. Rudimental)
4. Secrets (Feat. DJ Regard)
5. Natalie Don’t
6. All Dressed Up
7. Please Don’t Touch
8. Walk On By
9. Love Of Your Life