An Ed Sheeran x '=' appreciation post.

Ed Sheeran has just released his long awaited fourth studio album titled '=' which fits right into his mathematical symbol series. This time around, he finds himself exploring themes of fatherhood, the reality of his career today, and assorted degrees of love. 

On what the record means to him, Sheeran explained: “= (Equals) is a really personal record and one that means a lot to me. My life changed greatly over the past few years – I got married, became a father, experienced loss, and I reflect on these topics over the course of the album. I see it as my coming-of-age record, and I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.”

So in honour of release day, we've decided to celebrate this era so far...

#1. Ed is celebrating the release of the new album with a special 'Apple Music "First Listen"' global live-stream celebration. 

Throughout the event, Zane Lowe will be chatting with Ed about the new album and playing the new songs.  

#2. With a new album era, means new music videos from Ed! So far, we've only got two videos (+ a performance video of 'Visiting Hours') so far but something tells us there will be more to come...

#3. Ed is also giving you the chance to win a Zoom meet & greet, merchandise, as well as a signed album with his new competition called 'The Equals Game'.

Fans have spent hours trying to figure out the game and have even posted their findings and shared codes with each other in hopes of winning the big prizes!

#4. This week, Tiny Desk have just released their long overdue, very first 'Ed Sheeran: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert' performance. 

Ed sung five songs from the new album including 'Shivers', 'Make It Rain', 'Overpass Graffiti', 'Visiting Hours', and finally 'Bad Habits'.

5. With live music ever so slowly making a comeback, that means that we'll eventually get to see an '=' Ed Sheeran tour! 

Ed has just confessed earlier this morning to The Edge that he will be touring New Zealand in 2023 but said "that does feel like quite a long time away," so we'll just have to listen to the album to tide us over 'til then! 

Ed Sheeran's fourth studio album '=' is out now - listen to it below: