After a brief hiatus, Ed Sheeran has announced he is releasing a new album in October. Two years have passed since he has released a project and it's been four years since his last full-length solo album. The fourth installment in his “symbol album” series, "=" (Equals) will be available October 29, Sheeran shared on his Instagram Live (August 19th). The album has been influenced by his most recent life experiences of getting married, having a baby, and losing a close friend. "I think it's the best bit of work that I've done. It's cohesive and it feels great," the singer shared.
The album will have 14-tracks and the emotionally charged song "Visiting Hours," though not a single, was released directly after the Instagram Live was posted. According to Sheeran, the next single is to be released on September 10th. The "Shape of You" singer shared that this particular song is "really dear to [his] heart and one of [his] favorite songs on the album." Bound to make any listener cry, the relatable lyrics, which were written about his mentor and friend, Michael Gudinski, imagine the two being able to reconnect in heaven.
“I wish that heaven had visiting hours / So I can just swing by and ask your advice,” Sheeran sings on the track. The song was performed by Sheeran for the first time at Gudinski’s state memorial in March. Backing vocals on the recorded version are provided by Gudinski’s close friends, Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes.
Quotable Lyrics:
Verse 3
I wish that heaven had visiting hours
And I would ask them if I could take you home
But I know what they'd say, that it's for the best
So I would live life the way you taught me
And make it on my own
Watch the official performance of the Grammy-worthy "Visiting Hours" below.