NEW YORK (AP) — Ed Sheeran has long sought to bring people together with his music, whether it be his emotionally resonant acoustic ballads or unproblematic, danceable pop hits. “Play,” his eighth studio album out Friday, stays in that familiar lane for the most part.

The singer-songwriter gets personal about family life with Cherry and their daughters Lyra, 5, and Jupiter, 3, on 'Play'

Ed Sheeran's 'Play' is now out and features new sounds for the English pop star. This is Billboard's ranking of all 13 tracks.

The South-Asian percussion and sitar from Indian artist Arijit Singh combines for the rich sonic backdrop of “Sapphire,” while the first single from “Play,” the chanting “Azizam” (“my beloved”) is rooted in Persian music.

Sheeran will take the stage tonight for a groundbreaking Tiny Desk concert — the first-ever livestream of this scale from NPR’s iconic series

Sheeran celebrated the release with a video for the new single “Camera.” He stars alongside Bridgerton ‘s Phoebe Dynevor, with he and her enjoying life moments together. Sheeran explained the process behind making the video, writing on social media:

On September 10, Sheeran and New York City-based ice cream chain Van Leeuwen are releasing Play Pink ice cream, a limited-edition flavor inspired by the British artist’s new album. Just like the album's cover, the new ice cream flavor is a vivid pink hue. But that’s not the only reference it makes to Sheeran’s music.

Ed Sheeran begins a new era of his career with his eight studio album, "Play," topping a new music release roster that includes titles from Ohio-bred Twenty One Pilots and Mitch Rowland, Lizzo, Justin Bieber,