Ed Sheeran, Old Phone | Song Review

Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran shines on the reflective, thoughtfully written “Old Phone,” the second single from his 2025 LP, Play.

“I found my old phone today / In a box that I had hidden away.” And what happened, Ed Sheeran? “Nostalgia tryin’ to lead me astray / Maybe, I’ll unwrite some songs.” “Old Phone” marks the second single from the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter’s 2025 album, Play (arrives September 12), following “Azizam”. Sheeran penned “Old Phone.” He produced it with Blake Slatkin and ILYA.

There are ample pros regarding “Old Phone.” Sheeran delivers clear, radiant vocals. The folk-pop, singer/songwriter vibes are fitting for him. Sure, the initial rhythmic guitar accompaniment is nothing brand-new, but it is respectable. Additional instrumentation arrives by the chorus, with the second verse featuring full instrumentation.  The melodies are tuneful while the lyrics are nostalgic and thoughtful. “The ones who love me, I just them away,” Sheeran sings in the second verse, continuing, “Couldn’t tell the difference from the leeches.” Ah, the plight of fame! The section to beat, unsurprisingly, is the chorus in all of its glory:

“Conversations with my dead friends

Messages from all my exes

I kinda think that this was best left

There in the past where it belongs.”

So, what does Ed do with that “Old Phone”?  “I put it back inside there from whence it came.” Great idea! As for the song, this is a relatable winner.  No, not all of us are famous like Sheeran, but we all have a past that we have tried to move beyond.

Ed Sheeran // Play // Warner Music UK Limited / Ed Sheeran Limited // 9.12.25

[: Warner Music UK Limited / Ed Sheeran Limited]