The announcement arrives alongside the singers tribute to Michael Gudinski, Visiting Hours.
Image: Dan Martensen.
Global hit-maker Ed Sheeran has announced the release of his hotly-anticipated fifth studio album, = (Equals). The announcement arrives alongside a new track, Visiting Hours, the singers tribute to his mentor and friend, Michael Gudinski.
The raw and emotive track navigates coming to terms with the loss of a close friend and confidant, lyrically poignant with Sheeran's evocative vocals soaring above the guitar-led release. The track features additional vocals from Aussie legends, and Gudinski's close friends. Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes. Visiting Hours arrives with an accompanying performance visual.
Co-produced with long-time collaborators Johnny McDaid (Shape of You) and FRED (No.6 Collaborations Project), the up-tempo track comes after a two-year musical hiatus from Sheeran and is set to feature on the musicians upcoming fifth studio album. Moving away from the singer-songwriter sonics of his previous releases, Bad Habits takes a more electronic approach, built upon a pulsating bass line and synths.
Written and recorded across Suffolk, London, Sweden and LA, = (Equals) features the previously released hit Bad Habits, with the albums cover art featuring an own abstract painting from Sheeran himself. The musician serves as executive producer, alongside FRED (No.6 Collaborations Project) and Johnny McDaid (Divide), and also teams up with a number of collaborators, including Steve Mac, Joe Rubel, Amy Wadge, Foy Vance, Elvira Anderfjard, David Hodges, Andrew Watt, Lou Bell, Natalie Hemby, Ben Kweller, and his own brother Matthew.
Speaking of the record, Sheeran shares: “= (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.”
= (Equals) is out October 29! Watch the visual for Visiting Hours below.
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