Ed Sheeran has announced the details of his new album ​​‘=’ (Equals) and holy moley, how’s that good news for your Friday?!

While the new album won’t drop until October 29, Ed shared one of the collection’s tracks – ‘Visiting Hours’ – overnight and fair warning, it’ll tug at the heart strings.

Ed Sheeran new album
A stunning artwork if we do say so.

His first album since 2017’s  ‘÷’ (Divide), ‘=’ focuses on themes of Ed “taking stock” of his life and the people in it as he explores the varying degrees of love (‘The Joker And The Queen’, ‘First Times’, ‘2step’), loss (‘Visiting Hours’), resilience (‘Can’t Stop The Rain’) and fatherhood (‘Sandman’, ‘Leave Your Life’), while also processing his reality and career (‘Tides’).

‘Visiting Hours’ – which you can peep below – is a track that finds Ed coming to terms with the loss of his mentor and friend, Michael Gudinski, and written shortly after his passing: “I wish that heaven had visiting hours / So I can just swing by and ask your advice”.

Performed for the first time at Michael’s State Memorial in March, the poignant track features backing vocals from Michael’s close friends, Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes.

Of his new album, Ed Sheeran commented:

 “= (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.”

Ed Sheeran’s new album, ‘=’ (Equals) drops October 29, watch this space.

Images: Supplied.