Fri Apr 04 11:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Sheeran Returns to Pop Domination with New Single “Azizam”
**London, April 4, 2025** – Ed Sheeran’s new single, “Azizam,” marks a return to his pop roots after a critically acclaimed but commercially less successful foray into folk-influenced music with his 2023 albums, *Subtract* and *Autumn Variations*. While “Azizam” incorporates Middle Eastern instrumentation and is billed as a cross-cultural collaboration, its core remains undeniably Sheeran: a catchy hook, a strong chorus, and lyrics about his wife.
The song, whose title translates to “my dear one” in Farsi, features a blend of Western pop sensibilities with instruments like the daf and santur, played by a group that includes the Citizens of the World Choir. However, critics note the song’s relationship to Persian music is tenuous, akin to the earlier controversy surrounding the Irish-themed “Galway Girl.” The single’s undeniable pop appeal, though, is expected to resonate strongly with Sheeran’s existing fanbase.
Despite the rise of bolder, riskier pop artists, Sheeran’s influence remains significant. Several emerging artists, including Noah Kahan, Benson Boone, and current UK number one Alex Warren, show a clear Sheeran influence in their music. This suggests that “Azizam,” despite its stylistic departure, may still achieve the chart-topping success Sheeran is known for. Whether it will reach the billion-stream milestones of his earlier hits remains to be seen, but its potential for commercial success is undeniable.
First Piper 