Global superstar Ed Sheeran has announced his album “-“ (pronounced subtract) - the last in his decade-spanning mathematical album era. An album that revisits Ed’s singer/songwriter roots, and one that was written against a backdrop of personal grief and hope, “-“ presents one of the biggest stars on the planet at his most vulnerable and honest. In Ed’s own words: “I had been working on Subtract for a decade, trying to sculpt the perfect acoustic album, writing and recording hundreds of songs with a clear vision of what I thought it should be. Then at the start of 2022, a series of events changed my life, my mental health, and ultimately the way I viewed music and art. Writing songs is my therapy. It helps me make sense of my feelings. I wrote without thought of what the songs would be, I just wrote whatever tumbled out. And in just over a week, I replaced a decade’s worth of work with my deepest darkest thoughts. Within the space of a month, my pregnant wife got told she had a tumour, with no route to treatment until after the birth. My best friend Jamal, a brother to me, died suddenly and I found myself standing in court defending my integrity and career as a songwriter. I was spiralling through fear, depression and anxiety. I felt like I was drowning, head below the surface, looking up but not being able to break through for air. As an artist I didn’t feel like I could credibly put a body of work into the world that didn’t accurately represent where I am and how I need to express myself at this point in my life. This album is purely that. It’s opening the trapdoor into my soul. For the first time I’m not trying to craft an album people will like, I’m merely putting something out that’s honest and true to where I am in my adult life. This is last February’s diary entry and my way of making sense of it. This is Subtract.” Since he first learned to play ‘Layla’ by Eric Clapton on guitar at the age of 12-years-old, Sheeran’s love of the singer/songwriter began. Growing up with the likes of Damian Rice, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan playing on repeat in his parents’ house – artists that his dad, John, introduced him to – “-“ was always on Ed’s horizon. Yet as the songs and writing process took on a whole new meaning and direction after a series of hard-hitting events impacted Ed’s world in 2022, one thing that remained untouched was his strong desire to make a record anchored in his love of singer/songwriter compositions. And now, as he gears-up for the release of his most soul-baring work to date, “-“ serves as a timely reminder for why Sheeran remains one of the most gifted lyricists of his generation; an artist who breaks down his own experiences for fans to seek comfort and belonging. “-“ is the result of Sheeran pushing the boundaries of his songcraft, as he delivers the most profound songwriting of his career. Teaming-up with Aaron Dessner (The National) on writing and production after the pair joined forces following an introduction from mutual friend Taylor Swift, Ed and Aaron began crafting the album in February last year. Writing over 30 songs during their month-long studio stint, the album’s fourteen tracks are seamlessly tied together by exquisite production from paired back, folk-leaning textures to bolder, full-band/orchestral arrangements. Ed Sheeran burst onto the global music scene in 2011 with his debut album “+”. Rapidly establishing himself as a history-making artist, he followed with “x”, “÷”, “No.6 Collaborations Project” and “=” - a catalog that has seen Sheeran become one of the world’s biggest musical success stories of the 21st century.
Release date:
May 5, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Joe Armon-Jones All The Quiet (Part Ii) [2xLP]
Aquarii
June 13, 2025 -
Xmal Deutschland Gift The 4AD Years (Deluxe Edition, Clear Red) [3xLP]
4Ad
May 9, 2025 -
Djrum Under Tangled Silence [2xLP]
Houndstooth
April 25, 2025 -
Eli Winter A Trick of the Light ("Optical Illusion" Transparent Red)
Three Lobed Recordings
May 2, 2025 -
Martha Wainwright Martha Wainright: 20th Anniversary
Report Card
April 11, 2025 -
Enemy Fiend
Edition Records Ltd
April 11, 2025 -
Max Wareham Daggomit!
Max Wareham
May 2, 2025 -
Entrails Rise Of The Reaper - 3Mm Spinned Sleeve
Reissued Sounds
April 25, 2025 -
Joe Armon-Jones All The Quiet part II (Blue) [2xLP]
Aquarii
June 13, 2025 -
Sharon Shannon Now
The Daisy Label
April 18, 2025 -
Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts with Pete Johnston & Friends Remembered in Exile: Songs and Ballads from Nova Scotia
Drag City
April 25, 2025 -
Imagine Dragons Reflections (from the Vault of Smoke + Mirrors Ocean Blue)
KIDinaKORNER/Interscope
April 25, 2025 -
LANDMVRKS The Darkest Place I've Ever Been (Fan Box)
Arising Empire
April 25, 2025 -
Jessie Wagner War Within
Wicked Cool Records
April 25, 2025