NEW ALBUM: ED SHEERAN | = (EQUALS)

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is finally back after a four-year hiatus with his fourth studio album “= (Equals)" Sheeran has been gearing up for the big push by releasing the singles "Bad Habits" and "Shivers" and, on Monday (Oct. 25), dropping 14 eclectic shorts previewing all 14 tracks on the collection. The latest in Sheeran's series of mathematically themed albums a companion to his 2011 debut, "+," 2014's "x," and 2017's "÷ --" is the follow-up to 2019's "No. 6 Collaborations Project." The uptempo first single, "Bad Habits," rode the top spot on the English singles charts for eleven weeks and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 tally. His next single, the dance-pop tune "Shivers," entered at No. 1 on the UK charts, displacing "Habits" and topped out at No. 10 on the Hot 100. “= (Equals)" is a personal record and one that means a lot to me,” Sheeran said in a statement. “My life changed greatly over the past few years — I got married, became a father, experienced loss, and I reflect on these topics throughout the album. I see it as my coming-of-age record, and I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.” Sheeran announced the upcoming 2022 UK/European stadium tour dates, including shows in Belfast, Manchester, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen and Belfast. The tour will kick off on April 28 in Cork, Ireland and last through a Sept. 23 gig in Frankfurt, Germany.