NEW YORK (AP) — Ed Sheeran continues his mission to connect with audiences through heartfelt tunes and irresistibly catchy melodies. His latest release, “Play,” marks his eighth studio album and largely follows his trusted formula.

Sheeran has preserved his relatable persona even as his fame has grown. By quietly adjusting to mainstream trends and staying largely out of the spotlight—aside from a few notable appearances, like a recent surprise stop at a New York City ice cream shop—he maintains the image of the grounded singer-songwriter fans first fell in love with. His performances often still feature just Sheeran, his guitar, and his signature loop pedal setup.

With fame comes changing expectations, and Sheeran understands that his role as the "everyman" artist has evolved. “Play,” the start of a planned symbol-themed series (with “Rewind” on the horizon), leverages his global reach while remaining faithful to his origins as a solo performer with emotionally driven songs.

Created during his “Mathematics World Tour” and completed in Goa, India, the album seems split in tone. Some tracks showcase Sheeran’s knack for crafting pop hits—the kind that propelled him to superstardom—while others reflect his consistent style of storytelling, much like his recent albums “Subtract” and “Autumn Variations,” which, although critically appreciated, lacked major radio singles.

In seeking broader appeal, Sheeran collaborated with new artists for tracks that have already made an impact. “Sapphire,” an addictive tune with Indian singer Arijit Singh—one of Spotify’s global chart-toppers—adds international flair. He also released a Farsi-language version of “Azizam,” produced with Ilya Salmanzadeh, Savan Kotecha, and Johnny McDaid, and featuring Iranian legend Googoosh. These efforts highlight Sheeran’s push to reach audiences beyond his U.S. and U.K. fanbases—all while clearly enjoying the ride.

The rest of the album leans on familiar Sheeran motifs. In “Old Phone,” he nostalgically reflects on personal change and long-lost friendships, echoing past songs like “Castle on the Hill.” Meanwhile, “Camera” expresses a desire to preserve meaningful moments without the need for technology, contrasting his earlier hit “Photograph” from 2014’s “Multiply.”

Certain songs are poised to become favorites. “For Always,” a heartfelt tribute to his daughters featuring gentle vocals from co-writer Amy Allen, has all the ingredients of a touching father-daughter anthem. Paired with the upbeat “The Vow,” it’s likely to find a home on many wedding playlists.

The album opens boldly with “Opening,” where Sheeran showcases his lyricism. Over shimmering instrumentals, he candidly addresses his family life, mental health struggles, public legal battle, and his place in the spotlight. “Been a long time up top but I ain’t complacent / If I look down I can see replacements,” he raps, later adding, “Gotta make dreams and chase them.”

Sheeran continues to strive for universal appeal. And in doing so, he holds onto the everyman charm that has always been at the core of his music.