Pitchfork’s review of Ed Sheeran’s eighth studio album, Play, has stirred controversy after scoring the project a 4.3 out of 10. Released on September 12, 2025, the album blends South and West Asian influences with Sheeran’s pop style.
However, reviewer Matthew Strauss dismissed the effort as “generic” and “half-heartedly ambitious” in the September 17 write-up.
The review drew backlash on X, largely from Taylor Swift fans, after Strauss compared Sheeran’s “mercenary ambition” to that of his long-time collaborator. Critics called the reference unnecessary and biased.
While Rolling Stone and The Guardian praised Play for its nostalgic, global sound, NME echoed Pitchfork’s underwhelmed take. As of September 18, neither Sheeran nor Swift has addressed the controversy.
