New Music: Ed Sheeran - 'How Would You Feel (Paean)'

Following the record-setting release of “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” Ed Sheeran returns with “How Would You Feel (Paean),” the third offering from his upcoming album ÷.

Strumming an acoustic guitar, the British crooner delivers an emotional love ballad that showcases his songwriting. “How would you feel if I told you I loved you?” he asks. “It’s just something that I want to do / I’ll be taking my time / Spending my life, falling deeper in love with you.”

Despite being the third release from ÷, “How Would You Feel (Paean)” is not the album’s new single. “its not the next single,” tweeted Ed. “but is one of my favzzzzz.”

The track arrives on Sheeran’s 26th birthday, but it’s not the only gift he’s giving fans. To celebrate, he also unveiled a live performance video, in which he’s backed by a pianist in a beautiful, vintage-looking space.

Last month, Ed unleashed “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” at the same time, becoming the first artist ever to debut two singles simultaneously in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Videos soon followed in his old stomping grounds (“Castle on the Hill”) and in the sumo wrestling ring (“Shape of You”).

Sheeran’s third album, ÷, is due March 3.