Ed Sheeran's Career-Defining Single Soars Higher Than Ever As It Turns 10 Years Old

Forbes

23-05-2025

A decade ago, Ed Sheeran released what would go on to become one of the most familiar singles in his catalog — and that's saying a lot for the English singer-songwriter, who has recorded some of the biggest hits of the past 10 to 15 years in pop music. 'Photograph' was pushed as the final focus track from his album x (officially titled Multiply), and as the tune turns 10 years old, fans around the world are revisiting it. They have collectively not only turned it into a hit again, but pushed it to a new peak.
'Photograph' appears on both of Billboard's worldwide rankings this frame. It reenters the Billboard Global 200 at No. 197, which isn't far from its all-time best showing of No. 186.
At the same time, it soars on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., the tally that does not include streaming activity or sales data from the United States. There, the tune jumps 20 spaces to a new peak of No. 126.
'Photograph' has spent much more time as a worldwide hit when American activity is excluded. The Sheeran cut has now spent 77 weeks on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., including this frame. In contrast, it has only racked up four appearances on the Billboard Global 200, adding to that sum as it returns.
'Photograph' is one of five of Sheeran's singles to appear on both global rosters this frame. That roundup includes a mix of his two current focus tracks, which preview his upcoming album Play, as well as several other fan favorites.
'Azizam' and 'Old Phone' are declining after only a few frames of activity, while both 'Perfect' and 'Shape of You' have spent more than 200 frames on both rankings. Impressively, those two latter tracks — also many years old — join 'Photograph' in climbing on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., though the same can't be said for the Billboard Global 200.