Ed Sheeran – ‘÷’ (Divide) – 10/03/17
9.5/10
Suffolk’s very own singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is brewing up a storm for 2017. Having released two fantastic full-length albums ‘+’ (Plus) in 2011, and ‘X’ (Multiply) in 2014, his next installment of his mathematical genius albums is ‘÷’ (Divide) which is set to concur the world in 2017.
Having taken a three-year hiatus/gap, Ed Sheeran has landed straight back on his feet with two record breaking singles to kick off the year with a statement. ‘Shape Of You’ made Spotify history accumulating 7,940,950 streams in one day to knock Adele off her perch with it’s infectious beat heavy chorus. The track provides a distinctive change in direction but works perfectly well with Ed’s vocals and layered musical talent, which will come across fantastically live with his loop pedal wizardry. Having been written originally for Little Mix or Rhianna, I’m sure Ed’s pretty thankful he didn’t let this one slip through his fingers.
His First of the two singles ‘Castle On The Hill’ initially displayed his musical direction for the new album. The track, written in ode to his hometown Framlingham, takes us through a story of his home comforts, friends, family, and memories to create an emphatic uplifting sing along worthy of the arena stage.
However ‘Shape Of You’ and ‘Castle On The Hill’ are just the icing on the cake for Ed’s third studio album ‘÷’ as it is packed with a sixteen-track rollercoaster ride of magnificent anthems and moving love songs. Opening track ‘Eraser’ kicks of the album with an intricate guitar line backing Ed’s rapping vocals through his journey of his mind and lifestyle to date, creating a powerful introduction to ‘÷’.
The album is packed from start to finish with diversity displaying the heights that Ed can reach within his own musical capabilities. Tracks such as ‘New Man’ and ‘Galway Girl’ bring the rap-pop element to the album spitting his quirky lyrics over his guitar and beats, which are destined to be hit singles in the months to come. In contrast, ‘Perfect’ and ‘Save Myself’ are slow moving heart filed tracks, beautifully written with emotional honesty.
‘Barcelona’ is a hidden gem on an album packed with hits, with its uplifting warm acoustic dance vibes you can’t help but sing along. It’s a track built for summer and has us all ready to leave the cold evenings behind. ‘Bibia Be Ye Ye’ (somewhat difficult to pronounce) has a similar vibe to it as ‘Barcelona’ does, before ‘Nancy Mulligan’ takes us back to Ed’s Irish roots not for the first time on ‘÷’.
Ed’s third full-length album may have ironically divided the opinion of many people and press alike, but the quality packed into this album is phenomenal. It’s very well written with relatable stories and lyrics, over catchy and contagious tunes to help display Ed’s musical creativity, putting him well up their with the likes of Sia in terms of being one of the biggest singer-songwriters of recent years. 2017 belongs to Ed Sheeran, and it’s going to be extremely difficult for someone to prise it away from him.
Catch Ed Sheeran on tour in the UK next month:
Wed 12 April Dublin 3 Arena
Thu 13 April Dublin 3 Arena
Sun 16 April Glasgow The SSE Hydro
Mon 17 April Glasgow The SSE Hydro
Wed 19 April Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Thu 20 April Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Sat 22 April Manchester Arena
Sun 23 April Manchester Arena
Tue 25 April Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Wed 26 April Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Fri 28 April Birmingham Barclaycard Arena
Sat 29 April Birmingham Barclaycard Arena
Mon 1 May London The O2
Tue 2 May London The O2
