It’s been some time since we heard new music from Ed Sheeran, one of the top singer-songwriters for the past-decade. But luckily the wait is over.
Sheeran’s new album, Divide, is jam packed with 16 tracks that bring us into the depths of his world of love, loss and positivity. This album as a whole is definitely different than the others. With the tracks “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You” already released, it gave us a glimpse as to what the sound of the album would be like. Fans of Sheeran will not be disappointed.
One of the popular songs from the album that stood out was “Perfect” and the title pretty much sums up what I think of the track. If Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” was one that encompassed the deep love that comes from a serious relationship then “Perfect”’s poetic lyrics and ballad tunes paint the picture of a happy marriage. This track only shows the maturity in his sound but also the level of depth his new relationship brings.
Swinging at a total 180 degrees, the next track “Galway Girl” is more uptempo with its Irish jig and acoustic guitar melody. With the catchy chorus, you can’t help but sing along. If only we can be Sheeran’s “Galway Girl”.
But the next track, “Happier”, doesn’t carry the same upbeat melody as found in “Galway Girl”. Sheeran has a way of storytelling that despite his detailed stories, he still finds a way to make his songs resonate with a wide audience. “Happier” is about finding your ex, one that you still love, moving on with someone new. It’s hard not to get choked up listening to the song. Even though we may hate to admit it, we’ve all been there.
The next track “New Man” is basically Sheeran’s answer to his old song “Don’t”. It carries the same edgy emotions that we loved listening to in his older music. Sheeran wasn’t afraid to share a few skeletons in the closet when it came to singing about exes and the challenges that come with moving on from past lovers. Additionally, I couldn’t help but chuckle at when Sheeran’s lyrics of checking on your ex’s Instagram and trying not to double tap on old photos because we have all been there and if you say you haven’t then you’re lying.
If you loved “Perfect” then give “How Would You Feel” a listen. The pacing and guitar notes remind me a bit of “Thinking Out Loud”. It has the same young love feel with a similar guitar melody. Unlike “Thinking Out Loud”, “How Would You Feel”’s sound is a bit lighter and has a nice balance between the drum’s brushes on the snare and acoustic guitar.
But if Sheeran’s music didn’t already bring you to tears, his song “Supermarket Flowers” will. As light piano plays, Sheeran’s voice fills your speakers with lyrics that moving and very emotional. Told in his mother’s point of the view, this song is one meant for healing and reflecting during a loss in the family. While Sheeran was recording his album, his mother lost her mother and through this track, Sheeran wanted to honor the memory of his grandmother. This ballad couldn’t have been more beautiful, heartbreaking and emotional all at once.
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On Divide, Sheeran’s lyrics reached a new level of emotional depth and maturity; one we haven’t heard before. Moreover, the album showed a side of Sheeran that we don’t always get to see. Though it isn’t as edgy as his previous work, it’s still enjoyable nonetheless. You can’t help but smile, reflect and reminiscence after listening to the album because if there’s one thing that Sheeran knows how to do perfectly is to connect with his fans in a way that not every artist can.
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