Ed gives us a really big look into his life, with this album. This album seems to be really personal (amusing all these songs are his own personal stories.) As a whole I really loved the album, might sound a bit biased as I am a big Ed Sheeran fan but I think this album is really respectable. The album exceeded my expectations and I am blown away by Sheerans work. I do understand why a lot of people will stick with Sheerans first LP + , because this album is a lot different and for some people that will take some getting used to but there's no denying this album is incredible it has so much versatility and depth. He puts everything into his work and I think that is why he has gotten such a positive response. Cant wait to see what he will do next!
here is a track by track review:
One: Very Ed Sheeran not to say that is a negative thing, goes back to his roots. Very emotional heart-felt song.
I'm A mess: This song is really instrumentally and vocally shines .
Sing: The very controversial single. I do say I have to disagree with everyone who thinks this song wasn't fit for a single. It was the perfect song, fitting of the album not as a representation of the whole album musically and lyrically but that the album was going in a different direction from his first album (+). Also very catchy and easy to catch the attention and curiosity of people whether positive or negative; good choice.
Don't: Very raw, also tells a story from begging to end. A very different side of Sheeran which i think is important people see. Feel like people have a certain thought when listening to him and this might change that.
Nina: A very reminiscent ed speaking about a relationship and how he needed to put his career first, which i think people will respect.
Photograph: This song blew me away when I first heard it. Personally one of my favorites on the album. Will say it does give me a Taylor Swift vibe; which isn't a bad thing in this case. Think everyone can take a piece of this song and relate to it, important song for the album. I think Ed said once this song would change his career I agree.
Bloodstream: I do admit I wasn't a big fan of this one when I gave the album a fist listen but it's grown on me. Feel as if this song could be 'Drunk's- a song off of the first album, older cousin. Theres nothing bad about this song, just falls a bit flat. Not the strongest song, but it falls very well within the album.
Tenerife Sea: Songs shows that sometimes some of the most simple lyrics are the best.
Runaway: Story of an alcoholic dad, and family problems. very interesting song, I think he did a very good job at making the song enjoyable. I don't want to analyze too much I guess because I can relate in a way
The Man: In my opinion one of the most vulnerable tracks on the album.Hitting different topics of relationships, the industry,and substance abuse. Even making what might be a Cobain referenc which I find really interesting. Whole song feels very heavy.
Thinking Out Loud: A calmness after the different things heard from the rest of the album. Also one of my favorites, very intimate song.
Afire love: Super emotional song, that did it and brought me to tears. Track is about Eds grandfather who eventually falls to Alzheimer's. Eventually death bring people together. Love this one.
BONUS TRACKS
Take It Back: I very much enjoy this song, very fun. I really love all of the clever (in my opinion) references used in this song.
Shirtsleeves: Enjoy the lyrics of this track an awful lot.
Even My Dad Does Sometimes: Tears, song means to much. I've waited for an official audio to this song for years.
-nat.
