The singer/songwriter’s latest album has moments of darkness and sombreness throughout – which is really quite surprising.
Always inventive, Ed Sheeran’s latest album is in many ways a surprise firstly in the way in which some of the tracks have an Indian inspired side to them but equally in the way in which there is a darkness to what the songs are focused on.
Opening song, surprisingly enough titled ‘Opening’, is a typical Ed Sheeran track that is reflective and deeply personal – is it a bleak start to the album? Yes but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t also powerful to listen to (but it would have been even more so without the rapping in my opinion).
But there is also plenty of colour and variety that lifts the album up as well. Particular stand outs in this regard is ‘Azizam’ which is certainly one of the most vibrant and catchy songs on the record. It shows the potential he has to expand his music further if he was a bit braver.
Another highlight of the album is ‘Sapphire’ which features a guest performance from Bengali singer Arijit Singh, that is genuinely beautiful in its simplicity, while ‘Heaven’ captures the wide range of musical influences that Sheeran is keen to showcase.
Meanwhile, songs such as ‘Old Phone’ and ‘Camera’ focus on memories, nostalgia and thoughtfulness that Sheeran is known for conveying through his music that can be relatable for so many. There is a sense of surprising darkness on songs such as ‘ A Little More’ that is a little disconcerting in tone in contrast to the rest of the album.
Yet he manages to bring the album back on track (no pun intended), with songs such as ‘The Vow’ which has a wonderful soulful quality to it that is hard to resist, and ‘Slowly’ which shows that Sheeran’s music is at its best when it is at its most simple. He doesn’t need to rely on tricks to make a powerful statement.
Overall, this is an album that has some strong highlights but feels like a bit of a mixed bag for this overall. Yes there are surprises to be found which paves the way in a change of direction for Sheeran in the future, but at the same time it is a mix of tones that don’t quite work well together. Simplicity is the singer’s strength.
By Emma Clarendon
Play is available to listen to now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️