Ed Sheeran, everyone’s favorite serenading guitarist, is back and better than ever after a three year hiatus with his third album Divide. Although the full album was just released on March 3rd, it has been the source of buzz for several months, as its singles (“Castle on the Hill”and “Shape of You”) were released in January, and quickly garnered much success.
Divide, with its abundance of passionate love songs and pop rock style music, possesses similarities to Sheeran’s mathematical duo of past album’s, + (2011) and X (2014); however its infusion of new genres, such as Celtic folk, make it unique work.
The album’s first track “Eraser,” strays from Sheeran’s indie singer image, as it begins with him rapping. He then returns to his pop sound by singing in the chorus, commenting on the journey of his career, and expressing gratitude for his large success, as well as his awareness of fame’s pitfalls. Appealing to both hip hop and pop lovers, “Eraser” is a catchy song that offers an intimate view into Sheeran’s special relationship with music, or his “paineraser.”
“Castle on the Hill” is also a personal track, focusing on Sheeran’s fond memories of his hometown. However, guitar provides the song with a more upbeat sound, as Sheeran nostalgically sings about his old friends and first love. With “Dive”, Sheeran transitions from singing about an old girlfriend to a current one. This track acts as the first of the album’s numerous love songs dedicated to his significant other. His soulful singing and the electric guitar solo both emphasize Sheeran’s expressed love for his girlfriend.
The track’s subject of a strong emotional love and connection is juxtaposed with the succeeding track’s focus on physical lust.“Shape of You,” one of the album’s singles, is a fun dance song which has been dominating the charts. (You have probably heard it one too many times on the radio.) Its popularity is understandable, given the song’s catchy lyrics. However, “Shape of You” is the only track which discusses love based on physicality.
“Perfect” is a quintessential love ballad with a soothing beat which captures Sheeran’s strong adoration of his girlfriend. Fans of Sheeran’s 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud” will thoroughly enjoy “Perfect”, as the two songs are similar. However, the singer/songwriter himself stated in an interview with Music Choice, that the song surpasses its predecessor, but you can be the judge of which one is best. Another love song guaranteed to make your heart melt is the track “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here,” which speaks about the emotional security Sheeran’s girlfriend provides him with (“I feel safe when you’re holding me near”), indicating his desire to stay with her permanently.
Additionally, “How Would You Feel (Paean)” is another heartfelt track dedicated to Sheeran’s girlfriend, Paean being her middle name. The acoustic guitar gives the song a soothing effect, as does John Mayer’s electric guitar solo. With this song, Sheeran once again shares deeply personal details about his relationship, with lyrics such as “I’ll be taking my time, spending my life, falling deeper in love with you.” His honesty is almost tangible, adding to the song’s beauty.
If sappy love songs do not appeal to your music taste, fear not. Divide has several songs which discuss relationships in a humourous and more carefree manner. “Galway Girl” is a mixture of Celtic folk and acoustic guitar, featuring Beoga, an Irish folk band. The result is a catchy and fast-paced track about an Englishman and Irish woman, or “Galway Girl”, who met and fell in love at a bar, evoking a little Irish spirit in everyone.
“New Man” is also fast-paced song in which Sheeran sings amusing lyrics about his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend who “goes to the gym at least six times a week” and “wears boat shoes with no socks on his feet.” It’s almost guaranteed to make you laugh, and after just one listen, you’ll be humming the lyrics nonstop.
A less comical but more thought-provoking can be found in “What Do I Know?” which discusses the joint power of music and love. Sheeran utilizes the song to convey the message that “…life is more than fitting in your jeans, it’s love and understanding positivity.”
Despite the album’s array of jovial tracks, there are somber songs which are definite tear-jerkers. “Happier,” although a depressing breakup ballad, demonstrates Sheeran’s maturity, as he realizes his ex is happier with her new boyfriend than she was with him.
“Supermarket Flowers,” the album’s last song, does not focus on the topic of relationships, but is just as, if not more, heartbreaking. The song is about Sheeran’s late grandmother and his lyrics offer a more comforting view of death (“spread your wings as you go, when God takes you back he’ll say ‘Hallelujah you’re home’”).
Whether you’re a fan of Ed Sheeran or not, Divide will not disappoint. Its medley ofsounds and genres appeal to all music lovers, while maintaining Sheeran’s distinct style. So if you’re looking for some new music to invest in, Divide may be your best bet.
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