Worldwide superstar Ed Sheeran has confirmed details of his hugely anticipated new album ÷ (pronounced “divide”), set for release on 3rd March 2017 through Asylum/Atlantic Records.Ed’s third studio album – is on course to become one of the most significant global album releases of 2017 and sees the 25-year-old Suffolk native in his finest form yet. The genre-defying LP is the result of an artist who consistently pushes himself in new directions, uncovering fresh musical ground using a seemingly limitless musical vocabulary. Drawing inspiration from a host of personal experiences and subjects, Ed takes you through a hugely personal journey; be that reflecting on past relationships, family memories, his musical career or his time off travelling the world in 2016. Musically ÷ is an array of beautifully orchestrated and emotive ballads, impassioned raps laid over hip hop beats, timeless acoustic guitar masterpieces and innovative, idiosyncratic pop music. Ed’s record-breaking dual comeback singles perfectly highlight one of the distinct divides in his musical spectrum with Castle On The Hill (an ode to his hometown of Framlingham, Suffolk) positioning itself towards a stadium-ready, rockier sound and Shape Of You dismantling and rebuilding modern-pop using little more than a loop pedal. ÷ will reveal everything in-between whilst showcasing Ed’s impeccable guitar playing, peerless lyricism, boundless musical palate and jarringly-honest, and often autobiographical, storytelling – some of the reasons this much-loved talent has built an undeniably loyal following across the globe. Executively produced by Benny Blanco (Rihanna, The Weeknd) and Ed himself with further production coming from Johnny McDaid, Mike Elizondo and Steve Mac, the album was recorded between LA, London, Suffolk and RMS Queen Mary 2. Hugely representative of modern times, both sonically and topically, ÷ reaffirms Ed as one of the world’s most forward-thinking and versatile troubadours. Furthermore, Ed created the album artwork concept, even painting the cover himself!
A**N
Simple catchy tunes with honest sometimes laugh out loud lyrics, infectious,this stands out from the crowd, it is another winner
This will be one of the biggest albums of the year, and deservedly so. Ed has the gift to write a catchy tune that can be simply performed solo. Several of his songs focus on his small town rural youth, and look back on his formative years with a charming naivety. As with his previous albums, there are some more up tempo rap tracks contrasted with some slower more thoughtful ballads.His enthusiasm and positive attitude shine through, and several of the songs relate to his status as a popular pop star, receiving texts from girls that he does not know, and the simple joys of performing his music live in front of an audience, such as the autobiographical What Do I Know? which is charming, funny, and foot tapping, contrasting his simple joy of performing his songs against others more traditional conservative contemporaries badly impacted by the stock market crash and the decline in the value of their portfoliosThere are some new developments as well, he obviously soaked up some of the traditional atmosphere when over in Ireland, and Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan add fiddles and are a homage to that country. A couple of the bonus tracks are more world music influenced: Barcelona is a bright summery catchy tribute tune to that trendy Spanish city. More surprising and welcome is the track Bibia Be Ye Ye recorded in Ghana and having glorious African foot tapping instrumentation which is infectious, well done for taking a chance on doing something different.New Man is a glorious bitchy jealous swipe at a posing rival for a girls affections who is trendy but a shallow hate figure to have a pop at, with some so funny images he conjures up with his lyrics. In counterpoint How Would You feel ( Paean) is an openhearted romantic simple honest emotional love song.He manages to cleverly tread the fine line between being romantically soppy, looking back on his formative years, enjoying his super star lifestyle, and taking on new flavours like Irish and African influences with considerable aplomb. His honesty, writing from his personal experience, shines through with a positive integrity that is admirable. Some of the critics have panned some of this, but more power to his elbow, this is a loveable fantastic infectious fun 3rd album that shows exactly where he is currently at, and it is great stuff. All of it is accessible and highly entertaining, and it will be the preferred soundtrack for many over the coming few months, deservedly so.
K**A
Cd
Beautiful songs
V**N
GOOD CD
GOOD CD AND LOVELY VOICE
V**W
UK Number 1 album for 19 weeks for a reason
This is a wonderful album- one of the best I have bought in ages- I've had it on over and over again in the months since I bought it. Cannot recommend it highly enough. The mixture of styles on this album, particularly the inclusion of Irish-type music in Galway Girl and Nany Mulligan, adds an extra element that was missing from Ed Sheeran's early albums and really raises his "game", yet again. Full of catchy songs- there isn't really a weak track on the album. Ed Sheeran is "man-of-the-moment" at present- Jools Holland even called him the Man of 2017, on his annual Hootenany show this year (2017/2018), which seems to be entirely fair comment- with albums like this under his belt, it is a richly deserved accolade. The deluxe version has 4 great songs more than the standard issue, which are well worth getting- not least so the album doesn't end on the heartbreaking (if lyrically beautiful) "Supermarket Flowers".It is not surprising this album has been number 1 for (currently) 19 weeks in the UK.If this album is anything to go by, I am really looking forward to Ed Sheeran's future music, too.
S**Y
Not a bad cd at all
I have always found Ed Sheeran listenable and I think he is a good songwriter. But not enough for him to earn a section in my music collection.My girlfriend loves his music though so I bought it for her. What makes her happy is good enough for me.All in all it's not a bad album and I'm shocked that it has not had any in depth reviews on here yet!I'm sure my other half would give it ten stars if she could!
A**H
Perfect
Love this
D**D
Buy it, you won't be disappointed.
I was so excited to hear Ed's new cd, wow, I wasn't disappointed, it's awesome!!!I was brought to tears with Supermarket Flowers, I think everyone can relate to the words of that song...Every song touched me to the core of my soul:Again, this talented, Wonderful young man, didn't disappoint his fans.I know I will be playing this cd over & over again, I love it...I still love every track on Ed's, X album, I have constantly played it in my car since it was released & I'm a 60 year old women.My granddaughter was 2 years old when X was released, within a week she could sing every track, she's 5 now & Ed Sheeran, is still her favourite musician. It doesn't matter if you're 2 or 60 something, everyone loves the amazingly talented Ed Sheeran!!!!JUST BUY THIS ALBUM, I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LOVE IT...
B**R
Worth the extra on vinyl
Excellent next day delivery on Prime. Album it itself has enough reviews, you either love it or not and can't have not heard (all) the tracks by now. Took a while to grow on me but it did and hence I've now joined the throngs and bought it. As for Vinyl, the product is fantastic. Well produced on much sturdier 180gm Vinyl (thicker than the old ones!!) and sounds great. Somehow playing it on Vinyl makes you more invested in the listening process. That said you also get the album on free download so you don't miss out there and benefit from all the artwork on the album itself which relays a lot about the artist. Worth the slight extra in my opinion.
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