At the beginning of this year, pop icon Ed Sheeran came off of his hiatus and released two singles and then a new album. Immediately, his music went to the top of the charts. This was hardly surprising as he had always been a fairly popular singer. But what is surprising is that many months later he is still high on the charts, in fact, he is the number one artist on Spotify still.

So why is his music so popular? Here are some reasons why.

1. It's Genuine.

Ed's songs have always had a sort of "genuine" feel. He doesn't shy away from the hard truths about his life or the struggles that most would keep quiet. One of his songs, Eraser, talks a lot about his life quite honestly; one line saying, "I need to get in the right mind and clear myself up. Instead, I look in the mirror questioning what I've become", talking about trying to get a grip on his life. He talks about the messy stuff, without acquiring a whiny attitude. Instead of inflicting his memories on others, he gives the listener a way to relive their own.

2. It's Diverse.

In his new album, Ed Sheeran spans a wide variety of both topics and music styles. Ranging from heartbreak to falling in love to an Irish reel to his mother dying, Sheeran has a song for every mood and occasion.

3. It's Addictive.

One of the reasons why his famous new song, Shape of You, is popular is because it's just plain catchy! That little melody will get stuck in your head for hours on end. His album can easily be played on repeat and still leave you wanting to hear it again. Then just as you start to lose interest, you accidentally stumble across the remixes. Here we go again!

4. It's Amazingly Well-Written.

The lyrics prove themselves in every song on this new album. Some are generic, allowing the melody to just take the reins. But most are quite specific and very expressive, like in his love-song Perfect, "Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms. Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song", he paints his memories and allow the listener to feel them for themselves

5. It Touches Your Heart.

Whether its tears or bright smiles, Ed's songs seem to routinely touch our hearts. There is not a person alive who doesn't cry when listening to Supermarket Flowers, where he talks about the death of his Mom. Yet somehow the very next song on the album has you jumping up and down, smiling, in Barcelona. And if you want to reminisce over that broken heart? Take a listen to Happier.

6. It's Really Those Vocals.

Ed Sheeran has a rather unique voice. It's not overly polished or over-rehearsed or trying to hit those perfect notes. With Ed's songs, it's more about the emotion in his voice. You believe every word in his lyrics because of the delivery with his voice. That's the real key. And that's probably why he can sell out full arenas within seconds.