Fellow Ed Sheeran fans, we've been waiting nearly two years for a new Ed Sheeran album, and it's finally here--and certainly well worth the wait.
Ed returned from his social media hiatus in late 2016 and began teasing ÷ (Divide) almost immediately. The build up for ÷'s release was palpable, but the album did not disappoint. Whether you've been here since before + or haven't even listened to an Ed Sheeran song before, I can promise you, it is the greatest album currently on the market (although my opinion is totally biased by his lovely ginger hair). If you are curious about the tracks, here are my humble opinions and favorite lyrics:
1. Eraser.
Eraser flashes back to a "You Need Me I Don't Need You" style rap. In a brilliant introduction to the album, Ed discusses his position in the limelight and how it has affected his life--from his church-singing days to crowds of two hundred and forty thousand. If you like this song, I would recommend watching the "Extended F64 Version" here.
Favorite Lyrics: "I think that money is the root of all evil, and fame is hell. Relationships and hearts you fixed, they break as well."
2. Castle on the Hill.
This song was one of the first two singles released. Ed reminisces about his hometown of Framlingham, Suffolk in England. It is a lovely tribute to his upbringing and the town that made him who he is. If you watch the music video, the teens casted are all from Ed's very own high school.
Favorite Lyrics: "I was younger then. Take me back to when I found my heart and broke it here, made friends and lost them through the years."
3. Dive.
Dive is such a vulnerable song. Ed openly discusses the fears of getting into a new relationship and the risk of falling too fast. Interestingly enough, Eric Clapton played guitar with Ed for this song.
Favorite Lyrics: "And I could live; I could die, hanging on the words you say. And I've been known to give my all and jumping in harder than ten thousand rocks on the lake."
4. Shape of You.
The pop anthem of this album! It is such a catchy tune, yet Ed manages to weave in his unique sound to set this song apart from the bland pop sounds found on the radio. This song was originally penned for Rihanna, but halfway through, Ed and his team realized it was a song meant for himself. I'm so glad he decided to keep it!
Favorite Lyrics: "Your love was handmade for somebody like me."
5. Perfect.
An Ed Sheeran album wouldn't be complete without a tender melody like Perfect. It is dedicated to Cherry Seaborn, Ed's long-term girlfriend. The lyrics are the kind of thoughts you hope your future spouse has about you-- so pure and so deeply enraptured by love.
Favorite Lyrics: "Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know. She shares my dreams; I hope that someday I'll share her home."
6. Galway Girl.
Galway Girl is a song you have to blare every time it comes on. It meshes traditional Irish music with pop in the most creative way. Ed fought to keep this song on the album, since it has an untraditional melody for a pop tune, but honestly, I think this is one of the strongest songs on the album and one of my personal favorites.
Favorite Lyrics: 'You know she beat me at darts, and she beat me at pool. And then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room."
7. Happier.
Happier is a heart-wrenching ballad of discovering your ex has found someone new. It is such a relatable tune about the one that you regret letting go. You can't listen to the song without relating even just a little bit. It is a mature take on a lost love, and it will break your heart.
Favorite Lyrics: "My friends told me one day I'll feel it too. I could try to smile to hide the truth, but I know I was happier with you."
8. New Man.
The lyrics of this song actually make me chuckle. It'll remind you of that one frat guy that you can't comprehend why anyone dates. Ed is so clever with words that even ridiculous lyrics about kale and bleached buttholes sound good.
Favorite Lyrics: "Still lookin' at your Instagram, and I'll be creepin' a lil. I'll be tryin' not to double tap from way back."
9. Hearts Don't Break Around Here.
This is my favorite love song from ÷. It shows off Ed's unique way of making metaphors. It is songs like these that make Ed Sheeran a model boyfriend. It is casual and raw and everything that a love song should be.
Favorite Lyrics: "She is the flint that sparks the lighter and the fuel that will hold the flame."
10. What Do I Know?
Ed uses this song as a way to discuss the topic of using his fame as a singer for change in the world. He sets himself up as someone who is unqualified to speak politically but someone who desperately wants to spread peace and love amongst everyone. It is well-put and unifying.
Favorite Lyrics: "You know, we are made up of love and hate, but both of them are balanced on a razor blade."
11. How Would You Feel (Paean).
This is a such a sweetly simple song. For those of you who were confused about the parenthetical word "Paean" in the title, it is a play on words that references the middle name of his girlfriend as well as term meaning "a work that praises or honors its subject". Fun fact: the guitar solo in the song is played by John Mayer.
Favorite Lyrics: "In the summer, as the lilacs bloom, love flows deeper than the river every moment that I spend with you."
12. Supermarket Flowers.
This song should come with a warning. I definitely and unashamedly cried listening to this song the first time (and many times after that...). It takes the perspective of Ed's mother when her mom (Ed's grandma) dies. It is so beautifully tragic, describing the actions immediately following a death.
Favorite Lyrics: "Oh, I'm in pieces. It's tearing me up, but I know a heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved."
13. Barcelona.
Barcelona focuses on the spontaneity of a new relationship. It makes you want to dance with Ed in Barcelona too. I promise, you can't sit still while listening to this song.
Favorite Lyrics: "I fell in love with the sparkle in the moonlight reflected in your beautiful eyes. I guess that is destiny doing it right."
14. Bibia Be Ye Ye.
The title to this song translates from Twi (a language spoken in ghana) to "All will be well." It is a positive song about the day after a not-so-positive night. Ed wrote this song with a Fuse ODG, who is of Ghanian descent.
Favorite Lyrics: "I tell myself in every way, I won't be doing this again, and tomorrow's a brand new day."
15. Nancy Mulligan.
I love the subject of this song! It is such an interesting topic, based on his grandparent's love story. It is such a romantic story and is filled with historical context. It definitely has traditional Irish sounds, with his grandmother being from Wexford, Ireland.
Favorite Lyrics: "I made that wedding ring from dentist gold, and I asked her father, but her daddy said, 'No, you can't marry my daughter.'"
16. Save Myself.
This song is another heart-wrenching one. Ed is phenomenal at writing lyrics that seem to be written straight from my own heart. Personally, this song really resonates with me--focusing on toxic, selfish friendships that eventually show their true nature and their effect on you. It is a great, but sad, listen.
Favorite Lyrics: "And all the ones that love me, they just left me on the shelf--no farewell."
