Two time Grammy winner, Ed Sheeran, is most known for his songs full of raw emotions and love. He’s mentioned before that all artists must grow and develop their sound over the course of their careers, and therefore this album of new music should come as no surprise to fans.
1. Eraser
Sheeran, an occasional rapper in his songs, squeezes his journey to becoming a recording artist in almost four minutes of this first track. He uses frequent repetition in his music, allowing the listeners to further focus on the lyrics of a confident man who has found his own method of saving himself from his troubles. “Save your loving arms for rainy day, and I’ll find comfort in my pain eraser”.
2. Castle on the Hill
One of the first singles released, “Castle on the Hill,” is a different sound from his typical music. Sheeran sings about growing up in Suffolk, England as a young boy. “Oh how we’ve grown, but I can’t wait to go home,” he repeats on every chorus. The upbeat tempo rhythm of the electric guitar strumming and the constant beat from both the bass and the drums are a change for the singer-songwriter, who typically goes for simpler solos.
3. Dive
Unlike the previous track, “Dive” is a typical Sheeran song, a raw solo full of loving lyrics. He talks about the extent of what he would do to be with someone, though still unsure of the love. “So let me know the truth, before I dive right into you,” he sings. Similar to John Mayer’s music, Sheeran utilizes an electric guitar solo, instead of a bridge, reminding the listeners that his musical abilities are beyond only singing.
4. Shape of You
Another one of the first singles released as a surprise to his fans, the fourth track of ‘÷’ is an experimental sound for Sheeran using simple repetition of several instruments to create a catchy rhythm in the background. He utilizes a keyboard for the repeated motif, an acoustic guitar in place of a drum set for the rhythm, and well-placed harmonizing that further emphasizes the lyrics. “Although my heart is falling too, I’m in love with your body."
5. Perfect
In “Perfect," Sheeran sings of his young, yet true love. “I will not give you up this time, but darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own, and in your eyes, you’re holding mine." Reminiscent of the early 2000s, Sheeran snaps his fingers as the rhythm of the music, only switching to a drum set once he reaches the second chorus. This track also contains an electric guitar solo, like “Dive”, wherein Sheeran further showcases his skills of the six strings.
6. Galway Girl
Sheeran acknowledges the risk, but also his excitement, of including a folk-inspired song in his album. A combination of traditional Irish music, with the constant playing melody of the violin in the background, and Sheeran’s own rap/songwriter genre, “Galway Girl” is also a new sound for him.
7. Happier
This track is a song about Sheeran’s heartbreak, still in love with a girl who has since moved on and is now “Happier." “Sat in the corner of the room, everything’s reminding me of you, nursing an empty bottle and telling myself you’re happier, aren’t you?” A sad ballad with a focus on the lyrics, Sheeran utilizes a simple accompaniment of the acoustic guitar and chords on the keyboard to truly portray his vulnerability as a heartbroken man.
8. New Man
Reminiscent of “Sing” on his previous album, “New Man” uses quick melodies and constant 4/4 beat on the strumming of Sheeran’s acoustic guitar to try and advice an ex. “You act so differently when you’re with him, I know you’re lonely, please, remember you’re still free, to make the choice and leave."
9. Hearts Don't Break Around Here
A typical Sheeran ballad, a combination of the strumming acoustic guitar and heartfelt lyrics, he sings about a love at its highest moment. “I feel safe when you’re holding me near, love the way that you conquer your fear, you know hearts don’t break around here." This track acts as a confession of Sheeran’s love, not worrying about anything else.
10. What Do I Know?
The only non-love song of the album, Sheeran sings about the power of music and its ability in impacting issues of the world. “We could change this world with a piano, add a bass, some guitar, grab a beat, and away we go." Sheeran’s raw voice is accompanied by the rhythm of the electric guitar and perfect harmonizing.
11. How Would You Feel (Paean)
Sheeran bares all his feelings in four minutes. He sings about his doubts of what his love would respond to his profession of love. “How would you feel if I told you I loved you? It’s just something that I want to do, I’ll be taking my time, spending my life falling deeper in love with you, so tell me that you love me too."
12. Supermarket Flowers
Accompanied simply by a keyboard, Sheeran sings of moving on and getting over. “Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know that a heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved." He acknowledges that, though he is now heartbroken and hurt, there is still a bright side and lessons to learn from the relationship.
‘÷’ contains a lot of new sounds for Sheeran, an ever-evolving artist who never settles for his music.
