After a (too long) hiatus from music, Ed Sheeran graced us with his angelic voice on March third when he released his newest album, "Divide". Being a huge fan of his I was extremely excited to hear it, and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
The first track is called "Eraser", with a slightly up-beat tempo and slightly depressing lyrics. While not commonly known, it has been said that Sheeran struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, which comes to light in this song. The "eraser" he speaks of is a popular drink called a "mind eraser", which Sheeran is said to have drunk a lot of. "I am happy on my own, so here I'll stay. Save your lovin' arms for a rainy day, and I'll find comfort in my pain eraser".
Next is "Castle on the Hill" which is the ultimate feel-good, drive-home-for-the-summer type of song. He sings about his childhood friends and his hometown that shaped him into the man he is today. This song is uniquely great because no matter what stage of life you're in, anyone can relate to his words. "Found my heart and broke it here, made friends and lost them through the years, and I've not seen the roaring fields in so long, I know I've grown, but I can't wait to go home".
"Dive" is easily one of my favorite songs on the album, as I'm a sap for anything romantic. Sheeran sings about falling in love with someone, but asking them to be truthful in how they feel. I'm pretty sure everyone who's ever had a crush will relate to his words and understand the passion behind them. "So don't call me baby, unless you mean it. Don't tell me you need me, if you don't believe it. So let me know the truth, before I dive right into you".
The most popular song on the album, "Shape of You", is good for a girls night out, cramming in a study session or dancing in your room. It's fun, catchy and an absolute jam. "Girl, you know I want your love, your love was handmade for somebody like me".
Another romantic ballad, "Perfect" would make a great first dance song if you're getting married soon. The lyrics are beautiful, and all about finding the woman who is perfect in your eyes. Just beautiful. "When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath. But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight".
The first thing I thought of when I heard "Galway Girl" was dancing in an Irish bar (although that's a bit stereotypical since I've never been to one). Whether it's about a one night stand or just meeting a really cool girl in a bar, this song is fun and easy to dance to so it gets an A in my book. "She played the fiddle in an Irish band, but she fell in love with an English man. Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand, said, "Baby, I just want to dance"".
If you just went through a breakup, "Happier" will either crush your soul or feed it. Slow and soft, this song is about a lost love who found someone new. "Cause baby you look happier, you do. My friends told me one day I'll feel it too. And until then I'll smile to hide the truth, but I know I was happier with you".
"New Man" is like a part two to Happier, and is both hilarious and full of shade. Sheeran uses the entire song to make fun of this new guy, and I aspire to be that level of petty. "I don't wanna know about your new man, we'll get there eventually. I know you're missing all this kind of love, but I'm positive that he don't wanna know about me".
"Hearts Don't Break Around Here" is another beautiful love song, about two people who truly love each other. His lyrics speak about a pure and true kind of love that doesn't seem to have an end. "That every night I'll kiss you, you'll say in my ear, Oh we're in love, aren't we?"
Sheeran's lyrics are typically romantic, but in "What Do I Know" he discusses the idea of changing the world through music. He acknowledges that he has no formal education, but believes that we can change the world for the better using the power of music. "We could change this whole world with a piano, add a bass, some guitar, grab a beat and away we go. I'm just a boy with a one-man show, no university, no degree".
"How Would You Feel (Paean)" is a song about falling in love with someone, and being nervous to share that with them. "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".
The final song on the album, "Supermarket Flowers" is one that I have a difficult time both listening to and talking about. Simply put, this song is about his Mom who died. The lyrics are beautiful and raw and sad and just thinking about it brings me to tears. "Hallelujah, you were an angel in the shape of my mum. You got to see the person I have become, spread your wings and I know, that when God took you back, he said Hallelujah you're home".
Overall, I think this album is amazing and while I have certain songs that are my favorites I will be jamming to this 24/7 for the next few weeks, and you definitely should too.
