IT HAPPENED EVERYONE. "Divide" is out, aka Ed Sheeran's new album, and my body is absolutely not ready. For this week's article: I am live reviewing it. Like I am typing this into and am getting ready to listen to it for the first time. This is going to be one long article, so without further ado, here's my review of Ed Sheeran's "Divide".
Eraser
This is what I wanted out of the album: classic Ed elements with a new twist. This track has a groovy guitar element mixed with Sheeran's flowing rap verses and I'm totally here for it. This is Sheeran explaining why he went on hiatus, and gives you a deeper and more personal look into his life.
Fav lyric: I chased the picture perfect life, I think they painted it wrong
Castle on the Hill
This has been out for a while (I reviewed it here) but I'm still in love with it. It makes me nostalgic and ready for summer. Fun music fact: this song was inspired by "The River" by Bruce Springsteen (he wanted a song like that). The lyrics were improvised on the spot but you would never know.
Fav lyric: I'm on my way, driving at 90 down those country lanes, singing to "Tiny Dancer". And I miss the way you make me feel
Dive
Damn, Ed Sheeran goes a little old school here. It's super croony, complete with the echoing backup vocals and mournful lyrics. Picture an old school dive bar with a lone singer at the mic, that's the song.
Fav Lyric: What's your history? Do you have a tendency to lead some people on? Cause I heard you do
Shape of You
This is the other single that was first released (also reviewed here). Not going to lie, as much as I love this song, I'm starting to get over it. It's turning into "Thinking Out Loud", aka getting completely overplayed on every station.
Fav lyric: We talk for hours and hours about the sweet and the sour and how your family is doing okay. Leave and get in a taxi, then kiss in the backseat, tell the driver make the radio play
Perfect
Ah, the classic Ed Sheeran love song. This has some elements of "Thinking Out Loud" and "Photograph" which I'm sure no one minds. Sheeran tends to write the kind of sappy "true love's kiss, you're a goddess" kind of songs and even someone as utterly single as me can't help but feel a little mushy listening to this.
Fav lyric: Baby I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms. Barefoot on the grass, listening to my favorite song.
Galway Girl
GUYS. OHMYGOD. I REALLY like this one, it's kind of like a more punk/Irish jig version of sing. This is an utter jam. It has it all: rap, strange lyrics, gospel sounding backups, and Sheeran's crazy vocals. Take all of that and add an Irish flare and you basically have perfection.
Fav lyric: Now we've outstayed our welcome and it's closing time. I was holding her hand, her hand was holding mine. Our coats both smell of smoke, whiskey and wine
Happier
It's called "Happier" but it definitely doesn't sound happy. It's a pretty great breakup song (seeing your love better off with someone else), and it makes me think of my epic (and completely non-existent) love that was lost. This one is definitely more of a ballad, and highlights how insanely good of a singer Sheeran is.
Fav lyric: Ain't nobody hurt you like I hurt you. But ain't nobody love you like I do .
New Man
Hehe, 10 seconds in and he said "bleached asshole". This is the typical "post break up and I still kind of like you so I'm going to diss you and your new guy" song that Sheeran loves to do (see: "don't").
Fav lyric: I guess if you were Lois Lane, I wasn't superman, just a young boy trying to be loved, so let me give it to you [The whole song is gold tbh]
Hearts Don't Break Around Here
And we're back to "I'm so in love with the perfect girl". It's sweet and perfect for your wedding, prom night, etc. It's a little run of the mill, not forgettable but nothing newsworthy that makes me feel super emotional.
Fav lyric: She is the river flow in Orwell and tin wind chimes used for doorbells
What Do I Know?
This track is the cutest political song ever. It's all about how the world is going to shit but love (and positivity) can change the world. Lyrically this is my favorite so far, it's a great message (and very fitting given how America is the biggest shitshow).
Fav lyric: We could change this whole world with a piano. Add a bass, some guitar, grab a beat and away we go
How Would You Feel (Paean)
Ed Sheeran released this on his birthday because he is too precious for this world. It's sweet and simple like cotton candy. The lyrics aren't as poetic as some of his other love songs, but it's easy to memorize and something you can listen to on repeat for hours (not like I've done that)
Fav lyric: We were sat upon our best friend's roof. I had both of my arms round you, watching the sunrise replace the moon.
Supermarket Flowers
At first you're like "oh this is kinda sad", but then once the chorus hits you're like "OHMYGOD I'M SO UPSET". Backstory: This was written for Sheeran's Grandmother, who had been ill during the production of the album, and who ultimately passed away. This song is at the same level as "Afire Love" and "Small Bump", so get ready to feel the emotions.
Fav lyric: 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
Barcelona
Hella more upbeat, much needed after the last emotional rollercoaster. It has the same marimba style instrumentals as "Shape of You" and has the same nightclub dancefloor vibe. He also casually whips out some Spanish and Lord have mercy (me gusto mucho).
Fav lyrics: Well get up up on the dancefloor tonight. I've got two left feet and a bottle of red wine, making me feel like the beat and the bassline are in my blood
Bibia Be Ye Ye
Ever woken up from a night out that you know was great but weren't sure why because you got a bit too drunk? That feeling is this song, the "whoops we got too drunk but damn it was kinda worth it". It's a Twi phrase that means "everything will be alright" and honestly everything will be okay after you listen to this song.
Fav lyric: I remember less and less, and mostly things that I regret. In my phone are several texts, from girls I've never met, and in the pocket of my jeans, are only coins and broken dreams
Nancy Mulligan
Another Irish jig tune, and I'm LOVING this. This track was inspired by Sheeran's grandparent's love story and I actually cannot with this. I've never been to an Irish pub, but this song is what I expect it to sound like.
Fav lyric: From her snow white streak in her jet black hair, over sixty years I've been loving her. Now we're sat by the fire in our old armchairs, you know Nancy, I adore ya
Save Myself
To conclude the album, Sheeran went deep. At first it felt a little flat, but the lyrics hit you like a ton of bricks. This is the song you'll think about at 3am when you don't know what direction your life is going. It's what you're going to listen to on repeat for hours when things get tough. This song is lowkey magic.
Fav lyric: I gave you all my energy and I took away your pain, cause human beings are destined to radiate or drain. What line do we stand upon cause from here it looks the same? And only scars remain.
Ten out of ten would listen to this album every day for the rest of their lives. It's soulful, romantic, and fun, basically everything you want from Ed Sheeran. Stream it, buy it, tweet Ed Sheeran and tell him how great this is.
Top Tracks: Eraser, Galway Girl, What Do I Know, Bibia Be Ye Ye, Nancy Mulligan
