Ed Sheeran's new album, "÷," has taken the music industry by storm. The album is full of songs that make you want to dance without a care in the world, hold your lover close to your chest and call your mom immediately. Trust me, the lyrics will pull your heartstrings in every direction. I've listened to the full album a few times now, and here is my opinion of each song:
1. "Eraser"
Okay, so let me get this straight, Ed Sheeran is rapping? It's not my favorite thing to hear, but it's not terrible. This is my least favorite song on the album, but I still think the chorus is catchy and I can see how some people could like this track.
2. "Castle On The Hill
The second dong on the album definitely makes up for the first one. I think this song is absolutely amazing. Sheeran captured a beautiful story about growing up, and spending some quality time with good friends. If I'm being completely honest, I almost cried when I first heard it. This is one of my favorite songs be Sheeran, ever!
3. "Dive"
"Dive" is the first song that just has a chill vibe. Sheeran's voice in this track is extremely smooth in the beginning, and then suddenly he belts out the chorus. I will definitely be singing this one out in the shower at the top of my lungs.
4. "Shape of You"
This song wasn't much of a surprise because Sheeran released it before the rest of the album. We knew it all by heart weeks ago. "Shape of You" gave us the first taste of his new music, and I think it was a good track to tease us with. It's the best song from the album for a DJ to play at a party.
5. "Perfect"
Sheeran is back at it again with another love song that makes our hearts swoon. "Perfect" is a beautiful song that every boy should sing sweetly to his sweetheart. (Hey, Ed? While we're on the subject, can you sing it for me?)
6. "Galway Girl"
I must admit that this one has some rap in it too, but it's much better than "Eraser." This is a song I would add in my road trip playlist for those long car rides. The singer describes an Irish girl that fell in love with an English boy. It's just a really fun song with a beat that will be stuck in your head all day.
7. "Happier"
"Happier" is literally all of us after going through a hard break up. Seeing our ex happy with someone else while we're still trying to get over them is as painful as it gets. This is a slow song with strong lyrics. It's just sad that most of us know exactly how it feels to be in this song, and as you listen to it, your heart will break all over again.
8. "New Man"
And now Sheeran has moved on to the part in the break up where he despises his ex's new man. This track is more upbeat, because I think the singer has moved on from the depressed stage to the angry stage in the process of getting over a break up. He makes fun of his ex-girlfriends new boyfriend's "bleached asshole" and the fact that "he wears sunglasses indoors." I wasn't expecting a song to be so funny.
9. "Hearts Don't Break Around Here"
The album slows down a bit with this soft song. It's not a mood killer or too slow, just very gentle. "Hearts Don't Break Around Here" is simply another gooey, romantic song for you and you significant other to slow dance with.
10. "What Do I Know?"
Get ready to sing along and dance again! This energetic track contains an uplifting message about changing the world with love. Like Sheeran said, there's a revolution coming! This is a perfect song for all the young people out there looking to make a difference.
11. "How Would You Feel (Paean)"
This one reminded me of a middle school crush. It's a cute story about a boy telling a girl he loves her for the first time. Its a tale of young romance, and how can you go wrong with that?
12. "Supermarket Flowers"
Okay, get the tissues ready because the tear-jerker has arrived. "Supermarket Flowers" is about the heart breaking loss of a loved one. I can't speak for everyone, but this track made me want to call me family and tell them how much they meant to me immediately.
13. "Barcelona"
Pack your bags and book the next flight to Barcelona, because that's the only place you're going to want to visit after hearing this track. The thought of sipping a sangria and exploring this beautiful city has never seemed so wonderful. This is also one of my favorite songs on the album because whenever I hear it, I'm instantly in a better mood.
14. "Bibia Be Ye Ye"
I am not entirely sure what the title means, but this is a good song to party to on the beach. I'm already imagining myself with a drink in one hand and my flip flops in the other. Ugh, summer needs to come faster!
15. "Nancy Mulligan"
"Nancy Mulligan" depicts a beautiful story about a part of Sheeran's family history. It reminds me of a song you'd hear in a pub in Ireland. (I'm also really into irish music, so this track made me extremely happy.)
16. "Save Myself"
Powerful. That's the only word to describe the final song on the album. Sheeran tells the listener about drowning his feelings with booze and pills after being left alone. The record ends with an important message, and it is that you must remember to take care of yourself before anyone else.
Overall, I thought this album was amazing! Chatter about it is everywhere, but don't let that convince you that it is overrated. Listen to it with open ears and an open mind. Ed Sheeran is a great artist, and this record only makes him better. I'll be listening to "÷" for a long, long time.