I have always loved Ed Sheeran’s music, but he has really outdone himself with this latest album. While it is titled “Divide,” I would like to argue that it is actually working to bring people together. With a delicate balance between sad, happy, and energetic songs there is something for almost every music taste.

He’s making fans all over the world cry with heartbreaking lyrics like those in “Supermarket Flowers,” which was written about the recent death of his grandmother. Coupled with “Nancy Mulligan” about how his grandparents met during World War II, Ed Sheeran is giving his audience a chance to learn more about his life and family.

He doesn’t stop at sharing his own culture. Strong musical influences can be seen throughout his album. Most notably are “Galway Girl” (Ireland), “Bibia Be Ye Ye” (Ghana ~translates to “All Will Be Well”),and “Barcelona” (Spain). Of course he also stuck with some of his usual acoustic and hip hop styles, but incorporating these styles from different cultures was definitely a welcomed surprise for fans.

As if his international influences did bring people together enough, his song “What Do I Know?” makes quite a strong statement.

“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, but lord knows

Everybody's talking 'bout exponential growth

And the stock market crashing in their portfolios

While I'll be sitting here with a song that I wrote

Sing, love could change the world in a moment

But what do I know?”

This refrain isn’t even dancing around the idea that music brings people together, it just flat out states it. The themes of love and support can be seen throughout the entirety of the album, but this refrain let’s everyone know exactly what Ed Sheeran’s intent was in creating this album. He is actively spreading a message of love and exposing millions of fans to cultures from around the world.

While most fans didn’t like his year long hiatus, it’s obvious his year of travel paid off. Tickets for his upcoming North America tour are nearly impossible to get, I’ve tried twice. His fan base just keeps on growing and he just keeps getting more talented. He is choosing to use his music to preach expression, love, and positivity. Clearly he’s doing something right!