From the beginning of his career his entire purpose has been storytelling. Like most artists his inspiration is born from a deep seated need to write about what pushes him to write. But this latest album has proven to be something different, something less about stories and more about just having fun making these songs. After several albums he’s used to make a name for himself in the music industry. He’s finally decided to put together something he’s likely been planning for for a long time, and it’s awesome.
Born and raised in a small town in England called Hebden Bridge, he’s written and produced a total of four studio albums since graduating high school. A series of love songs about either his love for a significant other, or about his love for the world and all it has to offer. But this album featured something different, something that I think he’s feared since his voice began to be heard. The first song on this album Beautiful People is about a fear of becoming part of the elite, the ultimate fear of the anti-Jay Gatsby. The fear of being drawn into living a life of luxury at the expense of the person whom you were before; wrapped in designer clothes and front row at fashion shows. But again this song is one of the few that doesn’t follow the theme of the album, which is writing for the thrill of composing the song.
Touring the world to perform music allowed Ed to learn which places he would like to return to, but still there’s no place like home. Being a British artist, in order to truly earn success he would have to first move to and make it in the United States. His music had dragged him so far away from his origins that he grew homesick. And thus, Take Me Back to London was born. A collaboration with Stormzy, it is simply a song made for the fun of performing it. But as much fun as it is, it falls under the shadow of the rest of his songs, both on and off of this album. Sadly making this one fly right under the radar.
Travis Scotts Astroworld rocked the rap industry as well as the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta Georgia. During Sheeran’s break between Divide and No. 6 he decided to step out of his comfort zone and collaborate on a new type, Eminem’s The River. Revival, the album in which that song was featured is considered by many, including Eminem himself, to be one of his worst. But The River is thought to be an acception to this popular opinion. After the release many began to wonder the unimaginable levels that could be reached if Travis Scott and Ed Sheeran decided to pool their talents. Antisocial happens to be one of the most popular songs on this album, and for good reason.
Since Divide and Castle on a Hill, Ed Sheeran has been looked at as a certain type of artist for people with certain taste. Making songs that are written about going back to a certain place or getting back a certain girl. But this album takes him outside that genre of “to each their own.” This album has proven to have songs for everyone, making it one of the best he has to offer.
