Sheeran’s last album, “Multiply,” was released in 2014 and ranked No. 5 on Billboard’s “The Top 10 Albums of 2014” list.
By Nicolas Jozefczyk | Staff Writer
After a yearlong hiatus on all social media, Ed Sheeran logged back into his accounts on Dec. 13 and started a fan uproar when he changed his profile picture. This change, which was just the color blue, caused speculation among his follows. The question on everyone’s lips: when was his next song coming out.
This wondering lasted a couple of weeks, but on Jan. 1, Sheeran posted a video with the caption, “Hello 2017…” In the video, he held a paper sign that said, “New Music Coming Friday!!”
With short 10 second videos, Sheeran teased his new music every day leading up to Jan. 5. Finally, he released not just one, but two singles.
The new tunes “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” seem worlds apart from each other. “Shape of You” is a hit with a flirtatious vibe and lyrics that appreciate a woman’s body. The song itself is a late addition to Sheeran’s album, considering he did not expect it to be on his album at all. As explained in his BBC Radio 1 interview, the song was originally intended to be written for Rihanna, but as the songwriting process continued, he realised it would be better suited for himself. Showing off his ability to maximize the amount of lyrics that could possibly fit into the melody “Shape of You” is an impressive track with a tune that has a fun staccato beat accompanied by the strumming of a guitar and melodic chanting.
Falling on the opposite side of the spectrum is Sheeran’s other song, “Castle on the Hill.” This single has a fast beat accompanied by rocking percussion and guitar. The melody holds more personal
Ed Sheeran broke his silence on Jan. 1 and announced he will release his next album, “Divide,” this year.
meaning than “Shape of You” does. The lyrics are soul-searching and reminiscent about his past, Sheeran wrote a track with more feeling that anyone who has grown up can relate to. His voice also adds to the overall emotion — with it becoming more rockish and gravelly at the chorus but also longing and falsetto at other parts.
Overall, Sheeran released two different, but also fantastic, pieces after his year hiatus. The two tracks also leave fans wanting more, which is exactly what he plans on giving them.
In the same interview with BBC Radio 1, he confirmed his album name, “Divide.” His reasoning behind the name, other than the fact it is a math symbol and he names his albums after different
math signs, is that “it’s a schizophrenic album.” He continues to talk about how there will be different sounds on the album not just one constant theme.
Sheeran also teased his track list on his social media accounts. Although fans do not know how these songs sound, aside from two, they know the names of the melodies. “Divide” will consist of “Eraser,” “Castle on the Hill,” “Dive,” “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” “Galway Girl,” “Happier,” “Hearts don’t break around Here,” “New Man,” “What do I Know?,” “How would you Feel (Paean),” and “Supermarket Flowers.”
From what was already released, I am truly excited about “Divide.” Ed Sheeran is back with an album that he feels is his best work to date. “Divide” will drop on March 3, but go and preorder it so you can listen to rightaway at midnight!
