By AARON KREIN
Arts Editor
It’s been two weeks since British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran took the world by storm with his third studio album, “Divide.” The set, following up “Plus” and “Multiply,” became his second number-one album in the U.S. The lead single, “Shape of You,” became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and continues to dominate from the top spot. With a year that is looking to be his year, does the album withstand the long anticipation and hype?
The album opens with the upbeat in-your-face banger, “Eraser.” It follows his troubles with fame, critics, envious friends and family, and the responsibilities of his platform. The guitar playing is the clear highlight of the track along with the razor-sharp rhymes. It plays as if it’s a sequel to “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” from his first album and focuses on the aftermath of his success. It’s definitely an abrasive yet fulfilling way to start the roller coaster of emotions that is “Divide.”
The second track, “Castle on the Hill,” was released as a buzz single simultaneously with “Shape of You.” The song revolves around memories from his youth back in his hometown such as his first kiss and love. It’s the kind of song you play loudly in your car with your hands out the window. Set with a radio-friendly chorus and a nice nod to Elton John, it still stands out as one of the highlights from the album.
The soulful and bluesy ballad, “Dive,” tells of Sheeran’s experience with a lover who he wants to be truthful about the way he feels about her. It’s a song for the people out there that love someone so faithfully but doesn’t want their time to be wasted if the feeling isn’t mutual. For those who were a fan of his last album, “Multiply,” the song echoes the deep feelings of that record in the raspy vocal of a chorus. The production gives off this throwback R&B style that reminds me of early Richard Marx meets R. Kelly.
“Shape of You,” the number-one track in the country, is a simplistic paint-by-numbers tune about being in love with someone and their body. Even though I have loosened up to the song and even admire the production, it still gives me commercial sell-out vibes. To add fuel to the fire, this current mainstream-sound pop track is the only one of its essence on the album. It further supports my theory that this track was meant to appeal to masses to become a hit. It’s a catchy song but it’s completely beneath his talent, in my opinion.
Sheeran sings of the future of a relationship on “Perfect,” which chronicles the reasons why he wants to spend the rest of his life with a girl he grew up with. The chorus adds sweetness to this tender ballad with insinuating that this girl looks “perfect” despite her not feeling that way. It’s basically a well-written cross between One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” and Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love.” It’s irresistibly charming and a testament to the appeal Sheeran has on his audience.
“Galway Girl” brings back the funk and rhymes to the album and focuses on an Irish girl he met one night at a bar. The track impressively mashes hip-hop with Irish folk music and has “instant classic” written all over it. His label should make this the next single as soon as possible. This is an example of a track that’s upbeat, current, but still sounds like it’s from a Sheeran record.
The conflict of jealousy and acceptance of an ex moving on with another man is in the moving tune “Happier.” Though Sheeran misses her and would take her back in seconds, he sees that she seems better with her new man and is willing to accept it. The lyrics harken to his debut album where he would use specific references to his life. It’s emotional, honest, and a touching ode to those who want what’s best for someone. It’s reminiscent of tracks like Gwen Stefani’s “Cool” and Taylor Swift’s “Holy Ground,” but has more weight in its telling lyrics and delivery.
However, “New Man” tells his ex that he doesn’t want to know about their new relationship since it’s changed her so much. In the verses, he raps about what his ex’s new boyfriend does that seems more impressive than what he can do. However, unlike tracks such as Swift’s “You Belong with Me,” he also lists the things that the new guy has changed about his ex. While I love the in-depth lyrics in the verses, the chorus is a bit underwhelming. Although, after a couple listens, it’s not as frustrating to sit through. “New Man” is a decent track but fails in comparison to its predecessor and would’ve fared better in the bonus tracks.
Another ballad, “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here,” reiterates Sheeran’s discovery of a perfect love. The country twang of the track makes its adorable lyrics charming, however, it’s another track that is either take it or leave it. At this point, Sheeran has so many songs with this topic that this one isn’t as memorable.
Speaking on the endless problems in the world, Sheeran rants about his lack of education and importance as a musician on “What Do I Know?” It’s a clever yet cheesy anthem supporting the idea that “love can change the world in a moment,” referencing a need for peace. It’s like a sarcastic version of John Mayer’s “Waiting On the World to Change.”
The promotional single, “How Would You Feel (Paen),” tries to recreate the magic of “Thinking Out Loud” with its mid-tempo guitar strumming, delicate piano notes, and soulful vocals. It follows Sheeran wondering whether he should tell a girl that he loves her. It’s the definition of endearing and the kind of track they would be playing as the token slow dance at a high school dance.
The standard edition of the album closes with “Supermarket Flowers,” a somber touching tribute to his late grandmother. It chronicles the stages of grieving and the acceptance of someone taking their place in heaven. It’s very descriptive, personal, and could be considered the “Tears in Heaven” of our generation. With an album that’s focused on budding love and treacherous heartbreak, it’s a real tearjerker that leaves you speechless.
After completing the just over 45 minute listen, the one thing you’ll take away from the album is the diversity in production, style, and influence. Though some songs sound similar or have like subjects, the majority of the deluxe edition is memorable and showcases Sheeran at his stride. I’m still not sure where I would rank this between his two previous releases just yet, however, it depends on the side of Sheeran you prefer. Whether it’s his gentle love ballads, personal songs about back home, or his fluid rapping over guitar and beats. In the end, “Divide” is a solid album with a few highlights, some minor missteps, and a few “meh, that’s alright” tracks.
