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Ed Sheeran’s Musical Return

For more than a year, Ed Sheeran fans have been left in the dark, waiting for the their favorite red-headed musician to return from his musical hiatus. In December 2016, nearly everyone’s hearts stopped when Sheeran tweeted a picture of a light blue background, indicating a new album to come after an entire year of silence.

On Jan. 6, Sheeran announced the release of his third album, “÷” (or “Divide”), which be released on March 3. He also released two singles titled “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” both debuting in the U.S. Top-10 and breaking records in a number of other countries.

His last album, “X” (or “Multiply”), was released June 2014. Since then, Sheeran has been featured on other songs and has written for other artists, but has not released any new music of his own. In October 2015, Sheeran announced he would be going on a hiatus to “return to normality.” He felt he had been consumed by his phone and social media and wanted to take a break from it all.

In respect to his new album, the two recently-released singles are quite different from the chill, folksy vibes we were used to hearing on previous albums. Sheeran has shifted from more of an indie artist to an internationally-renowned singer in recent years, so this may have a bearing on the type of music he wants to release now. Despite the change, Sheeran proclaims that “Divide” will be the best music he has put out thus far.

When I first heard “Shape of You,” I recognized Sheeran’s voice but assumed the tune was a cover of a song that already existed. I didn’t know until later that, yes, Ed Sheeran actually wrote that song (along with two other writers, but still). I was shocked to say the least; the lyrics and style were so different from anything Sheeran has ever released before. Just compare it to “Thinking Out Loud” from 2015 – there are two very different and contrasting ideas of relationships between the two tracks.

Don’t get me wrong – both “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” are extremely catchy. I can see why they have gained so much popularity and have broken records. Sometimes, it’s necessary to change one’s musical direction, especially when the goal is to have a No. 1 album, as Sheeran has told interviewers.

I have high hopes for the rest of Sheeran’s new album and sincerely hopes he reaches his goal of a No. 1 album without forgetting his roots and staying humble.

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