Why did I review the album? My
sister sent me the song “I See Fire” about a month ago and I loved it so much I
listened to both + and X
Did I like it? Yes
Will I listen again? I already have
Everyone keeps classifying this
album as a pop album, and sure some of the lyrics are “poppy”, but it’s a mistake
to consider this a pop album. The only reason I would consider this a pop album
is due to his rise in popularity. That is a different type of pop than the way
he is categorized.
There is a definite urban
influence that infects this album, which may hint at his musical direction in
subsequent works.
There are SO MANY different sounds on this
album. He features typical Ed Sheeran sounds (One),
then displays his vocal range on tracks “I See Fire” & “Thinking
Out Loud” and adds a urban kick to “Runaway”
and “The Man” and raps for the entirety of “Take it
Back”.
The only thing that gave me pause
is his interest in rapping on several tracks. I like artist that choose to
experiment, but he doesn’t have nice flow and his rap isn’t (for me) enjoyable
to listen to. The first time I listened to the album it drove me insane. With
subsequent listens, I have to admit that most of his raps do provide a lot of
content which makes it bearable. If you can handle his rapping, the album is
definitely worth a buy.
This album displays further
variety that Sheeran has to offer as well as his willingness to experiment with
his own sound.
I don’t think Ed Sheeran has
reached his full potential, but this is definitely a step in the right
direction.
My Favs
3. I See Fire
2. Thinking Out Loud
1. Even My Dad Does
Sometimes
Overall Rating: 80 with a recommendation to Listen then Decide
One- This is trademark Ed Sheeran. Simple
beat, meaningful lyrics and his usual soft touch. 4/5
I’m a Mess- This on is a bit more edgy and
fast paced. He does a lot of experimentation in this song and it melted
together beautifully 4/5
Sing- I’m not a fan of Ed’s rapping, to me
it’s the same feeling I get when Drake sings; I don’t hate it, but it’s not
that good either. As much as I want to hate this song, I don’t. When he sings
the chorus he reminds me of Robin Thicke, and channels Justin Timberlake from
the 3:00 mark would make. Couple those two together and there’s no way I could
hate this song, even if I view this song as the popification of Ed Sheeran. 3/5
Don’t- More rapping from Sheeran. Add pop
lyrics and I’m destined to hate this song. Well, not exactly. The beat is a
funky urban sound that kept me from hating this one. 2.5/5
Nina- He does more rapping with this one,
but he handles it better with this track. He sings the chorus, but raps during
the verses. This way people that like his singing are satisfied, but he also
gets to experiment with rapping (and pleases those that like his rapping). The
raps have content, so even if I don’t like it, I have to admit it’s a different
way to deliver a message. 3.5/5
Photograph-There are some interesting
content here. He’s reliving his love for this woman through the memories that
the photograph brings to mind. Also a photograph stops time for exactly one
moment. So, no matter how the relationship ends he can look at that picture and
remember a time where everything was perfect. And that way this girl’s effect
on him will never disappear. It’s a beautiful song that’s heartfelt and emotion
laced. Remember when I criticized Love, Marriage & Divorce for it’s lack of
emotional investment? This is what I wanted. 4/5
Bloodstream- The magic of this song is the
range of emotions he expresses in five minutes. Anger desperation, sadness,
momentary arrogance. It works because many people can relate to this. Also, he
does it without much tonal change which is impressive 4/5
Tenerife Sea- Sheeran takes a moment to
describe his lady to the audience. While he does this he manages to tell her
why he loves her at the same time. It’s similar to All of Me,
but somehow more real. Does anyone know the name of the instrument at 3:30?
It’s beautiful. 4/5
Runaway-
Ed opens up about running away from home at 16 due to familial
issues. Despite all the content and funky beats it still seems like it’s
missing something. 3.5/5
The Man- I love this beat. It doesn’t
scream sadness, but it manages to ooze melancholy. The audience doesn’t know
what’s to come, but we know it won’t be happy.
He decides to rap again and I
don’t like the sound. However the rapping does accomplish one thing
. Because of the scornful nature
of the lyrics and delivery, it matches the edginess created by the beat.
The guitar solo was unexpected,
but nice to hear
Thinking Out Loud- If I had the standard edition
of the album, this would be my favorite song. If someone bet me money, I wouldn’t
have known Ed Sheeran sang this song. It’s a beautiful song the oozes
old-school. Usually when I say old school I’m referring to the early 90’s and
late 80’s (or 70’s if it’s disco), but this one would fit in with the slow
music from the fifties and sixties. I
like this one because it’s extremely different than his traditional love songs.
First, the way he chooses to deliver the song is new. His natural singing style
is soft and tender, but in this he displays a powerful voice that I didn’t
realize he had. Of all the songs on X,
this is the most R&B-like song he’s made. Add a guitar solo and some
perfectly timed “oohhs” to smoothen out the power Sheeeran displays and we have
a perfect song. 5/5
Afire Love- There are a lot of moving parts
to this song, but they work well when meshed together. It’s typical Ed Sheeran,
great sound, emotionally charged lyrics fueled by life experience. With this
one we get to see the effect that illness has on his grandfather’s loved ones.
But to avoid making the song overly depressing, he includes the parts of his
grandfather’s life that he is too young. It’s interesting because he’s able to
experience meeting his grandfather through the stories of those that have
interacted with him. Even though it’s a bit sad, I see this song as a tribute
to his grandfather. 5/5
Take it Back- Ed decides to rap again, but I
still managed to like the song. There is an urban feel to it that salvaged this
one. And, he manages to poke fun at himself by saying that someone has to win
worst dressed. 3/5
Shirtsleeves- The relationship has failed
and Ed has to deal with the repercussions. He makes an interesting metaphor to
marine life by capering his relationship to a sinking boat. He creates further
references by saying he’s the captain of a sinking boat. Despite all that, it
still felt a bit underachieving. 3/5
Even My Dad Does Sometimes- This song
seriously reminds me of The Fray would make. It’s similar to Vienna and
Enough
for Now. Their songs (and Sheeran’s)
have an ability to maintain the right amount of melancholy and manage to be
beautiful at the same time. In this
song, he’s trying to convince someone to live another day, even though s/he
does not want to. The lyrics that open the song demonstrate how hopeless the
situation is for both parties. Is it selfish for Sheeran to ask someone that
does not want to live to continue for his sake? Is it right for that person to
throw away the only life he has? Those are some of the ideas I pondered while
listening to this beauty. More than anything, this song served as a reminder of
the impact our decisions have on those around us. 5/5
I See Fire- Like its predecessor Thinking
Out Loud, Sheeran deviates from his wheelhouse to deliver another gem. With
this one Sheeran has to use all the ranges in his voice to elicit the right
feeling and response from the audience. It’s chilling and somber, but oddly
still manages to tie in themes of brotherhood, culture, and family. The choir
comes in at the right moments to add suspense and aid Sheeran. 5/5
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