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
