Ed Sheeran, Beautiful People | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winner Ed Sheeran taps Grammy-nominee Khalid for “Beautiful People,” the third single from his highly-anticipated LP No. 6 Collaborations Project.

After a two-year hiatus (Divide, 2017), Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran drops No. 6 Collaborations Project (July 12, 2019).  In addition to serving as the follow-up to Divide, No. 6 Collaborations Project also follows up a little-known 2011 EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project.  As of yet, Sheeran has released collaborative singles, “I Don’t Care” (featuring Justin Bieber), “Cross Me” (featuring Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock), and the song at hand, “Beautiful People” featuring Khalid.  Ultimately, “Beautiful People” is enjoyable, though like the other advance singles from No. 6 Collaborations Project, not the least bit game changing.

“We don’t fit in well ‘cause we are just ourselves / I could use some help gettin’ out of this conversation…” “Beautiful People” is a song about being socially uncomfortable, awkward – not fitting in with the crowd.  Honestly, it doesn’t seem too far removed from “I Don’t Care” in that regard.  Ed Sheeran blesses the track with clear, boyish vocals.  He showcases a great tone as well as lovely falsetto.  He sings the first verse, the initial aforementioned excerpted pre-chorus, and the catchy chorus.

“Beautiful people
Drop top, designer clothes
Front row at fashion shows
‘What d’you do?’ and ‘Who d'you know?’
Inside the world of beautiful people
Champagne and rolled-up notes
Prenups and broken homes
Surrounded, but still alone
Let's leave the party.”

Beyond the chorus, there’s also a a post-chorus (“That’s not who we are (we are, we are, we are) / We are not beautiful”).  As for Khalid, he sings the second verse and pre-chorus, remaining consistent with his beautiful, distinct vocal tone.  Also, worth noting, is solid production, though nothing extraordinarily ear-catching occurs.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Beautiful People” is an enjoyable single from Ed Sheeran assisted by Khalid.  It’s completely inoffensive by all means.  The main rub is that it needs a bit more oomph to really make it feel like a hit, particularly when you compare it to Sheeran’s very best song and singles.  It’s just missing that extra “Sumthin’, Sumthin’”.

Ed Sheeran • No. 6 Collaborations Project • Atlantic • Release: 7.12.19

Photo Credit: Atlantic