Ed Sheeran, Blow | Track Review

Ed Sheeran teams up with Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars on the uncharacteristic rock single, “Blow” from No. 6 Collaborations Project.

“Locked, loaded, shoot my shot tonight / … Pull my trigger, let me blow your mind.” Wow, that’s some sexual innuendo to the max there.  Ed Sheeran has definitely been in a unique place in 2019 in preparation for release of his No. 6 Collaborations Project.  Many of the advance singles have given off that vibe of “okay, BUT.” “Blow,” the fourth/fifth advance single (released alongside “Best Part of Me” featuring YEBBA) pairs Sheeran with Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars.  The resulting record is totally unexpected.

“Blow” ends up being a rock song, which is something rarely associated with Ed Sheeran or Bruno Mars.  In the case of Chris Stapleton, it’s probably the ‘closest fit,’ yet still, this is not something we’d expect from any of the three.  The intrigue makes it arguably the most interesting single that Sheeran released in advance of No. 6 Collaborations Project.  There are pros.  It’s nice to hear Sheeran exhibit more vocal grit on his verse (the first verse).  Stapleton is turned up as always on the second verse, which segues directly from Sheeran’s.  On Mars’ third verse, there are some vocal harmonies, which actually plays to the urban-pop style he’s known for since arriving on the scene.  Also, the chorus, partially excerpted above, is energetic, fun, and certainly unforgettable.

So, there are things to like by all means.  There are still rubs though, specifically the songwriting which isn’t the least bit deep. The chorus, as memorable and energetic as it is, feels cliché and definitely is nowhere near being transcendent.  Yeah, it’s a shallow song – didn’t the chorus reveal that?

Final Thoughts

“Blow” is sort of hard to evaluate.  On the one hand, it’s the most distinct single Sheeran has release from a big pop project that all indications suggest will underwhelm in regard to quality.  Going ‘out of the box’ to an extent is a pro.  That said, even with this vibe being a selling point, “Blow” still has some flaws, cited above.  But, all in all, this is an attention-grabbing joint and worthy of some spins.

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

Photo Credit: Atlantic