Ed Sheeran, = | Album Review 💿

Grammy-winning pop superstar Ed Sheeran reflects on marriage, fatherhood, and where his life currently stands on the enjoyable =.

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t’s amazing the superstar that 🎙 Ed Sheeran has become.  Once more, the 🏆 Grammy-winner secured another no. 1 album with 💿 = (Equals).  = marks Sheeran’s first ‘solo’ album since 2017 (💿 ÷Divide) as 💿 No.6 Collaborations Project was just that – a collaboration project.  Upon the release of =, lots has changed in Ed’s life.  He’s married and has a baby girl.  Naturally, throughout the album, Sheeran reflects on marriage and fatherhood, showing us where he currently is in his life.  = isn’t perfect, but it has its fair share of fine moments.

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“Tides”

If you enjoy driving pop/rock guitars, you’ll enjoy = opener ✅ 🎵 “Tides.”  Ed Sheeran reflects on fatherhood straight out the gate, asserting, “I feel embarrassed ‘bout the things that I did in my youth / ‘Cause now I have a child, I know one day that you will do it.”  While Sheeran often delivers an assertive, confident vocal, he does change pace on the chorus, which is kinder and gentler with falsetto and slick vocal effects.  The production is also contrasted during this section. Worth noting, the chorus marks an about face from the pre-chorus.  The final edition of the memorable chorus packs a bit more punch, supported by the punchy, guitar-fueled backdrop that characterizes most of the record.

“I wanna be that guy / I wanna kiss your eyes / I wanna drink that smile.” ✅ 🎵 “Shivers” features well-rounded production work. It gives Sheeran a bit more of a modern pop sound compared to the past.  I love the consistent groove, as well as the chorus, featuring colorful music touches such as brass. Throughout, Sheeran sounds clear and commanding, never fighting the production work.  He sounds sincere and dedicated, as she gives him shivers – he’s so in love. Besides the ear catching of the chorus instrumentally, lyrically, it also marks the best and catchiest moment of the song:

“Ooh, I love it when you do it like that
And when you're closer, give me the shivers
Oh, baby, you wanna dance till the sunlight cracks
And when they say the party’s over, then we'll bring it right back.”

All in all, “Shivers” is enjoyable, respectable, and well-rounded.

🎵 “First Times” takes on more of a singer/songwriter vibe from Sheeran regarding sound.  Ed continues to be introspective, commencing with the statement, “I thought it’d feel different playin’ Wembley.” Of course, it’s not the success he’s experienced as a pop superstar that pleases him most, but rather, falling in love with his wife.  “The first kiss, the first night, the first song that made you cry / … I still feel the first fight, and we both made it out alive,” he sings sentimentally on the chorus.  “First Times” is a gorgeous, honesty ballad from Sheeran.

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“Bad Habits” 

✅ 🎵 “Bad Habits” is a respectable record with a relatable message. The strongest aspect is the songwriting.  He speaks of pure intentions, but those ‘best laid plans’ lead to problems which are unhealthy and at best, counterproductive. “My bad habits lead to wide eyes starin’ at space,” he sings, adding, “And I know I’ll lose control of the things that I say.” We all have bad habits that usually don’t end up well. Working to curb them and get to a better place is the right thing to do.  Sheeran sings well as always. The production (Sheeran, 🎛 FRED, and 🎛 Johnny McDaid) embraces more of a dance-pop vibe – a change of pace. All in all, it’s among the best of = even if it’s nothing game changing.

“I will always love you for what it’s worth / We’ll never fade like graffiti on the overpass.” Ah, I see what you did there Ed Sheeran! ✅ 🎵 “Overpass Graffiti” follows “Bad Habits” with a driving, quick groove, sure to make your body move.  The sound of the record is exuberant, with slick production.  As the excerpted lyrics suggest, this love is unbreakable, and she will “Never be lost on me.” Ultimately, “Overpass Graffiti” marks another winner from Sheeran.

Keeping the hits on coming, Sheeran gives us another stunning ballad with ✅ 🎵 “The Joker and the Queen.”  “And I know you could fall for a thousand kings / And hearts that would give you a diamond ring,” he sings on the radiant, touching chorus, continuing, “When I fold, you see the best in me / The joker and the queen.” Sigh – the feels, the feels, the feels!  I heart the tenderness of Sheeran’s voice here, as well as a tender instrumental that suits the British singer/songwriter superbly.

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“Leave Your Life”

On 🎵 “Leave Your Life,” lifelong dedication is on the singer’s mind.  In this instance, Mr. Sheeran sings and pens a song to his daughter asserting, “I’m never gonna leave your life /… I know it can change from day to day, but this love’ll keep alight.” It’s a sweet, thoughtful statement that should be relatable to all parents and speaks to how much life and perspective on life has changed for Sheeran.

✅🎵 “Collide” keeps the tempo moving, shifting = into more of a pop direction – is it the drum groove or the warm pad? Sure Sheeran’s ‘singer/songwriter’ joints are where his bread is buttered (see the marvelous ✅🎵 “Visiting Hours”), but “Collide” is successful as well, from an initial listen.  Sheeran sounds pure – that tenor flat out shines. The chorus is simple but potent: “When you and I collide / You bring me to life / Yeah, you bring me to life.” Furthermore, the production is a selling point – another Sheeran/FRED/ McDaid collaboration.

Oh snap! On 🎵 “2step,” rapping Ed Sheeran is back on his BS! Sheeran keeps it melodic over a knocking semi-trap beat produced by 🎛 watt and 🎛 Louis Bell.  As has been the case throughout =, Sheeran has another tuneful chorus on his hands.  So, what’s “2step” about? Dancing with his woman, of course.  Likely more than that too! On 🎵 “Stop the Rain,” Sheeran addresses a lawsuit without explicitly mentioning it. Despite the rain he’s experiencing, and the minor key, there’s an exuberance about this joint. The record features rhythmic guitar and assertive, passionate vocals from Sheeran.  All in all, another winning moment for Mr. Sheeran.

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“Love in Slow Motion”

“I just get caught up in the rat race I’m runnin’ / Chasin’ a moment, I’m hoping is coming,” Sheeran sings on folk-pop-infused 🎵 “Love in Slow Motion,” continuing, “If I stopped and took a look around / It’s in front of my eyes.” Ed is focused on what matters most – his wife. I continue to appreciate his dedication and passion to his family.  “Love in Slow Motion” is worthwhile, but ✅ 🎵 “Visiting Hours” might be the best of =.

“I wish that Heaven had visiting hours / So I could just show up and bring the news,” Sheeran sings on the marvelous 🎵 “Visiting Hours”. Thematically, “Visiting Hours” pays ode to Australian music executive, Michael Gudinski, who died in 2021.  Sheeran debuted this moving single at his funeral. “I wish that heaven had visiting hours / So I could just swing by and ask your advice.” A gorgeous instrumental intro sets the tone for this pop ballad. Sheeran delivers radiant, expressive, and emotional vocals, even managing to dip into falsetto. I like the production with its mix of acoustic and electric guitars and piano.  Furthermore, I love how it expands scope on the second verse with layered vocals and increased dynamics. The chorus changes after each verse. An awesome touch is the use of brass following the second chorus, prior to the third verse. Notably, pad accompanies the third verse, contrasting the more dynamic second verse.  Ultimately, Visiting Hours” is superb thanks to the inspiration behind it – remembering someone special who is no longer here.  Sheeran gives his all here, providing a fitting tribute.

Surprising to me is the fact that there’s more album post-“Visiting Hours” – it would’ve been a fitting closer. 🎵 “Sandman” follows as the penultimate record and serves as a stark contrast.  Where “Visiting Hours” memorializes, “Sandman” is a lullaby for Sheeran’s baby girl.  If nothing else, you appreciate the sentiment. 🎵 “Be Right Now” marks another contrast, ending = with an optimistic, relatively fast number.  I’d argue that “Visiting Hours” is stronger than both songs, but I see why Ed included both of these after it.

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Final Thoughts 💭

Ultimately, = is another enjoyable, well-rounded Ed Sheeran album.  It’s not game changing, but Sheeran successfully delivers a project that captures where he currently is in life.  He’s now married, has a baby, and his music reflects these changes.  = trumps 💿 No.6 Collaborations Project in my eyes and has no shortage of worthwhile moments.

✅ Gems 💎: “Tides,” “Shivers,” “Bad Habits,” “Overpass Graffiti,” “The Joker and the Queen,” “Collide,” “Visiting Hours”

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🎙 Ed Sheeran • 💿 = • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 10.29.21
[📷: Atlantic]

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