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Ed Sheeran’s rise to fame has been nothing short of a fairy tale. With his soulful voice and relatable lyrics, he’s captured hearts worldwide. But with multiple chart-topping albums, it’s tough to decide which is his best work.
I’ve taken on the challenge of ranking Ed Sheeran’s albums, diving into the melodies and lyrics that define each era of his career. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, you’ll find this ranking insightful.
Divide
When I think of Ed Sheeran’s discography, the album “Divide” invariably stands out as a monumental achievement in his career. Released in March 2017, this collection of tracks not only showcases Sheeran’s versatile talent but also proves his ability to blend pop, folk, and even traditional Celtic music into mainstream success. “Divide” is replete with chart-topping hits like “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” that quickly became anthems for listeners worldwide.
Taking a deeper dive, “Divide” is a reflection of Sheeran’s personal experiences and storytelling prowess. Songs such as “Galway Girl” and “Nancy Mulligan” are brilliant exhibits of the artist’s Irish heritage, featuring elements of Irish folk that intertwain with his signature acoustic pop style. Meanwhile, tracks like “Perfect” and “Happier” highlighted Sheeran’s capacity to write profoundly emotional ballads that resonate with the highs and lows of love and loss.
Sheeran’s Masterful Collaboration
The success of “Divide” isn’t solely a result of Sheeran’s solo efforts. The album also benefited from collaborations with prolific songwriters and producers, such as Benny Blanco and Steve Mac, who’ve contributed to the polished and evocative sound that Ed is known for. The synergy between Sheeran’s raw, emotive songwriting and the finesse of these renowned producers crafted an album that’s both authentic and radio-friendly.
Similar Artists and Influences
Sheeran’s sound on “Divide” is undeniably unique, yet traces of influence from contemporary artists and classic musicians are evident. Similar artists who have mastered the craft of fusing reflective lyrics with catchy tunes include Passenger and James Bay, both of whom share a knack for haunting melodies and powerful storytelling. Sheeran’s heartfelt balladry on “Divide” mirrors elements of Damien Rice’s introspective acoustic sound, while his upbeat tracks often echo the accessible pop mastery reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s work. These influences, combined with Sheeran’s personal touch, have played a crucial role in shaping an album that’s both familiar and innovative.
The cultural impact of “Divide” is backed by the numbers. The album soared to the top of the charts in multiple countries and has achieved multi-platinum status across the globe.
Multiply
Moving further down Ed Sheeran’s discography brings us to “Multiply” (stylized as “X”), an album that secured Sheeran’s status as a heavyweight in the music industry. Released in 2014, “Multiply” takes listeners on an introspective journey, revealing more complexity and depth compared to its predecessor “+”. The exploration of mature themes like love, loss, and yearning resonates deeply, with “Thinking Out Loud” becoming an anthem for couples worldwide.
“Multiply” isn’t just about ballads, though; it features a diverse range of sounds, from the upbeat and hook-laden “Sing” to the folk-infused “Photograph”. These tracks showcase Sheeran’s remarkable ability to weave different genres into a cohesive narrative while keeping his signature acoustic charm intact. The production value of “Multiply” speaks volumes, with the likes of Pharrell Williams lending their expertise to create polished, yet heartwarming hits.
Similar Artists and Influences
Ed Sheeran’s versatility on “Multiply” hints at the influence of various artists. His soulful storytelling can be traced back to the lyrical genius of Bob Dylan, while the rhythmic grooves owe a nod to Justin Timberlake’s pop sensibility. The folk elements present in tracks like “Tenerife Sea” echo the harmonies of Damien Rice, an artist Sheeran has personally cited as a significant inspiration.
Collaborations on “Multiply” also helped elevate the album’s appeal. With figures like Rick Rubin steering the production wheel, Sheeran expanded his sonic palette, blending contemporary and traditional styles seamlessly. The results are evident in the album’s reception – it went on to become the fastest-selling UK album of 2014 and nabbed the Brit Award for Album of the Year.
The global impact of “Multiply” further establishes Sheeran’s skill in crafting songs that not only top charts but also create an emotional attachment with the listeners. It stands as a testament to his growth as an artist, signifying a pivotal moment in his career where he successfully carved out a niche for his ever-expansive musical explorations.
X
With the release of “X,” Ed Sheeran not only topped charts but also redefined the boundaries of folk and pop music. This album, more than any before it, emphasizes the depth and range of Sheeran’s musical talent. From the soulful ballad “Photograph” to more up-beat tracks like “Sing,” “X” demonstrates his knack for storytelling and melodic hooks. I’d argue that “Thinking Out Loud,” with its timeless feel, is a modern classic that resonates with fans across generations.
The album earned Ed the prestigious Brit Award for Album of the Year and further, “X” was nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year—clearly marking it as one of Sheeran’s most successful releases. Here’s how “X” performed on various charts:
| Country | Chart Position |
|---|---|
| UK | 1 |
| USA (Billboard 200) | 1 |
| Australia | 1 |
| Canada | 1 |
Not only did Sheeran excel in the musical aspects, but he also stepped up his collaboration game. Working with producers like Pharrell Williams and Rick Rubin, he diversified his sound while still maintaining his unique style. This balance of innovation and authenticity is what elevates “X” in Sheeran’s catalog.
Influences and Contemporaries
Sheeran’s work on “X” reflects a mosaic of influences. The album echoes the lyrical profundity of Bob Dylan and harnesses the emotional rawness characteristic of Damien Rice. Yet, Sheeran’s sound remains distinctly his own—a blend of authenticity and pop sensibility that’s hard to pin down.
When discussing contemporaries, Sheeran’s blend of acoustic mastery and poignant lyrics often draws comparisons with artists like Jason Mraz and John Mayer. Each of these musicians has a foot in the singer-songwriter domain while dabbling in pop and other genres. It’s a shared space where relatable storytelling meets mainstream appeal. This confluence of styles has allowed Sheeran to reach audiences that span beyond the traditional folk-pop listenership.
÷
Following the triumph of “X,” Ed Sheeran continued to ascend the ladder of musical success with his third studio album, “÷” (Divide), released in 2017. This album not only solidified Sheeran’s status as a global superstar but also pushed the envelope in terms of musical diversity and emotional depth. “÷” features an eclectic mix of genres ranging from traditional Irish folk to mainstream pop, all while retaining Sheeran’s signature melodic touch.
The record includes smash hits like “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” tales of love and nostalgia that have resonated deeply with fans. These tracks exemplify Sheeran’s knack for blending catchy hooks with storytelling, a skill that allows him to connect with listeners on a personal level. “Shape of You,” in particular, achieved monumental success, topping the charts in 30 countries and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles.
From a technical standpoint, Sheeran’s songwriting prowess shines throughout “÷” with intricate harmonies and complex lyrics. The album’s production quality is also noteworthy, as Sheeran worked with renowned producers like Steve Mac and Benny Blanco, who helped to elevate the sonic landscape of the tracks.
Influences and Similar Artists
Sheeran’s work on “÷” draws inspiration from various musical legends and contemporary artists alike. His Irish and folk roots are evident in the spirited track “Galway Girl,” while the influence of pop icons like Justin Timberlake can be felt in the rhythmic beats of “Shape of You.” The heartfelt balladry in songs such as “Perfect” mirrors the emotive storytelling found in music by James Blunt and Passenger, artists known for their ability to craft relatable, emotive anthems.
“÷” stands as a testament to Sheeran’s adaptive style and musical evolution. As he blends elements from hip-hop, folk, and pop, it’s clear that Sheeran has the unique ability to appeal to a broad range of tastes, much like contemporaries such as Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes.
Conclusion
Ed Sheeran’s journey through his discography is a testament to his versatility and knack for storytelling. “Multiply” and “Divide” stand out as pivotal albums that not only showcase his evolution as an artist but also his ability to resonate with fans across the globe. His skill in marrying different genres with his unique style has earned him a spot among the greats. Whether it’s the infectious rhythms of “Shape of You” or the nostalgic lyrics of “Castle on the Hill,” Sheeran’s music continues to captivate and inspire. His albums are more than just collections of songs—they’re chapters of an ever-unfolding musical saga that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed dissecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ed Sheeran’s album “Multiply”?
Ed Sheeran’s album “Multiply” (stylized as “X”) was a major milestone in his career, receiving critical acclaim and establishing him as a prominent figure in the music industry.
When was Ed Sheeran’s third studio album “÷” (Divide) released?
Ed Sheeran’s third studio album, “÷” (Divide), was released in 2017.
How did “÷” (Divide) impact Ed Sheeran’s career?
The release of “÷” (Divide) solidified Ed Sheeran’s status as a global superstar, thanks to its diverse range of genres and widespread commercial success.
What are some of the hit songs from “÷” (Divide)?
Some of the hit songs from Ed Sheeran’s album “÷” (Divide) include “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.”
What genres does “÷” (Divide) feature?
“÷” (Divide) features a diverse range of genres, including traditional Irish folk and mainstream pop, while maintaining Ed Sheeran’s signature melodic style.
What is highlighted about Ed Sheeran’s songwriting on “÷” (Divide)?
The article highlights Ed Sheeran’s songwriting prowess and the production quality of “÷” (Divide), showcasing his ability to blend catchy hooks with storytelling.
Who are some of the musical influences mentioned for “÷” (Divide)?
The article mentions that Ed Sheeran draws inspiration for “÷” (Divide) from various musical legends and contemporary artists, reflecting his adaptive style and musical evolution.