Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You” & “Castle on the Hill” (Asylum & Atlantic Records, 2017)
Ed Sheeran has dropped two singles from his newest album, Divide, to be released March 3. “Shape of You,” already playing on the radio, embodies a different style than Sheeran’s usual calm and soulful melodies. The single has more of a pop sound and, although it’s missing depth and emotion in its lyrics, it is a catchy song. The lyrics describe falling for a woman in a bar and a would-be chase. There is a lack of sincerity in the lyrics—Sheeran’s past music focused on storytelling and relatable emotions. “Castle on the Hill” is more reminiscent of Sheeran’s usual style, and raw emotion is heard as he sings the chorus. He tells a detailed story from his youth, and his calm, smooth voice resonates in your ears. Both songs are worth listening to, although fans may not appreciate Sheeran’s attempt to branch out. We’ll be keeping our ears open for his new album.
7.5/10
Trial Track: “Castle on the Hill”
