Mojo Reviews Ed
Are you a fan of Ed Sheeran? Whether you've been following his career since his early days performing in small venues or first discovered him through his record-breaking hits like "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud," this article is for you. As music critics, we at Mojo have always been fascinated by Ed's unique blend of folk, pop, and hip-hop influences and his ability to craft songs that connect with millions of fans worldwide. In this review, we'll take a deep dive into Ed's career, his latest album, and everything in between.
Who is Ed and why is he worth reviewing?
Edward Christopher Sheeran, known to fans around the world simply as Ed, is a British singer-songwriter who first gained attention in the early 2010s with hits like "The A Team" and "Lego House." Since then, he has become one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation, selling out arenas and stadiums and collaborating with everyone from Taylor Swift to Justin Bieber to Andrea Bocelli.
So why is Ed worth reviewing? For one thing, he consistently ranks among the most-streamed artists on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, meaning that millions of people are listening to his music on a daily basis. But beyond that, Ed is an artist who has transcended genre boundaries and is beloved by fans of all ages and backgrounds. His songs are not just catchy and well-crafted, but they also have a profound emotional resonance that has touched the lives of countless listeners.
An in-depth look at Ed's background and career
Ed's career began in earnest in 2011, when he released his debut album + (pronounced "plus"), which spawned hits like "The A Team" and "Lego House." He followed that up in 2014 with X (pronounced "multiply"), which contained the smash hit "Thinking Out Loud" and cemented Ed's status as a global superstar.
But Ed's success has not come without its challenges. Throughout his career, he has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction, something that has inspired many of his fans to seek help for their own issues. He has also faced criticism from some quarters for his perceived lack of authenticity and his tendency to write saccharine love songs that cater to the lowest common denominator.
Ed's impact on the industry and his fans
Love him or hate him, there's no denying the impact that Ed has had on the music industry and his fans. He has sold millions of records, won numerous awards, and become one of the most recognizable faces in popular culture. But beyond that, he has also inspired countless aspiring musicians and songwriters to pursue their dreams and create their own unique sound.
Part of what makes Ed so appealing to fans is his relatability. Despite his superstar status, he comes across as down-to-earth and approachable, something that has endeared him to his millions of followers on social media. He's not afraid to poke fun at himself or acknowledge his own flaws, and that honesty and vulnerability is something that many people connect with on a deep level.
How Ed's music has evolved over time
As with any artist, Ed's music has evolved and changed over time. While his early work was characterized by acoustic guitars and introspective lyrics, his more recent output has featured electronic beats and collaborations with rappers like Stormzy and Eminem.
But despite these changes, there are certain themes and motifs that recur throughout Ed's discography. Love, heartbreak, and personal growth are all common themes in his songs, as are stories about his upbringing in rural England and his relationships with family members and close friends. His music is often deeply personal and introspective, but he also knows how to craft a catchy hook and write a chorus that will get stuck in your head for days on end.
A critical analysis of Ed's latest album
Released in June 2019, Ed's latest album No.6 Collaborations Project is a departure from his usual style in that it features collaborations with a wide range of artists from across the musical spectrum. From Khalid to Cardi B to Bruno Mars, the album is a veritable who's-who of A-list musicians.
But does the album live up to the hype? Overall, we'd say yes. While there are some forgettable tracks on the album (we're looking at you, "South of the Border"), there are also some undeniable bangers, like "I Don't Care" (a collaboration with Justin Bieber) and "Take Me Back to London" (featuring grime artist Stormzy).
What really sets the album apart, though, is the sheer variety of styles and genres on display. From the country-tinged "Beautiful People" to the reggaeton-inspired "I Don't Want Your Money," there's something for everyone here. It's not Ed's strongest album to date, but it's still a solid effort that showcases his versatility and willingness to push himself out of his comfort zone.
Comparing Ed's music to other contemporary artists in the same genre
One of the things that makes Ed's music so interesting to analyze is the fact that it spans multiple genres and styles. Depending on who you ask, he could be classified as a folk musician, a pop star, a hip-hop artist, or something else entirely.
So how does Ed's music compare to that of other contemporary artists in the same genre? That's a difficult question to answer definitively, given that his style is so sui generis. However, we'd argue that he shares some similarities with fellow singer-songwriters like Sam Smith, Hozier, and Adele, in that his songs often deal with universal themes like love and heartbreak and his vocal style is distinctive and emotive.
The influence of Ed's personal life on his music
Like any good songwriter, Ed has drawn heavily on his own personal life and experiences in crafting his music. He's written moving ballads about the loss of loved ones ("Supermarket Flowers"), upbeat anthems about finding love in unexpected places ("Galway Girl"), and everything in between.
But perhaps the most impactful song in this regard is "Castle on the Hill," a track from his second album that tells the story of his childhood in Suffolk, England. The song's imagery - "running through the fields, kissing the sky" - has become iconic, and it's clear that Ed's upbringing has informed much of his music.
The best and worst songs in Ed's discography
It's always difficult to definitively rank an artist's songs, since everyone has their own preferences and tastes. However, based on our own listening habits and the opinions of other critics, we'd say that some of Ed's best songs include "Thinking Out Loud," "The A Team," "Shape of You," and "Photograph."
As for his worst songs, well, that's a matter of opinion. Some people might argue that his overly-saccharine love ballads like "Perfect" and "All of the Stars" fall into this category, while others might point to his more forgettable album tracks like "Eraser" and "Runaway."
Exploring the lyrics of Ed's most popular songs
One of the things that sets Ed Sheeran apart from other pop stars is the quality and emotional resonance of his lyrics. Whether he's writing about love, loss, or personal growth, he has a way of tapping into universal human experiences and crafting songs that feel deeply personal and meaningful.
Take "Thinking Out Loud," for example - a song that has become somewhat of a wedding standard in recent years. The lyrics - "Take me into your loving arms/Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars" - are simple yet powerful, tapping into the universal desire for love and connection.
Similarly, "Shape of You" - one of Ed's most popular songs to date - tells the story of a chance encounter in a bar that blossoms into something more. The lyrics are filled with memorable lines and clever wordplay, like the chorus's refrain of "I'm in love with the shape of you" and the second verse's "Last night you were in my room/And now my bedsheets smell like you."
The secret to Ed's success and staying power in the music industry
So what's the secret behind Ed's success? Is it his catchy hooks, his relatable lyrics, or his boy-next-door charm?
It's likely a combination of all these factors, plus a healthy dose of hard work and determination. Ed is known for his relentless touring schedule and his willingness to collaborate with other artists, both of which have helped to expand his fanbase and keep him at the forefront of popular music. But beyond that, it's clear that he has a genuine passion for what he does and a desire to connect with his fans on a personal level.
How Ed has used social media to connect with fans and promote his music
Like many artists in the digital age, Ed has made savvy use of social media to connect with fans and promote his music. He has a massive following on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he posts everything from tour updates to behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life on the road.
But perhaps the most interesting thing about Ed's social media presence is the way he uses it to humanize himself and break down the barriers between himself and his fans. He's not afraid to share his struggles with mental health or his experiences with addiction, and he often interacts with fans directly, answering their questions and responding to their comments.
An interview with Ed on his creative process and inspirations
To gain more insight into Ed's creative process and what inspires him, we spoke with him in a recent interview. Here are some highlights:
On his songwriting process: "It varies from song to song, but usually I'll start with a melody or a chord progression and build from there. Sometimes the lyrics come first, sometimes they come last - it really depends on the song."
On his biggest musical influences: "I grew up listening to a lot of folk music - Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, that kind of thing. But I also love hip-hop and R&B - artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West have been big inspirations for me."
On his proudest career moment: "It sounds cheesy, but honestly, seeing people connect with my music and sing my songs back to me at concerts is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. That's what it's all about for me."
The future of Ed's career: what can we expect next?
So what's next for Ed? As of this writing, he's on a break from touring and has hinted that he's working on new music. It's unclear exactly what form that music will take, but given his track record, we're excited to see what he comes up with next.
One thing that's for sure, though, is that Ed is likely to continue to push the boundaries of his genre and experiment with new sounds and styles. He's already hinted at an interest in making a full-blown hip-hop record, and given his collaborations with rappers like Stormzy and Eminem, it's not hard to imagine him succeeding in that arena.
Conclusion: why Mojo thinks Ed is a must-listen artist for all music lovers
So, to sum up: Ed Sheeran is a singular talent and one of the most successful and beloved musicians of his generation. His music spans multiple genres and styles, and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level has made him a superstar around the world.
Whether you're a diehard Ed fanatic or a casual listener, there's something about his music that's sure to resonate with you. So if you haven't already, we highly recommend checking out his discography and experiencing the magic for yourself.
