By Madison Krzos
After going on a hiatus from social media to work on his third album Ed Sheeran has returned with his best work yet. After teasing fans with three singles during January and February the album was finally released on March 3rd.
The album titled “Divide” features 12 songs that talk about love and heartbreak. Songs like “Eraser” and “New Man” are able to convey a very clear story, which is one of the qualities that sets Sheeran apart from other musicians. “Eraser” goes very deep as Sheeran’s fame is explored and the revelations that come with it, “I chased the picture perfect life, I think they painted it wrong.” The song “New Man” is more of a light hearted look at his ex’s new boyfriend, but even when throwing insults at her boyfriend he is still able to wish her well. Sheeran doesn’t just know how to write a breakup song though; he also writes flawless love songs.
One of the catchier songs on the album “Galway Girl” chronicles a fiddler player and their night in a bar, he is enticed with the girl singing “Oh I could have that voice playing on repeat for a week.” Sheeran is able to write songs in such a poetic way, the song “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here” is filled with metaphors that could make anyone fall in love with his girl. The song is littered with endearing lines like “She is the lighthouse in the night that will safely guide me home.” The ballad “Perfect” talks about childhood lovers fighting against all odds, Sheeran declares “I will not give you up this time”
Sheeran is able to take a break from love with the song “Supermarket Flowers” which may be the most emotional song on the album. Singing about his grandmother who passed away during the creation of the album the song starts with him throwing away flowers and get well soon cards and continues on with a beautiful faith filled chorus with the line, “When God takes you back, He’ll say Hallelujah, you’re home” My favorite song on the album for its relatability and emotion. No doubt it was a great choice to finish the album with.
Though, it is still early in the year I believe Ed Sheeran’s Divide may be one of the best albums of 2017. Already at number one on the ITunes charts and gaining a lot of buzz online it seems like Ed may have a very successful year ahead of him.
