Eraser:

One thing that struck me when hearing this track is that it has a certain sense of “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” feel. He foretells how his life has been since he reached superstar status and its effect on him, from those days of just singing in a church, performing in a room to internet viewers and playing out to thousands in well-known stadiums and arenas.

Castle on the Hill:

This song is about being raised in the Suffolk village of Framlingham. It also shows a specific humbleness to the guy who has gone on to be far more in the grand scheme of things. He still remembers where he is from and speaks fondly about the memories he made there.

Dive:

Here, Ed expresses fears about falling too fast into a new relationship. A heartfelt song, which also features some might say a guitar Legend in Eric Clapton. Not for me, but Ed sees Eric as this, and the very first thing Ed performed live in a talent show on guitar at 14 was Eric Clapton’s “Layla”, albeit the rhythm section of the song (He didn’t win the contest, by the way).

Shape of You:

Another song about romance, and this time, it is about praising his lover and enjoying every moment with her. It’s also your typical pop song, which will get stuck in the listener’s head, and Ed puts his hallmark all over it to make it stand out from the rest of the artists in the singles chart.

Perfect:

Another tender moment, which Ed has been known for on his previous albums, makes its way onto “÷”, and why not? This is where Ed shines through and shows his maturity beyond his years. It is also an ode to his girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn. You can’t help but be gripped by the lyrics, “Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know. She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I’ll share her home”. This encapsulates the whole meaning of the song, where you hope your dreams and future are mirrored by the one you have chosen to be your eternal lover.

Galway Girl:

What I love about this is the whole sense of Ireland, from the music, instruments and Ed’s knowledge of the isle. It features an Irish band called Beoga. To think his record company were far from keen to have this rather unconventional song feature on the album because it doesn’t represent a “marketable” product. How wrong they are. Some listeners may not agree with me and find blending pop into Irish music rather insulting. Still, for me, it really works, and I really like this song and can see it featured on many a St Patrick’s Day across the pubs, bars and clubs. And why not? It has an excellent upbeat feel and will help set that jubilant mood on any occasion.

Happier:

This song is relatable to every listener, not just Ed, because it is about finding out your ex has found someone and completing the six degrees of separation. The sixth is when you’re feeling regret and what could have been and that it has hurt you to see someone else in the place that was once yours—a heartbreaking song that will undoubtedly affect you.

New Man:

A comedic side to Ed comes out in this as he indirectly digs at the “bad boys” who seem to get all the women even though they are pretentious arseholes. He also attacks the “meatball heads” you find in the gym pumping iron and blends in funny lyrics about the food they eat.

Heart Don’t Break Around Here:

A gorgeous love song that shows every element of being in love with someone. It also indicates what type of boyfriend Ed is and that he’s that “nice guy”, but I don’t feel who would finish last—some truly witty lyrics hidden within metaphors.

What Do I Know?:

A political message in this where Ed talks about how his status can make a significant difference to the world. He wants to spread unity but also says he must be qualified to discuss politics.

How Would You Feel (Pean):

“Pean” is the middle name of His current girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn. John Mayer features on the track by playing the guitar solo. What more could you want from this romantic song?

Supermarket Flowers:

This is probably one of the most emotionally charged songs on the album. This song is about the feelings you experience after someone close to you has died(in this case, Ed’s grandma and how his mum reacted to the passing the moment she passed). Although this song may be about death, the lyrics are tragically sublime. For example, the song mentions feeling inconsolable but, at the same time, reflects on all the beautiful moments you shared with that person. I can’t say I cried after hearing this, but if you don’t feel anything or stop to listen to the lyrics, then you have a heart of stone.

Barcelona:

Although the song mentions Barcelona, it is really about doing those spur-of-the-moment things during a new relationship. It is a recurring theme in this record, and you can tell that Ed is in a perfect place with his love life. The song even has a Latin feel, and you do feel like you’re in Barcelona when listening to it. Not only is this a great tribute to doing mad things in a relationship, but to Barcelona, as he mentions dancing in the moonlight of the Catalan capital.

Bibia Be Ye Ye:

Ed goes all African here (Ghana, to be exact). “Bibia Be Ye Ye” is Ghanaian for “All will be well”. This track was co-written with Fuse ODG (coincidentally half Ghanaian) and focused on changing a stormy night into a better day. This a mantra we should all live by because, as Sofia Serrano, portrayed by Penelope Cruz, says in the film Abre Los Ojos/Vanilla Sky, “Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around”. Or to quote 2Pac on “Me Against the World”, “I Know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing. Through every dark night, there’s a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep ya head up…and handle it”.

Nancy Mulligan:

Back to Ed’s Irish roots. This time he narrates the love story of his grandparents and how his grandfather fell for his grandmother in County Wexford. The track is very knowledgeable about the county and what his grandparents did on their way to romantic destiny—another great song with Irish country music featuring heavily with the Ed Sheeran touch that does it justice.

Save Myself:

Well, the final song on the record jolts you back to reality and pulls away at your heartstrings. Ed once again bares his soul to such remarkable effect. The song discusses all those dangerous friendships where people use you for their own ends and how it makes you feel throughout the duration and when you realise their genuine motives and cut them off and the lessons you have learnt from it from now on. Not exactly going out in a blaze of glory to finish the album, but a great song nonetheless.

Overall:

I thoroughly enjoyed this record, and it is a return to form, and I rate this above his stunning debut album “+”. I didn’t find fault with any of the songs and could play this through without skipping tracks until I am ready to meet my maker. A beautiful album, and the narration from start to finish is more like reading a book than listening to the album. Fucking brilliant, Ed! I have never given ANY record a perfect score until now.

10/10