Music Review: Ã· by Ed Sheeran

G’Day Crusaders,

This is Dodgy in the mix, bringing you Ã· (Divide) the third album from British superstar Ed Sheeran. This album was released on March 3rd 2017 by Asylum Records and Atlantic Records.

After a number of years since the critically successful album Ã— (Multiply), our favorite ginger has been getting into battles involving princesses and swords (yes, I’m talking about his upcoming Game Of Thrones appearance) and released a new album using yet another mathematical symbol! A sixteen song delight, I am one to listen to 2 or 3 songs and dismiss the rest of the songs on the album, with Divide and Multiply (except Take It Back) I can listen to the entire album.

Here are my thoughts of the songs individually:

1 ”“ Eraser
I personally cannot tolerate rapping with an English accent, however the chorus accompanied with the superior music do more than make up for it.

2 ”“ Castle on the Hill
Easily the best song on the album, this is a coming of age song. The words provide a fantastic story which will capture its listeners!

3 ”“ Dive
A slowed-down piece, polar opposite to the previous two songs that spilled excitement. There are feelings of crooner influences in this romantic ballad!

4- Shape of you
Another potential hit song, I feel a box is ticked here to reach the dance/pop market and it works. This has loads of music and similar to Don“t (from Sheeran“s previous album Multiply) we hear a different style we“re not used to.

5 ”“ Perfect
Another contract making song (compared to number 4), Perfect is a mellowed love song, with its catchy melody you almost fall into its charm. Telling a woman she“s Perfect will not be brushed aside.

6 ”“ Galway Girl
An upbeat song with an apparent Irish influence throughout this song, Irish band Boega offered their instruments as well as responsible for co-writing duties. It has the Chorrs feel, still maintaining its pop roots! It will cheer up the room in a heart beat.

7- Happier
For 12 seconds we hear the beauteous strumming of the guitar, then the lyrics follow in this ballad with a powerful chorus. Another mood changing song to share that romantic moment.

8 ”“ New Man
Another song with partial British-rap, I do like the descriptive detail he given when Ed mentions the “New Guy!”“ Once in our lives, we“ve had to go through this stage after breaking up. This is a fun song to listen to.

9 ”“ Hearts Don“t Break Around Here
This is a gorgeous song, starts slowly and the powerfully delivered instruments create momentum especially when Sheeran says “Daisy, Daisy”“ and “Roses, Roses”“. Listen to the song and you“ll know what I mean. This is another song to listen to on a romantic night in!

10 ”“ What Do I Know?
Another coming of age song, with unique lyrics and a smooth tone. Hard to believe this song was written with tongue-in-cheek and as a result its a fun ride to be part of as it doesn“t try to take itself seriously.

11 ”“ How Would You Feel (Paean)
Hearing this song“s opening, at first I thought I was hearing a “Have I told you lately “ cover, the guitar/piano combination that resembles the Rod Stewart cover of Van Morrison“s masterpiece was distraction. However the genius of Ed Sheeran soon turned that around with lyrics that don“t mimic the prior mentioned and the solo guitar helped win me.

12 ”“ Supermarket Flowers
Hearing this song, its hard not to think Ed is inviting us into his world. It appears to be very personal on many levels. Hearing the gripping words “You were an angel in the shape of my mum”“ ”“ hear this song and give your mother a hug. This is my favorite song in this album.

The Deluxe Edition includes 3 other songs:

Barcelona
This a harmonic, energetic song that sounds great and uplifting, Barcelona has its own new song. Funnily enough, Sheeran will be touring the Spanish city in April! Would love to hear the crowd“s response and sing along.

Bibia Be Ye Ye
African influence with background singing reflecting the style of Paul Simon“s Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. There are Africa instruments yet doesn“t lose its pop feel, this is a head bopping song.

Nancy Mulligan
Hold a beer in one hand and stomp your feet as this like a song heard in Ye“ Old Pub! This is a fun hoedown with a modern twist.

Save Myself
This is the final song of the album (unless you don“t pick up the deluxe edition), I guess you leave the best to last. It’s not a chart-topper, but it is controversial! It is loaded with truthful sentiments, heartfelt references to people who betrayed Sheeran in his life. Also references to his drinking and taking of pain killers.

As you may have noticed, I thoroughly enjoyed this album song-to-song. I admire the man as an artist despite his young age and has potential to become a great musician. If you need an opinion, go to your local music store and ask to listen to it to get a feel for this great album. And with Record Store Day fast approaching, do ya’self a favor and go then and check it out! 22nd April 2017

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For more of Divide, go to Ed Sheeran“s website:Â http://www.edsheeran.com/dividelyrics?ref=https://www.google.com.au/

Asylum Records:Â https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asylum_Records
Atlantic Records:Â http://www.atlanticrecords.com
International Record Store Day – search your region: http://www.recordstoreday.com

Dodgy is the proud host of the Indie Comic Podcast Flipside Focus on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network. Check us out at www.FlipsideFocus.com

Don“t forget to catch the awesome content of Comic Crusaders and Flipside Focus HERE

Author Profile

Shane Tydeman

The Wonder from Down Under,
Dodgy is a senior contributor to Comic Crusaders. Co-Host of The Yeah-Nah Wepa Show! An advocate of indie comics and is creator of Indie Comics podcasts Flipside Focus, Sunderkatz and Think Indie Podcast!

An unapologetic movie fan, NBA fan, action figure, trading card fan! Also an advocate for Depression awareness!