Ed Sheeran Perfects His Formula on ‘Divide’
Stephanie Hernandez
From Ed Sheeran’s 2011 debut “Plus,” to his insanely popular 2014 follow-up “Multiply,” the 26-year-old singer/songwriter seemed to have the secret formula to creating successful pop music at his fingertips. As one of the biggest, established stars in modern pop, Ed Sheeran’s appeal stemmed from his ability to make an awkward kid behind an acoustic guitar and a loop pedal sound fresh and exciting. His latest release, “Divide,” is a consolidating reminder of why we fell in love with this man in the first place. Clocking in at twelve tracks, “Divide” falls in line with Sheeran’s usual sound/subject matter and to be honest, sounds exactly like you would think an Ed Sheeran album would and should sound like. The bonus here is that each track is simple, perfectly formed and executed. There is no superfluous and confusing collaborations or pathetic attempt at becoming something you’re not. “Divide” is an example of an artist who has found their groove, is comfortable and willing to hold onto their authenticity a bit longer.
In all, “Divide” feels fresh. The tracks are dynamic and sincere while still remaining catchy. This is perhaps why the record’s two singles, “Shape of You,” and “Castle on the Hill” have already proven themselves to be top 40 heavy hitters. Though “Divide” does not necessarily push Sheeran’s boundaries as an artist, it does instead serve as the sum of the parts that have made this young red head so universally successful. It’s a great record beginning to end, none of this starting strong but ending weak nonsense and no awkward lulls in between. Opening with the punchy folk rap of “Eraser,” Sheeran proves he can tell a story without clichés. Bringing the usual suspects out to play, the ebb and flow of elemental hip-hop and classic acoustics give the record the right amount of tension, though we have heard Sheeran do this before, on “Divide” he has perfected his method. The record moves into grittier tracks like “Dive,” while seamlessly continuing onto compelling and tender ballads like “Perfect.” Sheeran keeps things seamless with standard blues chord progressions, allowing him to jump track to track without losing the record’s flow. His dedication to romance rears its head again on “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here,” and “How Would You Feel (Paean).” The tracks are compelling and feel emotionally honest. Although they could easily turn sour, Sheeran’s endearing storytelling keeps them afloat. Closing things out with the devastating “Supermarket Flowers,” a ballad about the death of his grandmother, Sheeran takes an upbeat record and gives it some depth.
We already knew that Sheeran could write a hit and we knew that he could put together an earworm melody, but “Divide” proves his talent is more than formulaic – despite the use of mathematical symbols. Melodic in sound but direct in its lyricism, “Divide” creates a landscape where potentially saccharine emotion instead feels much more honest, Sheeran definitely has the gift of sincerity on his side. Though this record is bound to be a bestseller and deserves to be, it would be nice to see Sheeran step out into the unknown on his next outing.
“Divide” is available on Apple Music Feb. 3.