Written by Tom Bedding
Ed the product will rightly get the streaming numbers he deserves for this polished and varied pop record. However it feels like we have seen this songwriter calm down on his 'competitive' way of wanting to write the best song of the year, which is for sure nowhere to be seen on equals. We witness some bad mistakes but some enjoyable moments on a rather safe pop record.
We are given a little update from our buddy Ed on the opener, ‘Tides’. This is annoyingly mixed, with the blend of the strumming guitar and drums feeling incredibly muddled. Sheeran’s lyrics are also clanky and annoyingly basic, sounding like that old friend from your childhood that goes from speaking about his job in recruitment to somehow trying to talk about ‘deep things’, as you stand awkwardly in the middle of the pub.
Something that has been good to see in some ways, is how Ed Sheeran seems more comfortable to admit that he is fine that his songs will just be stuck on a playlists by the masses, even if some of us wishes he strives for better. ‘Shivers’ is one of those songs and after spending time at the top of the charts, you have to say that the songwriter knows what he is doing and does it well. The overall feel of the song is smooth in truth, however it does confirms that Ed’s identity is not what it once was.
Then ‘First Times’ acts as the peace offering to original fans during the first part of this LP, however it is very poor. Again the lyrics feel so plastic and that melody, its so bland and something that Ed must be bored with writing again and again? Despite that, Sheeran and co. know how to wrap these easy tunes in the best possible way, offering us some nice strings and a gentle piano that allows this song to have some depth to it…ish.
For one second, you can’t deny that there is something hugely attractive on the first single from the record, ‘Bad Habits’. Sheeran goes for this 80’s meets EDM slow burner, sung in a rare minor key by him but is disastrously packaged in an unforgiving way. You know the remixes will please the boys and gals in the clubs but this cut is rather unforgettable in the grand schemes of things, which was a real shame upon its release.
credit: Dan Martensen
Next with ‘Overpass Graffiti’, we have a song that was probably rejected by The Weeknd. Sadly, the songwriter sounds rather below par vocally (its hard not to think what The Weeknd would have been like on this) but the melody itself, is rather decent throughout! The bass line is engaging alongside the drum sound and that release we are given in the last third, will please many dancers and fans of popular music.
‘=‘ eventually gives us our first glimpse of the standards that we should set Mr.Sheeran, with ‘The Joker and the Queen’. The humbling lyrics look at feeling so grateful and amazed by someone wanting to be with you so much, even if it is self deprecating with calling yourself the joker. You can really relate to how wholesome and personal this track is regardless, which is backed by a lovely pure piano part and Disney like string section. What is also good for this, is that the cheesy lyrics fits within the overall tone of the song and enhances the song a lot.
Imagine the amount of confused faces you would get after saying that ‘Leave Your Life’ is for his baby daughter, its rather odd and amusing, but oh well. The beat on this track is uncomfortable and sadly the production work to make this song feel so fresh and new, falls so flat. Granted, ‘Collide’ does feel like it would fit perfectly on a sunsetting festival performance (with a cider in hand) but the aesthetic of this cut, is the only thing that is has going for. Sheeran is attempting a more band feel on this record and it is rather refreshing, though it is just a shame that it does not bring any spark or extra quality to a song like this.
The feeling of the artists fifth album is headache worthy, just when you feel comfortable with Ed’s acceptance of releasing primark music…you get ‘2step’. This song is irritating with its overall production and mix; the guitar sound is painful and the vocal mixing is brought way too forward, making the singer feel as annoying as a buzzing fly. My frustrations do continue, as I hoped for something better and more fiery with a song that tackles Ed’s lawsuit, regarding the amazing ‘Thinking Out Loud’. The song in question is called ’Stop The Rain’ and my god, it truly does disappoint in almost every way. You would think a matter that would hit his pride or ego, to spark something interesting and a mastermind's way to respond to such a situation.
Interestingly, there was a trip to Nashville back in 2018 by Ed and his team, aiming to start penning down an acoustic record. Obviously that trip was not the only contribution to ‘=“, however it does have the best input across the album. You can feel the influence of the place in a song like ‘Love In Slow Motion’, which features a distorted banjo? Here we have a rather sweet song about living with your partner, enjoying the simpler things with them and spending time together in your cosy pj’s…how adorable, right.
Out of nowhere things elevate to a very impressive standard on ‘Visiting Hours’, a song that will leave a tear in many eyes. To clarify, we will ignore how similar the melody is to other songs by the songwriter, I think it’s important to focus on how good this song is and not divulge into the artists formula. Ed’s vocals packs a punch here and the gradual introduction with the instrumentation throughout out the song, is a masterstroke. ‘Visiting Hours’ is for anyone who misses someone who has passed away and indefinitely, this song is fitting to support your pain and lose.
Urghhh why do this to me Eddie boi….how can we go from a solid height to something as pitiful as ‘Sandman’? This little goodnight song has come out so badly, that I do not know how to explain it. In the background we have some awkward under the sea like chimes, with the artist singing about how he really wants his new child to sleep. Have to break it you papa Ed. This won't work.
To conclude this rather conflicting new record, ‘Be Right Now’ does not even satisfy or disappoint at any point. The heavy beat that lingers in the opening moments, drives us into a a choir finish that does make up, a decent finish.
I can moan about how the songwriter I found as young kid, did not grow into the artist I hoped but why dwell on a teenagers hunch. Ed Sheeran seems to be at peace with giving what the public want and I commend the success it has brought; though it is such a shame that we do not anything truly noteworthy to praise on this album.
Bring Me The Music Recommend Tracks: Visiting Hours