Ed Sheeran’s latest album, X, is an impressive collection of songs that showcases his understated musical talent. With X, Ed Sheeran enters John Mayer territory without losing his hit-making street cred.
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“Sing,” the album’s lead single, is a groove-heavy song influenced by 70’s funk and disco groups (especially the works of Nile Rogers). The production work of Pharrell, the king of musical throwback Thursdays, is immediately apparent. This is Williams’ fourth major hit within the last year, and it features all the characteristics of his work: groovy rhythms, exceptionally catchy vocal hooks, and tight harmonies. Musically, it’s a perfect execution of bringing back styles relatively dormant in mainstream pop. We’ve seen many artists experiment with disco lately (gasp!), and it’s a style bubbling under again in mainstream pop. His success is a testament to his skill as an artist and songwriter; he is able to take older sounds and reinvigorate them in a way that speaks to a modern audience.
Sheeran demonstrates a wide variety of influences throughout the album, giving reminders of past artists while remaining original. “Thinking Out Loud” sounds like a cut from a John Mayer album, complete with a soulful guitar solo. “Runaway” takes its cues from N’ Sync and the Backstreet Boys (really!), while “Don’t” is reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys.
In his own right, Sheeran is a reasonably impressive guitarist with keen pop sensibilities. Sheeran played most of the instruments on the album himself or with producer Jake Gosling, as he did on his previous album. There is some great playing on “Tenerife Sea” and “Bloodstream,” which are not overly complicated but still impressive in a popular music landscape no longer reliant on guitars. He shines in live performances, creating lush backing tracks with just his voice, his guitar, and a looping pedal (check out the live version of “Don’t,” which trumps the studio version).
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Lyrics are probably the most essential part of a pop song; they must be catchy but not necessarily meaningful. Though x’s lyrics aren’t pretentious, they allude to relationships and sex without relying on too many cliches.
This is Ed Sheeran’s best album yet. Following his successful debut, he delivered a solid pop album. In an engaging collection of songs, minimalistic but varied production marries perfectly simplistic yet well-crafted lyrics.
