Ed Sheeran's New Singles
After a year-long hiatus, Ed Sheeran has finally released some new music that shows, yet again, his ability to evolve. From the romantic style in his 2011 album, +, to the the edgier, more pop-infused style in his 2014 album, X, Sheeran has proven that he can cover many styles of music without sacrificing his distinctive vocals. Now, with his new singles, “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” he tantalizes intent listeners who anticipate the release of his album, ÷, on Mar. 3.
These two singles are great for both avid Sheeran fans and the average “today’s hits” listener. They showcase both sides of his style: the guitar anthem of “Castle on the Hill” and the subtle beat and electronic production of “Shape of You.” As the star said, “I really wanted to show two different sides to my music that I am equally passionate about.”
“Shape of You” closely resembles the style of his previous hit single “Sing,” and a song he co-wrote, “Cold Water.” It brings the dancehall pop of 2016 into 2017, fusing it with his signature acoustic guitar. Dancehall pop gained popularity in 2016 with songs like Drake’s “One Dance,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and Rihanna’s “Work,” when these artists added the Caribbean and Jamaican dancehall style to their pop music, turning it into what some music critics called “Tropical House.” It uses beachy instruments, a 4/4 drum pattern and a digital base beat, among other techniques.
The lyrics of “Shape of You” reflects the dancehall theme with lyrics like “Girl you know I want your love/ Your love was handmade for somebody like me” and “I’m in love with the shape of you/ We push and pull like a magnet do,” that suggest a sudden fling starting from infatuation, which appeals to Sheeran’s teenaged audience.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have “Castle on the Hill,” which Ed Sheeran co-produced with Benny Blanco, who also helped him produce “Don’t.” In this single, he goes with a galloping anthem, tinged with nostalgic lyrics more similar to his usual style. He again becomes the reflective balladeer who shone in “Thinking Out Loud” and “Photograph.” With lyrics like “When I was six years old I broke my leg/ I was running from my brother and his friends” and “I was younger then, take me back to when I/ found my heart and broke it here/ Made friends and lose them through the years,” the song talks about growing up in Framlingham, a small town in the English countryside. This single portrays someone who makes mistakes while having time of his life, then is faced with broken friendships, breakups and withdrawals.
“Castle on the Hill” is an inspirational song that makes the listener think of simpler times, when they didn’t have worries and could gallop freely through fields with friends and loved ones. However, it also reminds you of the sad things that happen in life—how, in the future, you may outgrow those you love.
Some people think that Sheeran’s newest songs are not his best; that “Shape of You” is just riding the tropical house trend of 2015 and 2016 or that “Castle on the Hill” is a failed attempt at other similar songs, such as U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name.” I believe that Sheeran pulled off the dancehall-esque “Shape of You” very well, considering it was meant for Rihanna. He combines his usual acoustic guitar and balladeer style with new trends to create a unique sound. With pieces that resemble other artists and parts that ground the song in his traditional style, “Shape of You” works as a mashup of different styles. I think that the lyrics and nostalgic feel of “Castle on the Hill” are accentuated by his soulful voice, which creates a truly reflective song. These two releases really highlighted Sheeran’s musical skill and range of styles.