Description
In the four-plus years since the release of his “÷” album (pronounced “Divide”), Ed Sheeran married longtime sweetheart Cherry Seaborn, welcomed their first child, daughter Lyra, and turned 30.
What is abundantly apparent from the opening moments of his latest studio release, “=” (pronounced “Equals,” as Sheeran continues his theme of math symbols as album titles), is the emotional tsunami Sheeran has weathered. And he’s ready to share.
Sheeran’s heart is so exposed on his new album. Whether professing his adoration and need for Seaborn (“Collide”), apologizing for his occasional neglect (“Love in Slow Motion”) or mourning the loss of a beloved mentor (“Visiting Hours”), Sheeran hits deep with lyrics that are sometimes poetic, but primarily unfold as straightforward storytelling. Mostly recorded in London, the album shimmers with pristine production handled by Sheeran, Fred Again (a Brian Eno protégé) and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid. The trio also wisely realized that track listing still matters, as Sheeran’s songs are cataloged to usher listeners through his journey of questioning and self-doubt, appreciation and loss before ending with the suggestion to, as Oasis would say, be here now.
