Ed Sheeran is one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation, known for his unique blend of pop, folk, and hip-hop influences. He has won multiple awards and topped charts all over the world, thanks to his distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and catchy melodies. With such an impressive discography, it can be hard to choose the best Ed Sheeran songs of all time. However, we’ve taken on the challenge and compiled a list of his top 10 songs that have stood the test of time and remain fan favorites. From emotional ballads to upbeat pop hits, this list has something for everyone, showcasing Ed Sheeran’s versatility and talent as a songwriter. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, these songs are sure to tug at your heartstrings and get your toes tapping. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our countdown of the top 10 best Ed Sheeran songs of all time.
1. “Thinking Out Loud”
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a soulful and romantic ballad that beautifully captures the essence of true love. Released in 2014, the song is a celebration of commitment and long-lasting relationships. Ed’s soulful vocals are accompanied by a soft guitar melody and gentle piano notes, which blend together to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. The lyrics are heartfelt and genuine, expressing the speaker’s willingness to love his partner unconditionally, through thick and thin. The chorus is particularly memorable, as it highlights the timeless nature of love: “We found love right where we are.”
The song’s music video features Ed Sheeran dancing with a ballroom dancer, which adds a touch of elegance and grace to the already beautiful song. “Thinking Out Loud” has become a timeless classic, and its popularity endures to this day.
2. “Perfect”
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a romantic ballad that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of true love. Released in 2017, the song features Ed’s soothing vocals and a gentle acoustic guitar melody. The lyrics are heartfelt and sincere, expressing the speaker’s love for his partner and his desire to be with her forever. The chorus is particularly touching, as it describes the speaker’s ideal vision of a perfect love story: “Darling, just hold my hand / Be my girl, I’ll be your man / I see my future in your eyes.”
The song’s music video features Ed Sheeran exploring a beautiful and serene countryside with his girlfriend, which adds to the romantic and dreamy feel of the song. “Perfect” has become a modern classic, and its popularity endures to this day. It is often played at weddings and other romantic events, and it has become a symbol of true and enduring love.
3. “Photograph”
“Photograph” by Ed Sheeran is a sentimental and nostalgic ballad that tells a story of a lost love. Released in 2015, the song features Ed’s gentle vocals and a simple guitar melody that gradually builds up to a powerful chorus. The lyrics are heartfelt and evocative, painting a picture of a love that has been lost but not forgotten. The chorus is particularly poignant, as it captures the bittersweet feelings of longing and regret: “Loving can hurt, loving can hurt sometimes / But it’s the only thing that I know / When it gets hard, you know it can get hard sometimes / It is the only thing that makes us feel alive.”
The song’s music video features a collection of home videos and personal photographs, which add to the nostalgic and sentimental feel of the song. “Photograph” has become a fan favorite, and its popularity endures to this day.
4. “Supermarket Flowers”
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran is a heartfelt and emotional tribute to a loved one who has passed away. Released in 2017, the song features Ed’s raw and emotional vocals and a simple piano melody. The lyrics are deeply personal and touching, expressing the speaker’s grief and sorrow at the loss of his mother. The chorus is particularly powerful, as it captures the raw emotions of loss and love: “You were an angel in the shape of my mum / When I fell down you’d be there holding me up / Spread your wings as you go / And when God takes you back we’ll say Hallelujah.”
The song’s music video features a series of images of flowers and other mementos, which add to the poignancy and emotional depth of the song. “Supermarket Flowers” has become a fan favorite and is often played at funerals and other commemorative events.
5. “Shape of You”
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran is an upbeat and catchy pop song that celebrates the joy and excitement of a new romantic relationship. Released in 2017, the song features Ed’s signature raspy vocals and a pulsing dance beat that invites listeners to get up and dance. The lyrics are playful and flirtatious, expressing the speaker’s attraction and desire for his new partner. The chorus is particularly infectious, as it captures the excitement and energy of new love: “I’m in love with the shape of you / We push and pull like a magnet do / Although my heart is falling too / I’m in love with your body.”
The song’s music video features Ed Sheeran training in a boxing gym and then going out for a night on the town, which adds to the playful and flirtatious feel of the song. “Shape of You” has become a global hit and remains one of Ed Sheeran’s most popular songs to date.
6. “Bad Habits”
“Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran is a catchy and upbeat pop song that explores the theme of addiction and self-destructive behavior. Released in 2021, the song features Ed’s smooth vocals and a pulsing dance beat that invites listeners to get up and move. The lyrics are introspective and honest, expressing the speaker’s struggle with addiction and his desire to break free: “Every time you come around, you know I can’t say no / Every time the sun goes down, I let you take control.”
The song’s music video features Ed Sheeran as a vampire, which adds a touch of humor and playfulness to the already catchy song. “Bad Habits” has become a global hit, and its popularity continues to grow.
7. “The A Team”
“The A Team” by Ed Sheeran is a poignant and emotional ballad that tells the story of a young woman struggling with drug addiction and prostitution. Released in 2011, the song features Ed’s gentle vocals and a simple acoustic guitar melody that perfectly complements the raw and honest lyrics. The chorus is particularly powerful, as it captures the speaker’s empathy and compassion for the woman: “And they say she’s in the Class A Team / Stuck in her daydream, been this way since eighteen / But lately her face seems slowly sinking, wasting / Crumbling like pastries.”
The song’s music video features a series of images of the young woman’s life, which adds to the emotional depth and impact of the song. “The A Team” was a breakout hit for Ed Sheeran, and it remains one of his most powerful and moving songs.
8. “Happier”
“Happier” by Ed Sheeran is a heartfelt and emotional ballad that tells the story of a man who sees his ex-girlfriend with another man and wishes her nothing but happiness. Released in 2017, the song features Ed’s signature raspy vocals and a gentle acoustic guitar melody that perfectly captures the sadness and longing in the lyrics. The chorus is particularly poignant, as it expresses the speaker’s selflessness and generosity of spirit: “Ain’t nobody hurt you like I hurt you / But ain’t nobody love you like I do / Promise that I will not take it personal, baby / If you’re moving on with someone new.”
The song’s music video features a series of images of the speaker’s memories with his ex-girlfriend, which adds to the emotional depth and impact of the song. “Happier” has become a fan favorite, and its popularity endures to this day.
9. “Shivers”
“Shivers” by Ed Sheeran is an upbeat and infectious pop song that tells the story of falling head-over-heels in love with someone. Released in 2021, the song features Ed’s smooth vocals and a catchy, guitar-driven melody that captures the euphoria and excitement of falling in love. The lyrics are romantic and passionate, expressing the speaker’s desire to be with their love interest: “I love it when you do it like that / And bend your clothes up, give me the shivers.”
The song’s music video features Ed Sheeran performing the song in a variety of settings, including a club and a tattoo parlor. The video adds to the fun and playful vibe of the song, making it a hit with fans all over the world.
10. “Sing”
“Sing” by Ed Sheeran is an upbeat and energetic pop song that invites listeners to dance and sing along. Released in 2014, the song features Ed’s signature raspy vocals and a funky, guitar-driven melody that captures the spirit of 1970s funk and soul music. The lyrics are playful and fun, encouraging listeners to let go and have a good time: “I need you, darling, come on, set the tone / If you feel you’re falling, won’t you let me know?”
The song’s music video features Ed Sheeran performing the song in a karaoke bar, and it adds to the fun and playful vibe of the song. “Sing” was a huge commercial success, and it cemented Ed Sheeran’s status as one of the most popular and talented musicians of his generation.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
