Ed Sheeran, born on February 17, 1991, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer known for his blend of pop, folk, and acoustic music. Sheeran gained widespread recognition with his debut album, *+* (2011), featuring hits like “The A Team” and “Lego House.” His follow-up albums, *x* (2014) and *÷* (2017), solidified his status as a global pop star, with hits such as “Sing,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “Shape of You,” and “Castle on the Hill.”
Sheeran’s music is characterized by his emotive lyrics, melodic sensibility, and skillful guitar work. His success has earned him numerous awards, including Grammys and Brit Awards, and he is known for his ability to craft catchy, heartfelt songs that resonate with a wide audience.
1. Shape of You
“Shape of You” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on January 6, 2017, as the lead single from his third studio album, *÷* (2017). The track is an upbeat pop song with elements of dancehall and tropical house, characterized by its infectious melody, catchy hook, and rhythmic beat.
Co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac, and John McDaid, “Shape of You” explores themes of physical attraction and romance, with lyrics focusing on a new relationship and the excitement of meeting someone special. The song’s distinctive marimba loop and danceable rhythm contributed to its widespread appeal.
“Shape of You” became a massive commercial success, topping charts worldwide and breaking several streaming records. It received critical acclaim for its catchy production and Sheeran’s engaging vocal performance. The music video features Sheeran in a boxing gym, further enhancing the song’s energetic and playful vibe.
2. Supermarket Flowers
“Supermarket Flowers” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on March 3, 2017, as part of his third studio album, *÷* (2017). The track is a poignant, acoustic ballad that showcases Sheeran’s reflective and emotional songwriting.
The song’s lyrics address themes of loss and remembrance, with Sheeran narrating the experience of dealing with the death of a loved one. The song is written from the perspective of someone reflecting on the passing of their grandmother and the impact it has on their family. Its simple, heartfelt melody and personal lyrics resonate deeply with listeners.
“Supermarket Flowers” has been praised for its emotional depth and Sheeran’s tender vocal delivery. The track stands out as a moving tribute and a testament to his ability to craft songs that connect with the listener on a personal level.
3. Photograph
“Photograph” is a song by Ed Sheeran from his debut studio album, *+* (2011). Released as a single on May 27, 2015, it is a tender ballad that blends acoustic and pop elements.
Co-written by Sheeran and Steve Mac, the song features heartfelt lyrics about cherishing memories captured in photographs and the lasting impact of those moments on our lives. The track is characterized by its gentle guitar strumming, emotional vocals, and a nostalgic feel.
“Photograph” has been praised for its simplicity and emotional resonance, making it a favorite among fans for its ability to evoke feelings of love, memory, and nostalgia. Its music video, directed by Emil Nava, features a collection of personal photos and home videos, enhancing the song’s themes of memory and connection.
4. Perfect
“Perfect” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 15, 2017, as a single from his third studio album, *÷* (2017). The track is a romantic ballad that features Sheeran’s signature acoustic sound and heartfelt lyrics.
Co-written by Sheeran and Steve Mac, “Perfect” is known for its gentle melody, simple guitar accompaniment, and emotionally resonant lyrics. The song describes a deep, romantic connection and the joy of finding a perfect partner. It’s often considered a modern love song classic and is popular for weddings and special occasions.
The music video, directed by Jason Koenig, depicts a romantic story set in picturesque locations and has been praised for its beautiful visuals and portrayal of a loving relationship. “Perfect” achieved commercial success, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of Sheeran’s most iconic and beloved songs.
5. Thinking Out Loud
“Thinking Out Loud” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 24, 2014, as a single from his second studio album, *x* (2014). The track is a romantic ballad that features Sheeran’s smooth vocals accompanied by a soulful acoustic guitar arrangement.
Co-written by Sheeran and Steve Mac, “Thinking Out Loud” is known for its heartfelt lyrics that speak about enduring love and growing old together. The song’s romantic and timeless message has made it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
The music video, directed by Emil Nava, showcases Sheeran performing the song alongside professional dancers in a beautifully choreographed routine, enhancing the song’s emotional and romantic appeal. “Thinking Out Loud” received widespread acclaim and achieved significant commercial success, topping charts around the world and earning multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2016.
6. Sing
“Sing” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on April 7, 2014, as the lead single from his second studio album, *x* (2014). The track features an energetic, upbeat sound with influences of pop and funk, and is known for its catchy, infectious melody and lively rhythm.
Co-written by Sheeran and produced by Pharrell Williams and Steve Mac, “Sing” has a playful, upbeat feel with a notable use of rhythmic clapping and funky guitar riffs. The song’s lyrics describe the excitement and freedom of letting loose and enjoying the moment, with a focus on the power of music and dance.
The music video, directed by Emil Nava, is a vibrant and humorous visual that features Sheeran and actor/comedian Jamie Foxx in a humorous, chaotic setting that complements the song’s playful nature. “Sing” achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on charts worldwide and becoming a staple in Sheeran’s live performances.
7. Shivers
“Shivers” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 10, 2021, as the second single from his album *= (Equals)* (2021). The track is an upbeat, dance-pop song with a catchy melody and energetic production.
Co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid, “Shivers” features a lively beat, infectious hooks, and a vibrant instrumental arrangement. The song’s lyrics express the thrill and excitement of new romance, capturing the feelings of euphoria and attraction that come with falling for someone.
The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, showcases a colorful and whimsical narrative, with Sheeran and a group of dancers performing in various imaginative and energetic settings. “Shivers” was well-received for its infectious energy and upbeat vibe, becoming a commercial success and further solidifying Sheeran’s place in the pop music landscape.
8. Happier
“Happier” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 21, 2017, as a single from his third studio album, *÷* (2017). The track is a poignant ballad that features Sheeran’s signature acoustic sound, with a blend of gentle guitar strumming and emotive lyrics.
Co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco), “Happier” explores themes of longing and acceptance after a breakup. The song’s lyrics reflect on the difficulty of seeing an ex-partner move on and finding happiness with someone else, while expressing a sincere wish for their well-being.
The music video, directed by Emil Nava, features a touching narrative with a golden retriever that represents the song’s emotional core, adding a visual layer to its themes of love and loss. “Happier” was well-received for its heartfelt delivery and has been praised for its emotional depth and relatability.
9. The A Team
“The A Team” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on June 22, 2011, as the lead single from his debut studio album, *+* (2011). The track is an acoustic folk-pop ballad characterized by its poignant lyrics and minimalist arrangement, featuring Sheeran’s acoustic guitar and soulful vocals.
Co-written by Sheeran and produced by Jake Gosling, “The A Team” addresses serious themes such as homelessness and addiction. The song’s narrative follows the struggles of a young woman dealing with the harsh realities of life on the streets and substance abuse. The lyrics are deeply reflective and empathetic, offering a stark and honest portrayal of these issues.
The music video, directed by Paul Cummings, visually complements the song’s themes with a portrayal of the challenges faced by those in similar situations. “The A Team” received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and emotional impact and played a significant role in establishing Sheeran’s career, reaching high positions on charts worldwide and earning multiple awards.
10. Bad Habits
“Bad Habits” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on June 25, 2021, as the lead single from his album *= (Equals)* (2021). The track marks a departure from Sheeran’s usual acoustic style, embracing a more upbeat, dance-pop sound with a catchy rhythm and an energetic beat.
Co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid, “Bad Habits” explores themes of self-destructive behavior and the struggle to break free from unhealthy patterns. The song’s lyrics reflect on the challenges of resisting temptation and the impact of one’s actions on personal relationships.
The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, features Sheeran in a visually striking and surreal setting, with a transformation into a vampiric persona that complements the song’s themes of bad habits and personal struggle. “Bad Habits” received widespread acclaim for its infectious energy and marks a notable shift in Sheeran’s musical direction, achieving significant commercial success and topping charts globally.
Edward Tomlin 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.
