Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter and musician born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. He is known for his blend of acoustic folk, pop, and R&B influences, and has achieved international acclaim for his songwriting, distinctive voice, and emotive performances.
Sheeran first gained attention with his debut studio album, *+* (pronounced “Plus”), released in 2011. The album featured hit singles like “The A Team” and “Lego House,” establishing him as a rising star in the music industry. His follow-up album, *x* (pronounced “Multiply”), released in 2014, included successful tracks such as “Sing” and “Thinking Out Loud,” further solidifying his status as a major artist.
In 2017, Sheeran released *÷* (pronounced “Divide”), which featured hits like “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.” The album was a commercial success and won several awards, including Grammy Awards. His 2019 album, *No.6 Collaborations Project*, featured collaborations with artists like Justin Bieber and Cardi B and continued his streak of successful releases.
Sheeran is known for his skillful guitar playing, heartfelt lyrics, and ability to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience. His music often explores themes of love, relationships, and personal experiences. Sheeran has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and American Music Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.
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, *÷* (pronounced “Divide”). The track is known for its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and distinctive production.
Produced by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid, “Shape of You” features a minimalist beat with a prominent marimba loop and a danceable groove. The song’s lyrics revolve around a romantic encounter and the physical attraction between two people, with Sheeran delivering a catchy, repetitive chorus that emphasizes the song’s central themes.
The music video, directed by Jason Koenig, follows a narrative of Sheeran training for a boxing match while developing a relationship with a fellow boxer. The video features energetic and playful scenes that complement the song’s upbeat and infectious vibe.
“Shape of You” received widespread acclaim for its catchy production and Sheeran’s engaging performance. It achieved significant commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. The song’s popularity helped solidify Ed Sheeran’s place as a leading contemporary artist and contributed to the overall success of the *÷* album.
2. Supermarket Flowers
“Supermarket Flowers” is a heartfelt ballad by Ed Sheeran, released in 2017 as part of his album *÷ (Divide)*. The song features a gentle, acoustic arrangement, with Sheeran’s emotive vocals accompanied by a simple yet poignant piano melody. Lyrically, “Supermarket Flowers” reflects on the grief and remembrance following the death of a loved one. The song is written from the perspective of someone clearing out their late grandmother’s belongings, capturing the personal and intimate process of dealing with loss. Its touching lyrics and soothing melody contribute to its emotional impact. “Supermarket Flowers” was well-received for its sincerity and the way it resonates with listeners experiencing similar sentiments.
3. Photograph
“Photograph” is a touching and melodic ballad by Ed Sheeran, released in 2015 as a single from his album *x (Multiply)*. The song features a gentle acoustic arrangement, with Sheeran’s heartfelt vocals accompanied by a soft guitar melody. Lyrically, “Photograph” reflects on the power of memories captured in photographs, emphasizing how these images preserve moments of love and connection over time. The song’s nostalgic and emotional tone is enhanced by its simple yet evocative instrumentation. “Photograph” received widespread acclaim for its lyrical sincerity and its ability to evoke deep emotional responses, making it a favorite among fans for its intimate and reflective quality.
4. Perfect
“Perfect” is a romantic ballad by Ed Sheeran, released in 2017 as a single from his album *÷ (Divide)*. The song features a beautiful, acoustic arrangement with Sheeran’s warm vocals accompanied by a gentle guitar melody. Lyrically, “Perfect” is a love song that celebrates finding a soulmate and cherishing the moments shared with them. Its heartfelt lyrics and tender melody create an intimate and emotional atmosphere. The song became widely popular for its romantic theme, making it a common choice for weddings and special occasions. The music video, featuring scenes of Sheeran and his partner in a picturesque setting, complements the song’s themes of love and connection. “Perfect” received significant acclaim and commercial success, further solidifying Sheeran’s reputation as a leading contemporary artist.
5. Thinking Out Loud
“Thinking Out Loud” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 24, 2014, as the third single from his second studio album, *x* (pronounced “Multiply”). The track is known for its romantic lyrics and acoustic, soulful sound.
Produced by Ed Sheeran and Jake Gosling, “Thinking Out Loud” features a smooth melody, heartfelt lyrics, and a prominent guitar arrangement. The song’s lyrics express enduring love and devotion, with Sheeran singing about growing old together and the timeless nature of true love.
The music video, directed by Jason Koenig, features Sheeran performing the song in a visually stunning dance setting with choreographed dance routines. The video highlights the song’s romantic themes and enhances its emotional impact with expressive and artistic visuals.
“Thinking Out Loud” received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and Sheeran’s emotive performance. It achieved significant commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Sheeran’s most beloved songs. The track won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2016, further cementing its status as a modern classic in romantic ballads.
6. Sing
“Sing” is an upbeat and energetic pop song by Ed Sheeran, released in 2014 as the lead single from his album *x (Multiply)*. The track features a lively, funky production with a catchy melody and vibrant instrumentation, including prominent use of horns and a rhythmic beat. Lyrically, “Sing” encourages listeners to let loose, have fun, and embrace the joy of music and celebration. The song’s infectious energy and playful lyrics make it a feel-good anthem. The music video, with its colorful and dynamic visuals, complements the song’s upbeat vibe. “Sing” received positive reviews for its catchy hooks and Sheeran’s ability to blend pop with a playful, upbeat style, achieving commercial success and becoming a staple in his discography.
7. Shivers
“Shivers” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 10, 2021, as the lead single from his fifth studio album, *= (Equals)*. The track is known for its energetic, upbeat tempo and catchy pop sound.
Produced by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid, “Shivers” features a lively, danceable rhythm with an infectious melody and vibrant production. The song’s lyrics express excitement and infatuation, celebrating the intense feelings and thrills of a new romantic relationship.
The music video, directed by Jason Koenig, showcases Sheeran in a series of high-energy, colorful scenes, including lively dance routines and dynamic visual effects that complement the song’s upbeat and joyful mood.
“Shivers” received positive reviews for its catchy hooks and Sheeran’s charismatic performance. The song achieved commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and becoming a popular addition to Sheeran’s repertoire of hit singles. It further solidified Ed Sheeran’s status as a leading contemporary pop artist.
8. Happier
“Happier” is a poignant electronic pop song by Marshmello, featuring Bastille. Released in 2018, the track combines electronic beats with emotional, melodic vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of selflessness and the difficult decision to let go of someone you love for their own happiness, even if it means enduring personal pain. The melancholic yet uplifting tone is complemented by the song’s gentle, atmospheric production. The music video, featuring a heartfelt narrative of a dog finding a new home, visually reinforces the song’s themes of love and sacrifice. “Happier” received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and has been praised for its impactful combination of electronic music and heartfelt lyrics.
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, *+* (pronounced “Plus”). The track is known for its poignant lyrics and acoustic, folk-inspired sound.
Produced by Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac, “The A Team” features a minimalist arrangement with Sheeran’s signature guitar work and a melancholic melody. The song’s lyrics address the harsh realities of homelessness and addiction, telling the story of a young woman struggling with these issues.
The music video, directed by Matt Barrett, visually complements the song’s somber themes by depicting a narrative that aligns with the song’s message of hardship and resilience.
“The A Team” received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and Sheeran’s heartfelt performance. It achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and establishing Sheeran as a notable new artist in the music industry. The song’s success helped to pave the way for Sheeran’s future achievements and solidified his reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.
10. Bad Habits
“Bad Habits” is a lively and infectious pop song by Ed Sheeran, released in 2021 as the lead single from his album *= (Equals)*. The track features an upbeat, danceable production with a catchy melody and a blend of electronic and pop elements. Lyrically, “Bad Habits” delves into themes of self-awareness and regret, as Sheeran sings about the struggle to break free from unhealthy patterns and destructive behavior. The song’s energetic rhythm and memorable chorus contribute to its appeal. The music video, with its vibrant and surreal visuals, complements the song’s themes of transformation and self-realization. “Bad Habits” received positive reviews for its catchy sound and marked a notable shift in Sheeran’s musical style.