From small-town beginnings to global superstardom, Ed Sheeran has become one of the most beloved and prolific artists of our time. With his unmistakable ginger hair, heartfelt lyrics, and acoustic guitar in hand, Sheeran has crafted songs that resonate deeply with millions. Whether you’re falling in love, nursing a broken heart, or simply seeking a soundtrack for life’s unforgettable moments, Ed Sheeran’s music offers something timeless and magical.
In this article, we’ll take you on a melodic journey through the top 10 most popular Ed Sheeran songs of all time. These tracks have not only topped charts but also captured the hearts of fans across the globe. From tender ballads like “Perfect” to infectious anthems like “Shape of You,” Sheeran has proven his ability to blend soul-stirring emotion with irresistible beats. Each song on this list tells a story, weaves a memory, and cements Sheeran’s place in modern music history.
So, whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his genius, prepare to sing along, reminisce, and celebrate the musical masterpieces that have solidified Ed Sheeran as a once-in-a-generation artist. Let’s dive into the magic that is Ed Sheeran!
1. Shape of You (2017)
When Ed Sheeran released Shape of You in 2017, it didn’t just become a hit—it became a global cultural phenomenon. Part of his third studio album, Divide, the song quickly rose to the top of the charts, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks. What made Shape of You such an instant classic wasn’t just its catchy tropical house-inspired beat, but its undeniable groove and relatable lyrics. Sheeran’s smooth vocals glide effortlessly over a rhythmic hook that makes it nearly impossible not to dance. The song’s lyrics, which capture the thrill of a new attraction, speak to the universal experience of meeting someone and feeling an immediate connection. Sheeran’s storytelling style shines through as he details the excitement of getting to know someone, with vivid imagery and playful moments that listeners can relate to, whether they’re on a night out or in the midst of a blossoming relationship. The infectious nature of the song is matched by its commercial success, but even beyond that, Shape of You has become a social and cultural touchstone. Whether you’re at a party or walking down the street, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll hear it playing at some point. It represents the magic of meeting someone new and captures that pure energy, from the nervous excitement to the heady feeling of wanting to spend more time with them. The fact that it has become one of Sheeran’s most iconic tracks speaks to its broad appeal and staying power. With Shape of You, Sheeran mastered the art of making a pop song feel timeless, while capturing the essence of attraction and connection.
2. Perfect (2017)
Ed Sheeran’s Perfect from his 2017 album Divide is one of those rare love songs that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The ballad showcases Sheeran’s ability to craft a timeless classic, with lyrics that detail the kind of love that feels destined—something that so many couples can identify with. The song’s soft, stripped-back arrangement, featuring just a piano and Sheeran’s tender vocals, allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to truly shine through. From the very first note, Perfect draws you in with its sincerity and warmth, making it impossible not to imagine yourself in the romantic scenario he describes. The song’s lyrics—”I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets”—speak to a love that is deep, enduring, and built on mutual respect and trust. It’s the kind of song that has become a staple at weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic celebrations, with couples across the globe using it to capture their own special moments. But what truly makes Perfect stand out is its versatility. Whether in its solo version or the duet with Beyoncé, the song continues to touch hearts worldwide. Beyoncé’s collaboration added an extra layer of magic, making it an even more sweeping love anthem. With its simplicity and emotional depth, Perfect is a song that will likely stand the test of time, reminding us all of the beauty of a love that feels “perfect” in its authenticity.
3. Thinking Out Loud (2014)
Thinking Out Loud is the quintessential romantic anthem, and it’s no surprise it became one of Ed Sheeran’s most beloved songs. Released as a part of his Multiply album in 2014, the song’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody quickly captured the hearts of listeners, becoming the soundtrack to countless weddings and romantic milestones. It’s the kind of love song that makes you believe in forever, with Sheeran singing about growing old with someone and still feeling the same way about them. The song’s warmth comes not only from its lyrics but from its simple yet powerful arrangement—a smooth acoustic guitar paired with Sheeran’s tender voice. The beauty of Thinking Out Loud lies in its universal message: love that stands the test of time, enduring not just through the happy moments, but through all the challenges life may bring. Sheeran’s ability to weave storytelling with heartfelt emotion is on full display here as he paints a picture of an everlasting love, one where you hold on to each other as time passes and your love only deepens. The song earned critical acclaim, including multiple Grammy wins, and became one of Sheeran’s signature tracks. Its relatable, poetic lyrics and timeless melody make it the perfect love song for couples everywhere. It’s no wonder that Thinking Out Loud remains a fan favorite—it’s the kind of song that resonates with anyone who’s ever experienced love, loyalty, and the desire to grow old with someone by your side.
4. Photograph (2014)
Photograph from Ed Sheeran’s Multiply (2014) is one of those songs that instantly tugs at the heartstrings. With a gentle piano-driven arrangement and Sheeran’s emotive vocals, the song captures the bittersweet beauty of holding on to memories of a loved one, particularly when they’re no longer in your life. The song’s lyrics are a reflection on love, distance, and the passage of time—something everyone can relate to. “We keep this love in a photograph,” Sheeran sings, evoking the image of a moment frozen in time, captured in a picture that becomes a lasting reminder of the connection shared. Photograph resonates deeply with those who have experienced both the joy of love and the sadness that often accompanies the end of a chapter. The vulnerability in Sheeran’s voice and the poignant lyrics make this track one of his most heartfelt. It’s the kind of song that resonates with anyone who has ever held onto a memory, whether it’s a relationship, a friendship, or a time in life that’s passed. The soft, intimate feel of the song is further enhanced by Sheeran’s storytelling ability, which paints a vivid picture of longing and loss. Photograph is one of Sheeran’s most emotional tracks, reminding us that even though time moves on and circumstances change, the memories we carry with us can offer comfort, solace, and a sense of connection to those we’ve loved. It’s a song that speaks directly to the heart, and its simple yet profound message continues to strike a chord with listeners across the world.
5. Castle on the Hill (2017)
Castle on the Hill is a bold and nostalgic anthem from Ed Sheeran’s Divide (2017) album, which serves as both a love letter to his childhood and a celebration of the small-town roots that shaped him into the person he is today. The song’s lively, anthemic energy immediately stands out, with its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus that invites listeners to sing along. Sheeran takes us on a journey through his upbringing in Framlingham, England, describing the highs and lows of his youth, including the joy, mistakes, and memories that shaped his sense of self. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, evoking both a sense of longing and a deep appreciation for the place that raised him. Castle on the Hill is more than just a song about nostalgia—it’s an exploration of how our pasts shape us, the mistakes we make, and the people who leave lasting impressions on our lives. Sheeran reflects on his relationship with friends, family, and his hometown, and how those early experiences continue to influence him as an adult. The soaring chorus, with its call-and-response vocal style, elevates the song into an anthem of self-reflection, growth, and gratitude. The song resonates with anyone who’s ever looked back on their roots and realized how far they’ve come. Castle on the Hill stands as one of Sheeran’s most powerful tracks, reminding us all of the importance of where we come from and how it shapes the person we become.
6. The A Team (2011)
The A Team, released as the lead single from Ed Sheeran’s debut album + in 2011, is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Sheeran’s raw talent as a storyteller. The track is built around a delicate acoustic arrangement that allows Sheeran’s emotive vocals and poignant lyrics to take center stage. The song tells the heartbreaking story of a woman struggling with addiction and homelessness, capturing the harsh realities of life on the streets. Sheeran’s sensitive approach to this subject matter is part of what makes The A Team so powerful—he doesn’t sensationalize the issue, but instead approaches it with empathy and understanding. The song’s sparse arrangement allows for an intimate listening experience, with Sheeran’s voice carrying a quiet intensity as he sings about the pain, confusion, and hopelessness experienced by the song’s protagonist. The haunting imagery of the lyrics—”And they say she’s in the class A team”—adds to the song’s somber tone, creating a stark contrast between the beauty of Sheeran’s delivery and the bleakness of the subject matter. The A Team was a breakthrough moment in Sheeran’s career, introducing him to a wider audience and earning him critical acclaim. It’s a testament to his ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and insight, and it remains one of his most impactful and powerful songs. The track not only solidified Sheeran’s place in the music industry, but it also demonstrated his ability to use his platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
7. Galway Girl (2017)
Galway Girl is a fun, upbeat track from Ed Sheeran’s Divide (2017) that blends Irish folk influences with contemporary pop to create an irresistibly catchy tune. The song tells the story of a whirlwind romance set in Galway, Ireland, where Sheeran falls in love with a girl who has a wild spirit and a taste for adventure. The lively tempo and infectious melody make Galway Girl feel like a celebration, with its foot-tapping rhythm and playful lyrics capturing the excitement of falling for someone unexpectedly. Sheeran’s collaboration with Irish musician Beoga gives the song an authentic folk feel, with traditional instruments like the fiddle and accordion adding a unique touch to the track. The story of Galway Girl unfolds like a love letter to Ireland, complete with references to the country’s rich cultural heritage and the carefree joy of living in the moment. The song’s blend of folk and pop creates a sound that feels fresh, but also deeply rooted in tradition, giving it a timeless quality that appeals to listeners across generations. Galway Girl was a commercial smash, quickly becoming one of Sheeran’s biggest hits, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to get up, dance, and embrace the spontaneity of life and love. Its infectious energy and lighthearted storytelling make it one of Sheeran’s most enjoyable tracks, and it continues to be a fan favorite whenever it plays. With Galway Girl, Sheeran proved once again that he’s a master of blending genres and crafting songs that are both fun and meaningful.
8. Happier (2017)
Ed Sheeran’s Happier from his 2017 album Divide is a beautifully melancholic ballad that explores the bittersweet emotions of seeing a former lover move on and find happiness with someone else. The song is a reflection on love, loss, and the acceptance that comes with the end of a relationship. The lyrics are poignant and raw, capturing the feeling of wanting the best for someone, even if it means letting go of them. Sheeran’s tender vocals and the simple, stripped-back production create a sense of vulnerability, as if he’s speaking directly to the listener about the pain of seeing someone you love with someone else. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of “I hope you’re happier with him,” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of longing and selflessness that can accompany a breakup. The track’s emotional depth and sincerity are what make it so powerful, and it resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the heartache of seeing a relationship come to an end. Happier was widely praised for its emotional honesty, and it quickly became one of Sheeran’s most beloved songs. The song’s relatable themes of heartbreak and acceptance make it timeless, and it’s one of those tracks that you can always turn to when you need a song to process difficult emotions. Sheeran’s ability to turn personal pain into universal art is what makes Happier so moving and memorable.
9. I See Fire (2013)
Written for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug soundtrack in 2013, I See Fire is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Ed Sheeran’s ability to create deeply emotional music with cinematic scope. The track is steeped in folk influences, with Sheeran’s soulful voice at the forefront, creating a sense of intimacy that feels both personal and epic at the same time. I See Fire is a reflection on the destructive forces of war, as well as the bond that connects people even in the face of destruction. The song’s lyrics—“I see fire, inside the mountain, I see fire, burning the trees”—conjure powerful images of a world on the brink of chaos, while also conveying a sense of hope and resilience. The track was written specifically for the film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, but its themes of loss, survival, and unity resonate far beyond the movie’s narrative. Sheeran’s delivery is haunting and tender, capturing both the beauty and the sadness of the song’s subject matter. I See Fire was a standout moment in the Hobbit soundtrack, and it quickly became a fan favorite, with its cinematic feel and emotional depth making it one of Sheeran’s most memorable songs. It’s a testament to Sheeran’s ability to take on a project outside of his usual genre and turn it into something deeply personal and impactful.
10. Bad Habits (2021)
Bad Habits is a bold departure from Ed Sheeran’s usual sound, marking a significant evolution in his musical style. Released in 2021 as the lead single from his Equals album, the track introduces a more electronic pop vibe, with Sheeran experimenting with new sounds and production techniques. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it instantly catchy, but the lyrics tell a deeper story about the struggle with self-control and the temptations that can derail even the best intentions. The song is about falling back into bad habits and being caught in a cycle of destructive behavior, yet there’s an undercurrent of self-awareness throughout. Sheeran’s delivery is filled with both frustration and resignation, capturing the internal conflict of trying to break free from patterns that don’t serve you. The combination of dark lyrics and vibrant production creates a unique contrast, making Bad Habits one of Sheeran’s most innovative tracks. It’s a reflection on the complexities of human nature and the difficulty of overcoming personal flaws, but it also carries a sense of optimism—suggesting that change is always possible. The song’s infectious energy and bold experimentation proved that Sheeran could evolve as an artist while staying true to his roots. Bad Habits was a commercial success, and its mix of introspection and upbeat production made it a standout on Equals. Sheeran continues to push the boundaries of pop music, showing his versatility and growth as an artist.
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.
