Ed Sheeran has become one of the most iconic and beloved artists of the 21st century, captivating millions around the globe with his heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and unmatched storytelling. From humble beginnings as a street performer in England to selling out massive arenas worldwide, Sheeran’s rise to stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. His music has a magical way of transcending borders and genres, connecting with listeners on an emotional level that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
With a career spanning chart-topping hits, timeless ballads, and unforgettable anthems, Ed Sheeran’s discography is a treasure trove of musical brilliance. But what are the songs that have truly stood the test of time? Which tracks have left an indelible mark on fans and music lovers alike? In this article, we count down the top 10 most popular Ed Sheeran songs of all time—tracks that have defined his career and solidified his place as a global superstar.
From the soulful serenades that make you fall in love to the upbeat jams that get you dancing, this list is a celebration of Ed Sheeran’s greatest hits. So grab your headphones and get ready to relive the magic of Sheeran’s most iconic songs!
1. Shape of You (2017)
Released as one of the lead singles from Ed Sheeran’s third studio album, Divide, Shape of You became an instant global phenomenon. With its infectious melody, dancehall-inspired rhythm, and modern pop production, the song showcased Sheeran’s ability to blend his signature acoustic roots with a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound. Unlike many of his previous hits, Shape of You leaned heavily into the realm of pop and R&B, proving his versatility as an artist.
Lyrically, the song tells the story of a passionate romance that begins in an everyday setting—a bar—where two people connect over their mutual attraction. The conversational, flirtatious lyrics make it feel relatable, while the repetitive chorus and rhythmic beat ensure its earworm quality. The track was originally written for Rihanna, but Sheeran decided to keep it for himself, a decision that paid off tremendously.
Shape of You shattered records upon its release, becoming one of the most streamed songs of all time. It topped charts in multiple countries and won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2018. The song’s impact was further amplified by its playful music video, which features Sheeran training as a boxer while navigating a love story. Even years after its release, Shape of You remains one of Ed Sheeran’s defining tracks, continuously racking up streams and radio play worldwide.
2. Thinking Out Loud (2014)
Thinking Out Loud is one of Ed Sheeran’s most iconic ballads, released as a single from his second album, x (Multiply). With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and tender acoustic arrangement, the song immediately resonated with listeners and became a wedding staple around the world.
Sheeran has often described Thinking Out Loud as a song about lasting love—the kind that endures through the years. The lyrics paint a picture of a couple growing old together, still as deeply in love as when they first met. Lines like Darling, I will be loving you till we’re 70 perfectly capture the sentimentality of lifelong devotion. The song’s warm instrumentation, featuring a smooth bassline and delicate guitar work, adds to its timeless charm.
What further solidified the song’s popularity was its stunning music video, in which Sheeran performs an elegant ballroom dance with professional dancer Brittany Cherry. The video, shot in a single take, showcased a new side of Sheeran’s artistry and was met with widespread praise.
Thinking Out Loud became one of Sheeran’s biggest commercial successes, reaching number one in the UK and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. It won Song of the Year at the 2016 Grammy Awards and remains a standout track in his discography.
3. Perfect (2017)
With Perfect, Ed Sheeran set out to write the ultimate love song, and he undeniably succeeded. Released as part of Divide, this deeply romantic ballad quickly became a modern classic, celebrated for its touching lyrics and sweeping orchestration.
Sheeran wrote Perfect for his childhood friend and then-girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn, making it one of his most personal songs. The lyrics vividly capture a moment of pure bliss between two lovers, dancing under the stars and embracing their deep connection. The line I found a love for me sets the tone for the song’s intimate and heartfelt message.
The song’s instrumentation is both simple and powerful, beginning with a soft acoustic guitar before building into a grand, cinematic soundscape with lush strings and emotional crescendos. Its timeless melody and heartfelt sentiment made it an immediate wedding favorite, often compared to Sheeran’s previous hit, Thinking Out Loud.
Perfect became a massive global success, topping the charts in numerous countries. Sheeran later released several alternate versions, including a duet with Beyoncé and an orchestral rendition featuring Andrea Bocelli. These variations further cemented its status as one of his most beloved songs.
4. Photograph (2015)
Released as the fifth single from x (Multiply), Photograph is a deeply emotional ballad that captures the essence of love, distance, and nostalgia. The song’s lyrics paint a touching picture of cherishing memories through photographs, a theme that resonates with anyone who has ever missed someone they love.
Sheeran wrote Photograph while on tour, drawing inspiration from his long-distance relationship at the time. The song’s lyrics reflect the pain and longing that come with separation, while also offering a sense of hope that love can endure despite the distance. The chorus—We keep this love in a photograph / We made these memories for ourselves—beautifully encapsulates this sentiment.
Musically, the song features a delicate arrangement, beginning with a soft acoustic guitar before gradually building into a soaring, emotionally charged climax. The combination of gentle instrumentation and Sheeran’s heartfelt vocal delivery makes Photograph one of his most moving tracks.
The music video, composed of real childhood footage of Sheeran growing up, adds another layer of emotional depth. It gives fans a glimpse into his personal life and emphasizes the song’s themes of preserving memories. Photograph became a fan favorite and remains one of Sheeran’s most poignant love songs, proving the power of simplicity and raw emotion in his songwriting.
5. Castle on the Hill (2017)
Castle on the Hill is a nostalgic, anthemic track that serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ed Sheeran’s hometown of Framlingham, Suffolk. Released alongside Shape of You as a lead single from Divide, the song contrasts the more romantic, upbeat vibe of its counterpart with a powerful rock-infused energy.
The lyrics of Castle on the Hill are filled with vivid storytelling, taking listeners on a journey through Sheeran’s childhood memories—riding bikes with friends, making mistakes, and experiencing the highs and lows of growing up. The song’s soaring chorus—I’m on my way / Driving at ninety down those country lanes—evokes a sense of longing and appreciation for the past. The track is often compared to classic coming-of-age anthems due to its reflective yet celebratory tone.
Musically, Castle on the Hill leans more toward rock than Sheeran’s typical acoustic sound, featuring powerful drum beats and driving guitar riffs. The song’s energy builds throughout, mirroring the rush of emotions that come with reminiscing about youth.
With its deeply personal lyrics and universally relatable themes of nostalgia and homecoming, Castle on the Hill resonated with fans of all ages. The track performed exceptionally well on the charts and remains one of Sheeran’s most anthemic and emotionally charged songs.
6. The A Team (2011)
The A Team was the song that introduced the world to Ed Sheeran, marking the beginning of his rise to stardom. Released as the lead single from his debut album, + (Plus), this hauntingly beautiful track is a stark contrast to typical pop hits, tackling themes of addiction, struggle, and loss with a poetic and melancholic touch.
Inspired by Sheeran’s experience performing at a homeless shelter, The A Team tells the story of a young woman battling substance abuse. The lyrics, while subtle and metaphorical, paint a heartbreaking picture of her reality. The line And they say she’s in the Class A Team is a reference to Class A drugs, making the song’s theme both poignant and hard-hitting.
The song’s production is stripped back, featuring only Sheeran’s delicate guitar picking and gentle vocals, allowing the raw emotion of the lyrics to take center stage. This minimalist approach adds to the song’s authenticity and impact.
Despite its somber subject matter, The A Team became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning Sheeran his first Grammy nomination. It remains one of his most critically acclaimed tracks, demonstrating his talent for storytelling and his ability to convey deep emotion through music.
7. Bad Habits (2021)
With Bad Habits, Ed Sheeran took a bold step outside his signature acoustic and folk-pop style, diving into a high-energy, dance-pop sound. Released as the lead single from his album = (Equals), the track signaled a new era for Sheeran, featuring pulsating beats, an infectious hook, and a shimmering synth-driven production that made it an instant club hit.
Lyrically, Bad Habits explores the cycle of impulsive choices and the consequences that follow. The song’s chorus—My bad habits lead to late nights, ending alone—paints a picture of excess and regret, a theme that resonates with many. Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics carry a sense of self-awareness and reflection, making the track more than just a party anthem.
The music video added to the song’s intrigue, portraying Sheeran as a vampire navigating a neon-lit city, further emphasizing the song’s themes of indulgence and nocturnal escapades. This striking visual shift showcased his willingness to experiment and reinvent himself as an artist.
Upon release, Bad Habits soared to the top of the charts worldwide, becoming one of Sheeran’s biggest commercial successes. Its danceable rhythm, combined with introspective lyrics, made it a standout track, proving that Sheeran could effortlessly transition into different musical styles without losing his storytelling touch.
8. I See Fire (2013)
I See Fire is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Ed Sheeran’s talent for storytelling and cinematic songwriting. Written and performed for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug soundtrack, the song perfectly captures the film’s themes of destruction, destiny, and resilience.
Sheeran was personally chosen by director Peter Jackson to create the song, and he delivered a piece that feels both epic and intimate. The lyrics narrate the perilous journey of the dwarves and their fight against Smaug, with lines like Oh, misty eye of the mountain below / Keep careful watch of my brothers’ souls evoking a sense of urgency and sorrow.
Musically, I See Fire is a mesmerizing blend of folk and Celtic influences, featuring a soft acoustic guitar, delicate violin, and Sheeran’s emotive vocals. Unlike traditional film scores, the song maintains a raw and organic feel, making it stand out as both a soundtrack piece and a standalone song.
The track was met with widespread acclaim from both fans and critics, praised for its emotional depth and seamless integration into the Hobbit universe. I See Fire remains a fan-favorite, admired for its poetic lyrics and evocative melody that transport listeners straight into Middle-earth.
9. Happier (2017)
Released as a single from Divide, Happier is a heart-wrenching ballad about seeing an ex move on and coming to terms with the bittersweet emotions that follow. The song is a delicate exploration of love, loss, and self-reflection, capturing the complexity of heartbreak in Sheeran’s signature storytelling style.
The lyrics tell a poignant narrative of someone realizing that their former partner has found someone new who treats them better. Lines like Ain’t nobody hurt you like I hurt you / But ain’t nobody love you like I do convey a raw vulnerability, making it a deeply relatable song for anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love.
Musically, Happier is understated yet powerful, featuring a gentle acoustic melody, soft piano, and an atmospheric arrangement that amplifies the song’s emotional weight. Sheeran’s voice carries the song’s sorrow beautifully, making it feel deeply personal yet universally resonant.
The music video adds another layer of sadness, featuring a puppet version of Sheeran navigating the pain of heartbreak. This creative visual choice adds a melancholic charm to the song, emphasizing its themes of longing and acceptance.
With its tender lyrics and hauntingly beautiful melody, Happier is one of Sheeran’s most emotionally impactful songs, touching the hearts of fans around the world.
10. Galway Girl (2017)
A lively and infectious track from Divide, Galway Girl showcases Ed Sheeran’s love for blending folk-pop with traditional Irish sounds. Inspired by a chance encounter with a spirited Irish woman, the song is a playful, fast-paced love story packed with energy, humor, and a strong Celtic influence.
The lyrics recount a whirlwind romance filled with dancing, laughter, and a rebellious streak, as Sheeran sings about meeting a girl with a fiddle in an Irish band. The song’s vivid storytelling and conversational tone make it feel like a tale being shared over a pint at a local pub.
Musically, Galway Girl is driven by an infectious fiddle riff, rapid-fire lyrics, and an upbeat tempo that make it impossible not to tap along to. The track’s fusion of pop and traditional Irish music gives it a unique, vibrant sound that sets it apart from the rest of the album.
Despite some initial controversy—Sheeran faced criticism from some Irish musicians over the authenticity of the song—the track became a massive hit, topping charts and becoming a crowd favorite at his live shows. The music video, featuring Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, further brought the story to life, capturing the fun and free-spirited nature of the song.
Galway Girl remains one of Sheeran’s most joyful and energetic songs, proving his ability to effortlessly merge different musical influences into a song that feels both modern and timeless.
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.
