Ed Sheeran—a name that has become synonymous with chart-topping hits, heartfelt lyrics, and unforgettable melodies. From his humble beginnings as a scrappy, guitar-slinging singer-songwriter to becoming one of the most celebrated artists of the 21st century, Ed has carved a unique place in the hearts of millions around the globe. Whether it’s a soulful ballad that tugs at your emotions, an upbeat anthem that gets you dancing, or a poignant love song that becomes the soundtrack to your most cherished moments, Ed Sheeran’s music has a way of connecting deeply with listeners of all ages.
In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Ed Sheeran songs of all time—tracks that have not only dominated the charts but also shaped the soundtracks of our lives. These are the songs that have broken records, won awards, and amassed billions of streams worldwide. From the raw vulnerability of Thinking Out Loud to the infectious energy of Shape of You, this list is a celebration of Ed’s greatest musical triumphs. So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us as we count down the iconic tracks that define one of modern music’s biggest stars!
1. Shape of You (2017)
“Shape of You” is one of Ed Sheeran’s most recognizable and commercially successful songs, dominating the charts when it was released in 2017. Blending a slick pop beat with tropical house influences and subtle R&B flavors, the track marked a bold shift from Sheeran’s earlier acoustic style. The song follows the excitement of a new romantic connection, told through catchy lyrics and a melody that sticks in your head after just one listen. From the moment it dropped, “Shape of You” was unstoppable—topping charts in over 30 countries and becoming one of the most streamed songs of all time. Its rhythmic production, driven by a marimba-like synth, and lines like “I’m in love with the shape of you” made it a global party favorite. Beyond just its commercial appeal, the track showed Sheeran’s ability to evolve and take risks while still staying true to his storytelling roots. Whether it’s played on the radio, at weddings, or in clubs, “Shape of You” continues to captivate with its infectious energy. It’s the kind of song that invites you to move, sing along, and maybe even fall a little in love.
2. Perfect (2017)
“Perfect” is Ed Sheeran’s musical love letter—pure, tender, and beautifully timeless. Released in 2017 as part of his Divide album, this romantic ballad quickly earned its place as a wedding favorite across the world. Inspired by Sheeran’s own relationship, the song paints an idyllic picture of two people who are just right for each other. With lines like “I found a love for me, darling just dive right in,” he captures the feeling of discovering someone who feels like home. Musically, “Perfect” leans into classic ballad territory, driven by soft guitar strumming and a soaring orchestral backdrop that adds a cinematic quality to the song. Its melody is gentle but powerful, allowing Sheeran’s heartfelt vocals to shine. The emotional honesty in the lyrics is what resonates most—there’s no need for flashy metaphors, just simple, sincere love. Over time, the song has become more than just a chart-topper—it’s become a soundtrack for first dances, proposals, and intimate moments. Whether performed solo or in the duet version with Beyoncé, “Perfect” never fails to strike a chord. It’s a reminder that sometimes, love really is as perfect as a song.
3. Thinking Out Loud (2014)
“Thinking Out Loud” is one of Ed Sheeran’s most beloved songs, and for good reason. Released in 2014 on his album x (Multiply), it’s a heartfelt ode to enduring love that has stood the test of time—both lyrically and musically. With its smooth, bluesy guitar and classic soul-inspired rhythm, the song has a warm, vintage feel that makes it instantly comforting. The lyrics explore a love that grows stronger with age, with Sheeran singing, “Darling, I will be loving you till we’re 70,” a line that has become iconic in its own right. It’s not just a romantic sentiment—it’s a promise of unwavering devotion. The accompanying music video, which features Sheeran dancing with professional dancer Brittany Cherry, added a new level of emotional depth and helped cement the song’s legacy. “Thinking Out Loud” won a Grammy for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, and it’s easy to see why. It combines thoughtful songwriting, emotional delivery, and timeless instrumentation into something universally moving. Whether you’re in love, remembering love, or hoping for it, “Thinking Out Loud” provides the perfect soundtrack to those feelings.
4. Bad Habits (2021)
“Bad Habits,” released in 2021, marked a striking evolution in Ed Sheeran’s sound, showing fans a darker, more dance-driven side of the singer-songwriter. Departing from his signature acoustic ballads, the track leans heavily into synth-pop and electronic production, offering a pulsing beat and hypnotic rhythm that wouldn’t be out of place in a nightclub. The lyrics delve into the allure and consequences of reckless behavior, with Sheeran reflecting on nights of indulgence and the emotional fallout that follows. “My bad habits lead to late nights, endin’ alone,” he confesses, acknowledging the emptiness that comes from chasing fleeting thrills. Despite its upbeat sound, the song carries a reflective undertone, making it more than just a catchy tune—it’s a mirror held up to the struggle of self-control and the pull of temptation. The accompanying vampire-themed music video amplified its sense of transformation and drama. “Bad Habits” was both a commercial hit and a creative risk, one that paid off by earning global chart success and critical recognition. It reminded the world that Sheeran isn’t afraid to reinvent himself, and that even in a dance track, he’s still telling a deeply personal story.
5. Photograph (2014)
“Photograph” is one of Ed Sheeran’s most touching ballads, released in 2014 on his x album. The song captures the ache of long-distance love and the bittersweet beauty of memories preserved in pictures. Built around a gentle acoustic guitar and subtle string accompaniment, the track is stripped-down and emotional, allowing Sheeran’s lyrics to shine. “We keep this love in a photograph, we made these memories for ourselves,” he sings, offering a tender reminder that even when we’re apart from those we love, our connection remains intact through the moments we’ve captured. Inspired by his own experience with separation during a relationship, the song resonates with anyone who has ever missed someone deeply. The accompanying music video, featuring personal home footage from Sheeran’s childhood, adds an extra layer of intimacy that makes the song even more powerful. “Photograph” isn’t flashy or dramatic—it’s sincere, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. It’s the kind of song that can bring you to tears when you’re missing someone or provide comfort when you need a reminder that love doesn’t fade with distance. It endures, just like the photos we hold onto.
6. Castle on the Hill (2017)
“Castle on the Hill” is Ed Sheeran’s powerful tribute to his roots, released in 2017 as part of his Divide album. The track opens with driving guitar riffs and quickly builds into an anthemic celebration of youth, friendship, and home. It’s Sheeran at his most nostalgic, recounting his teenage years in Framlingham, England—complete with reckless adventures, life lessons, and the enduring pull of where he came from. The imagery is vivid: friends getting into trouble, first loves, and the emotional highs and lows of growing up. With lines like “I’m on my way, driving at 90 down those country lanes,” Sheeran taps into a universal longing for simpler times and the places that shaped us. The song’s sweeping energy and emotional storytelling make it a fan favorite and a standout in his catalog. It’s equal parts reflective and triumphant, capturing the bittersweet reality of looking back while moving forward. “Castle on the Hill” is more than just a song—it’s a personal postcard from Sheeran’s past that invites listeners to revisit their own childhood memories and appreciate the journey that’s brought them to the present.
7. Galway Girl (2017)
“Galway Girl” is a spirited and catchy track that fuses pop with traditional Irish folk, showcasing Ed Sheeran’s flair for genre-blending and storytelling. Released in 2017, the song tells the tale of a lively romance with an Irish girl who captivates him with her charm, wit, and bold personality. From the opening notes featuring a fiddle and upbeat rhythm, “Galway Girl” pulls you into a fun, whirlwind narrative full of dancing, drinking, and unforgettable moments. What makes the track especially engaging is its conversational style and vivid imagery—you can practically see the tattoos on her arms, feel the cobblestone streets, and hear the laughter echoing from the bars of Galway. Sheeran co-wrote the song with Irish folk band Beoga, whose influence gives the track its distinctive sound. Despite some initial skepticism from industry insiders, the song quickly climbed the charts and became a global hit. Its lighthearted tone and infectious melody make it a favorite at concerts and singalongs. “Galway Girl” proves that Sheeran can take a niche story and turn it into a universal hit, all while having fun with his music and showing love for different cultures.
8. A Team (2011)
“A Team” was Ed Sheeran’s breakthrough single, released in 2011, and it immediately marked him as a different kind of pop star—one who leads with empathy and depth. Unlike typical chart-toppers, the song tackles heavy subject matter: addiction, homelessness, and vulnerability. Inspired by Sheeran’s experience volunteering at a homeless shelter, “A Team” tells the story of a young woman caught in a painful cycle of drug abuse and street life. Its gentle acoustic guitar and haunting melody contrast with the heartbreaking reality of the lyrics, making it both beautiful and poignant. With lines like “It’s too cold outside for angels to fly,” Sheeran captures the fragility of life with poetic grace. The song’s title refers to “Class A” drugs, but Sheeran wraps this harsh reality in soft tones, inviting compassion rather than judgment. “A Team” resonated widely and earned him a Grammy nomination, helping launch his international career. More than a hit, it’s a reminder of music’s power to shed light on real struggles and give a voice to the unseen. It was a bold debut that showed Sheeran wasn’t just here to entertain—he was here to move hearts.
9. Lego House (2011)
“Lego House” is one of Ed Sheeran’s early gems, featured on his debut album + in 2011. It’s a tender, metaphor-rich song about the process of rebuilding after emotional setbacks—particularly in love. The track compares a crumbling relationship to a Lego house falling apart, with the hope of piecing it back together again. Sheeran’s soft vocals, layered over a subtle blend of piano and acoustic guitar, create a sense of vulnerability and sincerity. What makes the song truly special is its ability to capture the complexities of love—how fragile yet hopeful it can be. “I’m gonna pick up the pieces and build a Lego house,” he sings, acknowledging the pain while also holding onto the possibility of reconciliation. The accompanying music video, featuring Rupert Grint as a Sheeran lookalike, adds an emotional twist that deepens the story. “Lego House” isn’t flashy, but its honesty hits hard. It’s a perfect example of Sheeran’s gift for turning everyday objects and emotions into meaningful, memorable songs. Quietly powerful and deeply relatable, this track helped solidify his reputation as a thoughtful and genuine storyteller in the pop world.
10. I Don’t Care (2019)
“I Don’t Care,” released in 2019, is a vibrant pop collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber that blends feel-good energy with personal vulnerability. On the surface, it’s an upbeat anthem with a sunny, danceable rhythm, but underneath is a message about social anxiety and finding solace in the presence of someone you love. The lyrics speak to that awkward, uncomfortable feeling of being at a party where you don’t quite fit in—until the right person shows up and makes everything okay. “Cause I don’t care when I’m with my baby, yeah,” they sing, turning an isolating experience into something joyful and reassuring. The chemistry between Sheeran and Bieber is effortless, and their smooth vocal delivery matches the light, polished production perfectly. It’s a song that manages to be both catchy and emotionally resonant, which is part of its wide appeal. Whether you’re dancing in your room or navigating a crowded event, “I Don’t Care” offers a comforting reminder that love can be a safe space in a noisy world. It quickly became a global hit and a testament to the power of pop music when it’s done right—honest, catchy, and real.
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.
