Ed Sheeran’s rise to pop’s stratosphere has been one lifted straight from the underdog handbook. He seems like a nice bloke, he's endearingly messy, has worked tirelessly and he can play a bit. He’s the everyman that we can get behind, right?
Well, not really. Not wholeheartedly, anyway. Sheeran may be the poster boy for singer-songwriters everywhere, and a leading British export to the US, but his second album, ‘x’, fails to convince.
Here we find Sheeran attempting to broaden his horizons, infusing his acoustic musings with an added dash of modern pop. Sing, the album’s lead single, has demonstrated that the tactic works by landing at the summit of the charts, but despite its Pharrell Williams pep and admirable stab at new ground the song is forgettable.
Don’t, which recounts a tryst with a fellow musician, is far better, Sheeran’s measured delivery bolstered by keys straight from a ‘90s R&B track, while Afire Love is a standout.
Discussing his grandfather’s battle against Alzheimer’s, Sheeran is honest and effective, displaying the sensitivity that made The A Team such a success: “My father told me, son, it’s not his fault he doesn’t know your face. And you’re not the only one.”
Elsewhere, Sheeran is unable to provide further moments of brilliance with any regularity. Nina, a song that deals with the reality of touring, is undone by lyrics that fall too neatly into his comfort zone: “Watching a DVD, smoking illegal weed…”
The album’s love songs, too, feel a little safe when compared to the album’s best writing. Photograph and Tenerife Sea are on the rote side, while One, the album’s opener, hints at an exciting development in Sheeran’s vocal range before fading into familiarity.
‘x’ is going to be another huge hit for an artist who’s grafted to make it this far. But, as heartwarming as Sheeran’s march from clubs and pubs to arenas is, he can do better. There’s more in the tank.
Ed Sheeran Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri October 03 2014 - DUBLIN O2 Arena
Sat October 04 2014 - DUBLIN O2 Arena
Sun October 05 2014 - DUBLIN O2 Arena
Mon October 06 2014 - DUBLIN O2 Arena
Wed October 08 2014 - BELFAST Odyssey Arena
Thu October 09 2014 - BELFAST Odyssey Arena
Sat October 11 2014 - LEEDS first direct Arena
Sun October 12 2014 - LONDON O2 Arena
Mon October 13 2014 - LONDON O2 Arena
Tue October 14 2014 - LONDON O2 Arena
Wed October 15 2014 - LONDON O2 Arena
Sun October 19 2014 - BIRMINGHAM LG Arena
Mon October 20 2014 - BIRMINGHAM LG Arena
Wed October 22 2014 - NOTTINGHAM Capital FM Arena
Thu October 23 2014 - NOTTINGHAM Capital FM Arena
Sat October 25 2014 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Metro Radio Arena
Mon October 27 2014 - MANCHESTER Phones 4u Arena
Tue October 28 2014 - MANCHESTER Phones 4u Arena
Thu October 30 2014 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Fri October 31 2014 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
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