A friend made me listen to the album all the way through. A train journey from Banbury to Manchester provided the perfect opportunity. Here's what I thought.
Ed Sheeran’s latest offering into mainstream pop is quite a refreshing tale of young love and naivety. Or at least, that’s what I got out of it. The stories of youth told by a respectable young pop icon.
When the A Team was released, a lot of us thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. A mature, lyrically brilliant, poetic pop song that took over national radio. You Need Me was a similarly excellent single, with a captivating narrative told through some outstanding lyrics.
The album sadly can’t offer you too much more. Where the A Team and You Need Me are full-bodied singles, the album is a medley of bang average tunes and musicianship. Live, I imagine he’s a totally different story, the guy has serious talent, especially with that loop pedal!
However, it’s a pleasant listen and to be honest I wouldn't turn down an Ed Sheeran gig.
Hopefully there’s more to come from this guy. Some more collaboration wouldn’t go too far amiss. For now, + is about 3/5, with the standout songs other than the singles being U.N.I & Grade 8.
Ed Sheeran – + on Spotify.
