Ed Sheeran
X
(Atlantic)
3 Stars
Releasing a killer lead single can be a problem. When Ed Sheeran unleashed his Pharrell Williams collaboration Sing back in April, it caused many to reappraise the singer and songwriter. There were none of his signature mopey acoustic tales of small-town romances and break-ups; instead, over tough drums and funky basslines, the ginger-haired star was now all about shedding his boy-next-door image. Those wishing X to be the transformation Sing hinted at will be slightly disappointed. There are plenty of his fragile acoustic numbers such as the opener One and the heartbreaking Photograph. But there also is an effort to try new things. Despite Sheeran's old-school songwriting approach, the 23-year-old is a '90s kid and he lets his influences show. Don't rides on a Dr Dre-inspired West Coast hip-hop beat, while the next potential hit single, Nina, has Sheeran almost rapping over urban beats tempered with sparse acoustic riffs and piano. X finds a nice balance of appeasing the faithful – and moving forward.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
