6 Ed Sheeran Songs that Are the ‘Most Pop’
Ed Sheeran, known for his incredible songwriting skills, relatable and memorable songs, and one of the unofficial Weasley family members from the Harry Potter world, will release a new album soon. Sheeran told Billboard, “It feels like I’m getting back into big pop for the first time in a long time. It’s quite exciting.” We’re excited too!
Sheeran’s discography includes seven albums. His debut studio album + (Plus) was released in 2011, followed by x (Multiply) in 2014. Fans have noticed how he uses math symbols as album titles since x was followed by ÷ (Divide) in 2017, = (Equals) in 2021 and – (Subtract) in 2023. He also released No. 6 Collaborations Project in 2019 and Autumn Variations in 2023.
Ed Sheeran didn’t name his albums randomly. In an interview published by The Mirror, Sheeran said of his 2021 album, “I saw the symbol ‘equals’ as it symbolizes life, not just new life, it symbolizes life and whether that’s end of life or start of life.” In a 2015 interview, he mentioned he named his second album x after + because “It made all that was a part of ‘plus’ bigger, from the venues to the songs to the radio plays to the sales.” Sheeran, per BBC, named his 2023 album – since it’s an album that is more “Acoustic and stripped back” than his previous albums.
The acoustic album is also a reflection of Sheeran’s “deepest darkest thoughts.” His wife was sick at the time, his best friend died and he was battling a lawsuit for copyright infringement. In his album announcement, he wrote, “I was spiraling through fear, depression and anxiety.”
To celebrate his return to pop, we have compiled a list of his songs that are the “most pop.”
“Shape of You”
One of the lead singles of ÷, “Shape of You” was everywhere in 2017. It’s one of Sheeran’s danceable songs, and with catchy lyrics, it will have you singing, “Oh, I, oh, I, oh, I/Well, I’m in love with your body” on repeat, even in public spaces. It’s the kind of song you think you’re sick of until it comes on at a party or a karaoke, and suddenly, you’re belting out the lyrics.
It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2018 during the 60th Annual Grammy Awards further cementing its status as one of Sheeran’s “most pop” songs.
“Sing”
From his album x, Pharell Williams produced the lead single “Sing” and even provided backing vocals. It is one of his early songs where he embraced pop, a huge difference from the folk-rock sound of +. Sheeran admitted to Billboard that the song was inspired by Justin Timberlake, “It was pretty close to a direct inspiration. I love Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds, so I took inspiration from those.”
This bop made everyone get up, and well, sing (and dance). This song was pure pop with falsettos and Sheeran rapping. The accompanying video had a puppet version of Sheeran partying with hot women, which is something you didn’t know you needed until you saw it.
“Thinking Out Loud”
According to the Daily Telegraph, “Thinking Out Loud” is the “summer wedding song for loved-up couples.” How could it not with romantic lyrics such as, “So, honey, now, take me into your lovin’ arms/Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars/And place your head on my beatin’ heart, I’m thinkin’ out loud/Maybe we found love right where we are.”
Per American Songwriter, Sheeran was inspired by then-girlfriend Athina Andrelos. Oh, to be the muse of one of the most romantic pop songs in the world! “Thinking Out Loud” won Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 58th Grammy Awards.
“Bad Habits”
After taking a little break, Sheeran came back in 2021 with a new look and a fresh sound. “Bad Habits” is a straight-up dance-pop, with a beat that will make you tap your foot unconsciously. It’s a song about bad habits (who can’t relate?) According to Bustle, the song was about Sheeran’s bad vices and how fatherhood changed him. He credits his daughter Lyra as his “biggest motivation” for giving up his vices.
The accompanying music video is pure pop fun with Sheeran as a pink-wearing suit vampire. It’s weird, wonderful, and another reminder that Sheeran knows how to keep things fresh.
“Shivers”
Not content with just one dance-pop hit in 2021, Sheeran followed “Bad Habits” with “Shivers,” another upbeat banger that makes you want to dance even if you have two left feet. The song is about the rush you get when you’re head-over-heels for someone, “I never kissed a mouth that tastes like yours/Strawberries and then somethin’ more/Ooh, yeah, I want it all.”
The accompanying music video is also fun to watch. If you’re a longtime fan of Sheeran, it’s kind of unnerving to see him dancing and even doing a half-split. Nevertheless, when the chorus hits, you can’t help but feel that this side of Ed Sheeran is something we’ve been waiting for, even if it came a little late.
“I Don’t Care”
A collaboration with Justin Bieber, “I Don’t Care” is Sheeran’s lead single for his album, No. 6 Collaborations Project. The song talks about the difficulty of leading a pop star’s life, of being invited to parties even if they don’t want to, but being with the person they love, they’re able to stay. “I’m at a party I don’t wanna be at/And I don’t ever wear a suit and tie, yeah/Wonderin’ if I could sneak out the back/Nobody’s even lookin’ me in my eyes/Then you take my hand/Finish my drink, say, ‘Shall we dance?’ (Hell, yeah).”
Ed Sheeran’s ability to keep his sound fresh every time he releases a new album keeps his fans on their toes and excited for what new tracks with meaningful lyrics and danceable beats he’s going to offer. He truly is one of the most talented singers, songwriters, and occasional dancers in modern pop.
