This post won’t look the way it used to when it comes to albums. I feel like reviewing such a vulnerable music like this should be strictly prohibited! So, it will look more like an essay…

‘-‘ is the latest, 5th solo album by Ed Sheeran. Aaron Dessner helped in creating this album and I think it’s really possible to hear parts of souls of both musicians here. I mean some tracks remind me of folklore by Taylor Swift and some songs are simply a comeback to Ed’s roots. Salt Water is the example of the song that musically reminds me Taylor’s music and the song that sounds like Ed in 100% is Life Goes On in my opinion.

The lead single is Eyes Closed. It’s a song about the lost friend but I think it may be about any kind of loss. I mean this song means for the songwriter something else but it doesn’t mean it can’t have many different meanings for listeners and this way I believe this song is simply universal and that’s why it’s a perfect lead single.

The second single is Boat and I love this song for being so gentle and being genius in a lyrical and melodic way. It’s a very good move to put Salt Water after this one. It’s the same theme and I love these two songs especially among all because water is my element and I simply feel it so deeply. These two are my sounds of the soul.

Another song that I love almost as much as these two is End Of Youth even though I don’t agree with the message of it. If pain is the main factor that makes you a grown-up, then it would mean that I was never young! I mean I wrote many songs when I was 13 and you can find them in my novel. I’m sure you wouldn’t believe that it’s possible to write anything so deep like those lyrics when you’re so young but well… It’s just the facts! But let’s go back to the Ed’s track… I love the key change here and how singer’s voice sounds in the chorus. It’s something really special in my opinion.

Two other songs that I also love are Curtains and Dusty. These two are so different comparing it musically to the rest of the record and maybe that’s way I love them. Also, these songs are so full of joy and hope that it’s just impossible not to like it, you know!

The last song that I gotta mention is Spark. I love those violin sounds out there. And man, it reminded me of Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift and well, few hours later we got the announcement about Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) being out on 7th July. It’s like it was a sign that Ed gave us and nobody noticed it!

I also must say few words about marketing strategies that I’ve noticed lately. Well, I’ve had courses at the university about marketing and PR and I was looking for a job in this field so I can see such things, you know. However… Sheppard’s idea to have 12 singles was genius but the thing that Ed did is even bigger! Because all 14 songs from the standard version have their music videos! Honestly, it’s like a series or film cut into pieces. Also, the idea to perform on the roofs of cars with the acoustic guitar is the second way of promotion. I had a similar idea last year and my secret partner can witness. Well, the car part reminds me of Step Up 4. But there was dancing, you know…

You can watch all music videos here:

The last thing to mention is the documentary The Sum of It All available on Disney+. I haven’t seen it yet but I will do it one day! I’m sure it would tell us more about the process of creating this record…

Oh, and you can listen to this album here:

Alright, that’s it. New post is coming tomorrow and it will be about Eurovision! I can’t wait to see the first semi-final tonight. I honestly love this song contest and I wait for it each year impatiently.

Greetings!

A.A.