Ed Sheeran - X (Multiply) | Album Review

Tom:

The most anticipated album of 2014 has been released today. Ed Sheeran is back with his second album "X" and he knows that this is the make or break release. After such a successful debut album, there was always a tonne of pressure on Ed to make songs that would reach the calibre of "+" and I believe that "X" tops everything he's released thus far.

The fundamental theme of any previous Ed Sheeran song is still the main essence in "X." That's right, there's a lot of talk about love from start 'till finish. However it still feels as fresh and original as ever, with Ed taking a slightly alternative route to his song-making. Not only are there raw and acoustic tracks such as "One" and "Photograph", but the newly implemented hip-hop features that you can hear in "Sing" demonstrate Ed's dexterity and progression since his previous 2011 record. The production, aided by the legendary Rick Rubin has brought out a more polished side to Ed Sheeran's music. 

The lyrical theme for a few of the songs is centred around the dark side of love. The typical themes of jealousy, hatred and revenge are heard in tracks such as "Don't" and "Nina", where it is evident Ed is fighting back after rough relationships.

It is also amazing to hear Ed actually rap. It seems as if he's done his research as tracks such as "The Man" and bonus track "Take It Back" are full of intricate flow patterns and meaningful lyrics, in a similar vein to The Streets.

Overall "X" is a huge step up from "+" and just when we thought Ed hit his peak early, he clearly has a lot left to give to the world. As a fan from the very beginning it makes me proud to see how much he's grown and soon he'll be a household name everywhere. 

9 out of 10

Nat:

Man, Ed Sheeran does not have much luck with the ladies, does he? ‘x’ is littered with tales of wavering exes and old flames. But what can be said is that it makes some decent music.  The follow up to ‘+’ had to be a good album, which was a very difficult feat for Sheeran after the astronomical success of his debut. He seems to have done it.

His slight inclination to RnB tones in a few of his previous songs has definitely taken a hold on ‘x’.  And they’re the best songs on the album by far. Except for of course, ‘All of the Stars’ (Deluxe version), which partnered tearjerker movie ‘The Fault In Our Stars’. It’s a good song to match (sobs).

Now, 'Don’t', is obviously about a certain other British pop star (cough). With an air to Dre’s ‘No Diggity’, it’s a very solid beat with incredibly personal lyrics. Middle finger to whoever that is. No names.  Despite the deep undertones behind ‘Runaway’, its definitely one of the best songs on the album mainly because of said deep undertones. The accompanying RnB beat and Sheeran’s signature breakdown in his lyrics help give the song a unique edge.

His ballads in ‘x’ are unfortunately, a bit hit and miss. They of course have all the emotional stuff Sheeran is known for, but his new style has given his songs a fresh twist, and the ballads suffer. It was a much needed change in style for him to mature as an artist, otherwise he’d be stuck in the teen girl mindset.

‘x’ is definitely going to be one of the best albums of 2014. And it’s definitely more bearable if you didn’t like his usual acousticy, sad song deal. To break it down, he’s just added a decent beat to the sad song deal. It’s an instant purchase for the Sheerios and ‘x’ should definitely be added to your collection even if you’re not a Sheerio. 

7 out of 10