Today is FINALLY the day that we have been given the gift of a new album from Ed Sheeran and I know you are all freaking out along with me, right??
In celebration, I'm listening to the album all the way through and sharing my favorite lyrics and feelings on each song.
Are you ready?? Press play on the first track to listen through with me starting... now!
Eraser
"I chased the picture perfect life I think they're painting it wrong"
This song is SO amazing and a little fierce and totally full of fire.
Castle On The Hill
We've heard this one before and it is such a sweet and heart-warming and just all-around incredible song full of nostalgia. There's nothing not to love about this one. And the video features an Ed look alike.
Dive
"I could live and I could die hanging on the words you say."
Heart explosions. Wow. "Don't call me baby unless you mean it." This song is all kinds of vulnerable and honest and something that we sometimes don't get from huge musicians.
Shape Of You
We know and love this song. It's fun and catchy, it was written for Rihanna, and it's an amazing first radio single from this album. It's also a little different from most of the album so far, and I love that.
Perfect
"Baby I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms"
This is the perfect (see what I did there?) love song. It's sweet and detailed. You want to dance in the dark, barefoot, listening to THIS song. You also want to be in love with Ed Sheeran because of this song.
Galway Girl
Get. Ready. To. Dance.
Our good ole rapping Ed is back with this one. I feel transported back to the early years of Ed Sheeran with this one and I just want to be in Galway dancing in a pub to this.
Happier
"Baby you look happier, you do. My friends told me one day I'll feel it too."
My heart is just so broken over this song. The idea of a lost love being happier with someone else, and you just have to sit back and watch. And OH NO "everything's reminding me of you" UGH.
New Man
"I don't wanna know about your new man, because if it was meant to be you wouldn't be calling me up."
OK, this one sounds sad from the lyrics but I also just love the vibes it gives off. It's laid back and a relaxed kind of break up song. You feel OK about the break up because of it, even though it's clearly not an ideal situation.
Hearts Don't Break Around Here
"Oh we're in love aren't we?"
Sweet Ed Sheeran has really come out with this album and obviously inspired by his love with girlfriend Cherry. This is another one of those super sweet, melt your heart songs. Prepare yourself.
What Do I Know
"Love can change the world in a moment, but what do I know?"
Oh now I NEED to listen to this one while hanging out on a front porch, sipping a cocktail and talking about life with some good people. Because "life is more than fittin' in your jeans" and that is such an important message right now.
How Would You Feel (Paean)
THIS. SONG. He released it on his birthday last month and it has been melting my entire soul ever since.
Honestly there aren't words I can sum this up with. NOTHING.
Supermarket Flowers
This song will break your heart. This song is about the death of Ed's grandmother who was very ill while he was in the process of making the record. He said this is the most special song on the record, and for good reason. Ed's grandma passed away just before the album was finished, so they left the song on in tribute.
If you're not prepared to cry right now, I suggest you keep this one for a time when you can really let it go. It's that touching and sad and real.
Barcelona
GET READY TO DANCE. "I got two left feet and a bottle of red wine."
Basically just this:
Bibia Be Ye Ye
OH GET ME ON A DANG CRUISE RIGHT NOW WITH A PINA COLADA IN MY HAND!!!!
"I remember less and less, and mostly things that I regret."
This is the song you will want cranked all the way up when you are getting ready to go out for the night.
Nancy Mulligan
All the Irish vibes on this song. You're going to feel like you actually live in Dublin or Belfast listening to this song. It certainly seems a little playful, but if you listen to the words, it's really cool.
Save Myself
"Human beings are destined to radiate or dream"
This is one of the most serious tracks on the album. But serious in a different way than Supermarket Flowers and the intensely kind love songs are. This one will get your brain going. "Before I save someone else, I've got to save myself."
Ed Sheeran with the powerful words!
Look. Overall, this is a BRILLIANT album. These are just my first-listen thoughts and I definitely need to go back and listen to it all like 4 times over to fully grasp each song. But if you're looking for a recommendation on whether or not to take your time to listen? The answer is absolutely, 100%, over and over again: YES.
Congratulations on this incredible piece of work, Ed. PROUD OF YOU!
Thumbnail Image: Getty Images