Ed SheeranS ‘-‘ Album stalls in Familiar Territory, Raising Questions About Pop Longevity
Ed Sheeran’s latest album, – (titled “Minus” and informally known as play), arrives after a 15-year career marked by chart dominance, but offers little sonic evolution, according to critics. The album,released May 24,2024,largely revisits the radio-pleasant balladry that has defined Sheeran’s success,prompting debate about his continued influence in a pop landscape increasingly populated by artists echoing his style.
While Sheeran briefly references past innovations – including 2011’s “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” in a rap verse on “Opening” – – primarily looks back to 2017’s Divide. Tracks like “Camera” are described as “sappy, crescendoing” odes reminiscent of “Perfect,” poised to become wedding staples, and “The vow” leans into soulful, jazz-inflected territory wiht lyrics echoing country-pop sentiments, drawing comparisons to Rascal Flatts. Despite thes attempts, the album’s core remains firmly rooted in Sheeran’s established singer-songwriter formula.
The album does showcase Sheeran’s lyrical detail in softer ballads such as “simply put” and “Slowly.” Though, reviewers note a lack of significant progression despite a nod to more global sounds. Sheeran himself acknowledges the competitive landscape, rapping on “Opening,” “Been a long time on top, but I ain’t complacent/ If I look down, I can see replacements.”
This sentiment is particularly poignant given the emergence of artists like Alex Warren and Teddy Swims, who have built followings with styles demonstrably influenced by Sheeran’s work.The question now is whether Sheeran can innovate beyond his established sound, or if his legacy will be defined by inspiring a new generation of balladeers while remaining creatively static.
