Resurrected Music: Ed Sheeran - "X"

Ed Sheeran fans who loved his debut "+" will discover, this time around. his sound on his sophomore release, "X", is edgier, mature, and more defined. There is the sound of completion that occurs when an artist becomes aware of what makes them an individual. Here he is focusing on enveloping his clever picturesque lyrics and folksy base. Ed's talent has truly bloomed. "X" is well crafted both lyrically and melodically. It is rare that you find an album today that can be listened to from start to finish without skipping. This album is one of a few in my collection that have earned that badge of honor. In my opinion, this is Sheeran's best album, and those Grammy nods are more than well deserved.

Check out this track-by-track review of "X":

1. "One"
All my senses come to life/While I'm stumbling home as drunk as I/Have ever been and I'll never leave again/'Cause you are the only one Bruh not only does the acoustic version of this song SLEIGH even harder but he holds a note for like 17 seconds...what kinda musical unicorn?!? This song is EV-VERY-THING!

2. "I'm A Mess"
This track is like folksy and acoustics and love all wrapped in one wondrous vessel that is Ed Sheeran. "I'm A Mess" listening to this song.

3. "Sing"
There is no way that you wouldn't have known this was Pharrell produced, Justin Timberlake inspired without having possessed that information. It's classic JT.

4. "Don't"
Don't fuck with my love/That heart is so cold YAAASSSSSSSSSSS! You better take risks, Ed! I love the cadence in this track and he better rap, hunni! I'm totally invested in this album like, "Hi. Who are you?"

5. "Nina"
He chose music over Nina. I guess Nina ain't as great as Cash Out made it seem...

6. "Photograph"
I'm convinced Ed is a ladies man. He's mad lowkey but he knows exactly what to say to hook, line, and sink her...

7. "Blood Stream"
This song is about alcoholism with gospel teases and honestly I'm just racked with confusion at all of the blasphemy condensed in one solitary track. But his songwriting skills are the best yet and his vulnerability is endearing.

8. "Tenerlife Sea"
This is the first song where Ed is actually sure of his love. Finally. All this unrequited love can be depressing. I'm over here like

9. "Runaway"
Soulful and filled with character. I can't even fathom how amazing this song will be when performed live. And I was right. Enjoy.

10. "The Man"
I don't love you baby/I don't need you baby/I don't want you no/Anymore Awww. So sad. No wonder there's a blues feel. This is downright disheartening.

11. "Thinking Out Loud"
I was a little afraid of a pseudo-remake of Marvin Gaye but Ed definitely does it justice. Perfect ending to the standard edition of "X".

You'd be crazy to not buy the deluxe version of the album which has five additional songs, including "Take It Back", "Shirt Sleeves", "Even My Dad Does Sometimes", "I See Fire", his hit single from The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, and "All of the Stars", his new hit single from The Fault in Our Stars.  It is so rare to find a singer that is so attune to his voice, music, and words. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us in 2015!

Natasha Marie

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