Its time again to review the nominees for "Album of the Year" (well, technically this is just the 2nd year I've done this), but anyways. The review process will be much like last year. Each track will be reviewed, followed by either a ✔(great track), an O (just okay/average), or an X(throwaway/poor). Following the review, I'll have the percentages for each rating. The raw score will come with multiplying the ✔percentage by 2, adding the O percentage, and then subtracting the X percentage. Got it? Okay. Here we go.
Ed Sheeran - "X"
(All rights to Ed Sheeran and Asylum/Atlantic Records)
1) One
It starts off with a nice folk opening. This is a good use of Sheeran's vocal range. His phrasing really stands out. Ed's vocals are allowed to stand out with the simple and soft instrumental backing. (✔)
2) I'm A Mess
This certainly has a darker/edgier feel to it. With that however, the lyrics don't quite stand out. This track is propped up by solid instrumentals. The back-half of "I'm A Mess" really picks this song up though. (O)
3) Sing
"Sing" has a nice R&B feel to it (combined with that folk sound). There's a good use of falsetto in the hook/chorus. The track is fast paced, but laid out well. "Sing" kind of gives off some Justin Timberlake vibes. This is certainly a new sound for Ed Sheeran, but it really works. (✔)
4) Don't
This has a very similar feel to "Sing". Its a very lyrical song. It paints a picture that while not a monogamous relationship, Sheeran still feels used and played. Its a similar sentiment to Timberlake's "Cry Me A River", but done differently. (✔)
5) Nina
Starts off with a piano intro. The lyrics stand out here; "We can all be loved the way that God made us". The track also features a nice breakdown. However, "Nina" feels a bit disconnected from the intro of the song. (O)
6) Photograph
This takes us back to a more traditional folk intro. The repetition of the line "wait for me to come home" throughout the song is a nice method to tie the track together. This is a good love song (in particular, it could be used to define a long-distance relationship). (✔)
7) Bloodstream
"Bloodstream" has an interesting blended intro with a solid guitar backing. However, the song feels too cluttered and disconnected. A message never truly forms. (X)
8) Tenerife Sea
It starts off with more of a pop vibe. This is one of the most lyrical songs on "X"; "..and should this be the last thing I see, I want you to know it's enough for me...Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need". Its very Irish folk sounding, particularly with the phrasing. (✔)
9) Runaway
This is similar sounding to "Don't". The lyrics are very personal here, as it seems its about Ed's father. This also seems to be about how no one is as esteemed as they may seem; "and mama was the same/None of us are the saints/ I guess that God knows that". Its similarity to "Don't" kind of deflates that meaning a bit though, serving as a distraction to the track. (O)
10) The Man
This track has kind of a Mat Kearney vibe to it. The rapping works for this track; "I felt like writing a book/I guess I lied in the hook/Cause I still love you...". This song seems like a form of therapy, or confession for Ed. (✔)
11) Thinking Out Loud
This track has a nice groove. The second verse of "Thinking Out Loud" demonstrates love after fame for Sheeran; "Your soul can never grow old, its evergreen". There's a nice guitar breakdown. This song is more traditional sounding, but its Ed Sheeran at his best. (✔)
12) Afire Love
This starts out with a sweeping theatrical intro, which is fitting for a concluding track. "Afire Love" is a dedication to his grandparents (dealing with Alzheimer's). In being about his grandparent's love, its similar to Timberlake's "Mirrors". In this song, its like his grandfather is telling his love story through Ed in the chorus. This, along with "Thinking Out Loud" are the perfect paired tracks to close out "X". (✔)
"X" is such a mature album for Ed Sheeran. He veers off the traditional pop pathway to produce something that feels unique. Sheeran even gets rap involved. Sheeran is certainly evolving and finding himself, and this album is a great testament to that. Another fantastic album in this album of the year series.
✔ = 67%
O = 25%
X = 8%
Beyonce - Beyonce: 179
Ed Sheeran - X: 151
Beck - Morning Phase: 138
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