Yes, that’s the name. “+” otherwise known as PLUS but have fun doing a search. A brazen choice, using a symbol, for your debut; don’t you think? Musically, there is nothing coy about this British Ginger. By contrast, Ed Sheeran looks almost demure and too young to produce the soulful lyrics you’ll find in most of his music.
Viewers of Vampire Diaries had a first taste of Ed Sheeran during the magical dance in Dangerous Liaisons (episode 14 of season 3). The Klaus/Caroline dance, for those who need a reminder.
Ed Sheeran has been topping the UK charts for months but up until now we, in the US, have only had The A Team as a charting teaser. But as good as that song is, there are some far better ones on his first full-length album. His next single, Lego House, is another song that does not show where his true talent lie. His strength, and what sets him apart from other pretty boys with a nice voice, is his ability to blend urban hip-hop with hook-heavy pop music.
With the use of a looping pedal Ed can make a complex layered piece come to life. Here he is doing Wayfaring Stranger. This is not a piece from an earlier EP and sadly is not on this album. The good news is, following the link at the bottom of this article, sign up for Ed’s mailing list and you’ll get a free download of this great song!
Surprisingly, my favorite song on + is You Need Me, I Don’t Need You. The fresh mix of beatbox, melody and rap will recruit even the most hesitant listener.
The pulsing beat of Grade 8, the gentle rhythm of Autumn Leaves and the childlike bounce of Gold Rush (Deluxe Version) will all circle around in your head pleasantly coming back around throughout the day.
Ed’s ballads are strong. His lyrical ability far exceeds his tender years. Be sure to listen to Kiss Me, Autumn Leaves (Deluxe Version) and the aching Small Bump.
The album is not perfect. There are a few songs that left me feeling flat. They lacked the emotional connection. Wake Me Up and Little Bird (Deluxe Version) are two songs I’ve come to skip after listening multiple times. Other songs have grown on me. The City was not a favorite at first, but it has a rumbling tone like city streets that has a certain appeal.
For more info head over to
http://edsheeran.com/
and get your free download of Wayfaring Stranger and U.N.I. (from +) just for adding your name to his mailing list.