Ed Sheeran - X [Album Review]

Ed Sheeran's second album, entitled X (or Multiply), comes hot off the trails of his 2011 album (aptly titled '+' or Plus), and sees the singer putting his vocal talents through their paces on his latest album. The new album shows the level of growth the singer has undergone since his début, and the new efforts of the album are greatly appreciated, as Sheeran pushes new boundaries between folk and R&B, infusing the two together to create an almost seamless album that enthrals and delights. 

Ever seeking to create something new and improve and explore into different musical territories, Sheeran has pushed himself to create a new album that varies from his usual stylings. X is an infusion of R&B, rap influences, folk and pop that actually works rather well, with energetic guitar and drum beats fusing successfully to form catchy and unique individual songs, that actually maintain their memorability. The quick-spitting and frenetic 'Nina' sees Sheeran taking influence from rap to create a track that is dynamic and hook-heavy. Relying on a key use of piano and featuring excellent guitar beats, 'Nina' is essentially Sheeran telling a woman to stay away from him.  

The third track on the album is the flawless 'Sing', which features Sheeran executing falsettos accompanied by a sultry-smooth track that has the sexiness that so many tracks aim for, but ultimately lack. In a manner to Justin Timberlake, Sheeran achieves the flirtatious nature of his counter-part, creating a song that is mesmerizing. The track, produced by Pharrel Williams, has the usual 'Blurred Lines' esque beats that you would expect from the producer, but Sheeran has enough charisma and vocal ability to carry it off as a new and exciting track, instead of an unfortunate reminder of the poorly constructed tune. We would describe this as 100% better than 'Blurred Lines', with 100% more Ed Sheeran, and genuine sexiness. Simple, eh? 

One of the gems on the track is the smooth and deceitful 'Don't', which references a girlfriend who cheated on Sheeran. The singer was initially reluctant to put the record on the album as he felt it was 'too personal', and we get why he might be reluctant. 'Don't' is incredibly personal, and the hurt and deceit is felt throughout the track as Sheeran sings; 'Don't fuck with my love/ That heart is so cold/ All over my arm/ I don't wanna know that babe'. The track is so passionate and ultimately angry, and with high emotions and an addictive chorus, 'Don't' is a triumphant addition to the album from the singer. 

Track number 6 on the album is the piano-ballad, 'Photograph'. The track features Sheeran's voice in a more fragile and tender manner, as he sweetly sings 'So you can keep me/ Inside the pocket of your ripped jeans/ Holding me close until our eyes meet/ You won't ever be alone'. This particular track is a more understated addition to the album, and it works phenomenally well, as one of the album's most endearing and exquisite tracks, that is complimented by Sheeran's soaring vocals on the chorus.  

The guitar-laden 'Bloodstream' features some fluid and sleek vocals from Sheeran, and the track sounds distinctively folky, with incorporation of r&b 'Fading out again/ I feel the chemicals burn in my bloodstream/ so tell me when it kicks in'. This particular track is quite hypnotizing and it shows how far Sheeran has come with his music, and the falsettos featured are beautiful. 

Bonus tracks from the deluxe version, also include the Hobbit-infused 'I see Fire' which features as a track from the aforementioned film (Desolation of Smaug), and as usual, Sheeran is brought to a unanimous climax by strong guitar beats and resonating violins. The majority of the album sees Sheeran triumphant and victorious in his efforts to exceed his usual comfort zone, and X is a confident new addition to the singer's discography, which emulates the singer's passion and emotion. Whilst the album can at times feel a little bit timid or tame (in comparison to some of the more triumphant and captivating songs), Sheeran is successful in his more gentle vocals that come courtesy of the more warming, powerful tracks like 'I'm a Mess', 'Bloodstream' and 'Photograph'. That being said, Sheeran has pushed the boundaries of his music so far, and X is a living example of this, infusing R&B and folk to create a solid and emotional album.