He’s done it again, ladies and gentlemen! Ed Sheeran has once again wowed the world with another amazing album. “Divide,” Sheeran’s third album, was released on March 3, including two of his pre-released hits, “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.” After its release on Jan. 6, “Shape of You” has spent the past seven weeks leading on Billboard’s Top 100 list.
As usual, listeners learn more about Sheeran through his songs, as he draws from his own life and experiences when writing his songs. Sheeran admits in an interview with Capital FM, a UK music station, that he got very personal with this album, especially when writing “Supermarket Flowers,” which was in tribute to his grandmother who had just recently passed away.
He also seems to reflect very much on his own life and past in “Eraser.” He admits getting to the point in his life when he’d looked in the mirror and question what he’d become. “Eraser” has got to be the most powerful song on his album. If one truly listens to the lyrics, they will find that it is not a meaningless pop song, and is instead a window into his life. This song is a reflection of how much has changed since Sheeran started his music career.  
While it is already well known that Sheeran writes his songs from life experiences, what makes this album truly unique from his two previous albums is the incorporation of several different cultural influences in his songs. “Bibia Be Ye Ye” was made during Sheeran’s visit to Ghana in collaboration with Ghanaian producer, Killbeatz. Part of the song is sung in Twi, the official language of the Ashanti in South Ghana, with a great rhythm that introduces a completely different culture of music to listeners around the world.
He also introduces Irish folk music into his song “Nancy Mulligan,” which is based on his grandparents’ love story. Both of these songs were very unexpected when listened to under the usual pop genre that he performs, but they bring a very pleasant and refreshing feel to “Divide.”
Sheeran still succeeds at painting himself as the outsider in the music business despite making top billboard songs several times in his career. He never comes off too over the top or glamorous, making him seem down to Earth and modest to the average listener.
In addition to the new album, Sheeran has just released his US tour dates, with his Boston show scheduled for Sept. 22, 2017. If money is to be saved up for anything, it should probably be for this. If there’s one thing that should be anticipated here from what can be heard in “Divide,” it’s a fun, diverse, feel-good show.
No matter which of his albums or songs you’re listening to, Ed Sheeran has something for everyone. As a music lover who never goes a day without her headphones and Spotify subscription, I would advise you to put your headphones on, block out the chaotic world around you, and seriously give this album a chance. You won’t regret it.