+ Album review
★★★★
Lines between genres have never been more blurred than right now, Ed Sheeran's debut album '+' is a classic mix of meaningful lyrics, R&B styling's, hip-hop influenced delivery and heart churning love songs. An album that speaks to the younger generation, tackling issues such as drugs and relationships.The opening track, The A Team, is filled with heart-breaking lyrical content, a moving, poetic lyric about a teenage beauty that turns to prostitution.
Two songs, which display Ed Sheeran at his best, are Small Bump and U.N.I, which reveal the amazing talent of the artist because of his use of acoustic guitar. Small Bump is a beautifully written and well-executed song, which one can't help but be overcome with emotion. U.N.I is one of the albums love songs, the hip-hop delivery of the lyrics, balanced nicely with soft singing within the chorus.
The versatility of the album is revealed through the song You Need Me, I Don't Need You, as the audience are enlightened with an R&B track. A track mostly aimed at Sheeran's old manager, the industry and pretty much anyone who has a problem with him.
Tracks such as 'This', 'The City' and 'Lego House' the listener is treated to a complete emotional rollercoaster. From the heart breaking self-realisation of 'This', again using the acoustic guitar, offering a slow pace and melancholy tone. 'The City' which introduces some 'beat boxing' about harsh truths of living in London. This track has some, in my opinion, bizarre musical arrangement. 'Lego House' then takes a complete U-turn throwing in the previous mentioned hip-hop style delivery of the lyrics intertwined with a passionate chorus voicing some strong opinions.
Finally we come to the end of the album with 'Kiss me' and 'Give me love', beautifully written songs with powerful and highly emotive personal messages.
The '+' album is thought provoking, emotional and raw, knowing exactly what buttons to push and heart strings to pull.
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