Ever since Ed Sheeran released his record-breaking album ‘x’ (pronounced “multiply”) back in 2014, we’ve been patiently waiting for his follow-up record and earlier this month, the star finally made his comeback as he dropped not one but two comeback singles. The tracks, “Shape of You” and “Castle On The Hill” became instant hits smashing Spotify’s record for ‘one day’ streams accumulating 7,940,950, which knocks Adele’s “Hello” off of the top spot! Now, the singer has announced that his upcoming third studio album ‘÷’ (pronounced “divide”) is set for release on 3rd March 2017 through Asylum/Atlantic Records.
“First off, what a week! The reaction to my new singles has been absolutely mind-blowing and I can’t thank you enough,” Ed said this week as e announced his new album. “My new album ‘÷’ holds a very special place in my heart and I really believe this is my best work to date. I’ve been eager to get back and I couldn’t be more excited for March 3rd.”
Ed’s new album is set to be his finest yet and is on course to become one of the most significant global album releases of 2017. The genre-defying LP is the result of an artist who consistently pushes himself in new directions, uncovering fresh musical ground using a seemingly limitless musical vocabulary. Drawing inspiration from a host of personal experiences and subjects, Ed takes you through a hugely personal journey; be that reflecting on past relationships, family memories, his musical career or his time off travelling the world in 2016.
Musically ‘÷’ is an array of beautifully orchestrated and emotive ballads, impassioned raps laid over hip hop beats, timeless acoustic guitar masterpieces and innovative, idiosyncratic pop music. Unveiled last Friday, Ed’s record-breaking dual comeback singles perfectly highlight one of the distinct divides in his musical spectrum with “Castle On The Hill” (an ode to his hometown of Framlingham, Suffolk) positioning itself towards a stadium-ready, rockier sound and “Shape Of You” dismantling and rebuilding modern-pop using little more than a loop pedal.
‘÷’ will reveal everything in-between whilst showcasing Ed’s impeccable guitar playing, peerless lyricism, boundless musical palate and jarringly-honest, and often autobiographical, storytelling – some of the reasons this much-loved talent has built an undeniably loyal following across the globe. Executively produced by Benny Blanco (Rihanna, The Weeknd) and Ed himself with further production coming from Johnny McDaid, Mike Elizondo and Steve Mac, the album was recorded between LA, London, Suffolk and RMS Queen Mary 2. Hugely representative of modern times, both sonically and topically, ÷reaffirms Ed as one of the world’s most forward-thinking and versatile troubadours. Furthermore, Ed created the album artwork concept, even painting the cover himself!
‘÷’ TRACKLISTING
1. Eraser
2. Castle On The Hill
3. Dive
4. Shape Of You
5. Perfect
6. Galway Girl
7. Happier
8. New Man
9. Hearts Don’t Break Around Here
10. What Do I Know?
11. How Would You Feel (Paean)
12. Supermarket Flowers
Deluxe Edition
13. Barcelona
14. Bibia Be Ye Ye
15. Nancy Mulligan
16. Save Myself
Fun Facts About Ed’s ‘Shape Of You’ and ‘Castle On The Hill’:
“CASTLE ON THE HILL” & “SHAPE OF YOU”
• Biggest-ever ‘day 1’ Spotify streams with a combined 13 million, overtaking One Direction, who held the title previously with 4.7 million of “Drag Me Down” in 2015:“Shape Of You” – 6,868,642 (first 24 hours)“Castle On The Hill” – 6,168,395 (first 24 hours)
• Biggest-ever ‘day’ streams on Apple Music UK
• “Shape Of You” lands biggest-ever ‘one day’ streams on Spotify with 7.9 million, overtaking Adele, who was the previous record holder with “Hello”
• The lyric videos were Ed’s biggest-ever video launches with 10 million combined views in the first 24 hours – they have now accumulated over 60 million hits to date
• The two tracks are already outselling the Official Chart Company’s Top 20 singles chart combined this week (UK)
• A peak of 128 #1 iTunes positions worldwide across both of the singles
• Over 137 million combined streams in less than a week (Apple/Spotify/YouTube/Deezer)
• Hold #1 & #2 across UK Airplay, Apple Music UK, Spotify UK/Global charts, iTunes UK/USA charts + more
• The tracks peaked at #1 & #2 consecutively in 28 Spotify markets (including UK, USA and Global charts)
• “Shape Of You” is currently #1 in 39 countries on Spotify
•‘A List’ across board at UK radio / climbing Top 40/Hot AC in USA – “Shape Of You” is already ‘Top 20’ on Top 40 radio
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