When Ed Sheeran dropped his debut, + (Plus), in 2011, he was the ginger-haired kid with a loop station and a heart on his sleeve. The pressure for a sophomore release was immense. Could he move beyond the acoustic busking persona? Would the world accept a poppier, bolder Ed?
Decade of ‘x’: Why Ed Sheeran’s Sophomore Album Remains His Definitive Masterpiece x ed sheeran album
Ten years later, x isn't just a collection of songs; it is the blueprint for modern pop-singer-songwriter success. It is the album where Ed Sheeran proved he wasn't a one-trick pony—he was a thoroughbred. When Ed Sheeran dropped his debut, + (Plus),
x is the sound of an artist placing a bet on himself and winning the jackpot. It is messy, loud, tender, and incredibly sharp. If you want to understand Ed Sheeran—not the brand, but the musician—start here. Would the world accept a poppier, bolder Ed
Ten years later, we revisit Ed Sheeran’s ‘x’ (Multiply). From the rap-infused ‘Sing’ to the heartbreak of ‘Thinking Out Loud,’ here is why this album changed pop music forever. Introduction: The Difficult Second Album? Not for Ed.
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