The 10 best Ed Sheeran songs of all time

Ed Sheeran, born 17 February 1991, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer known for his blend of pop, folk and acoustic music. Sheeran rose to critical acclaim with his debut album *+* (2011), which featured hits such as “The A Team” and “Lego House”. His follow-up albums *x* (2014) and *÷* (2017) cemented his status as a global pop star, with hits such as “Sing”, “Thinking Out Loud”, “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill”.

Sheeran’s music is characterised by his soulful lyrics, melodic sense and skillful guitar playing. His success has earned him numerous accolades, including Grammys and Brit Awards, and he is known for his ability to write catchy, soulful songs that resonate with a wide audience.

1. Your shape

“Shape of You” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on January 6, 2017 as the first single from his third studio album *÷* (2017). The track is an upbeat pop song with elements of dancehall and tropical house, characterized by its catchy melody, catchy hook and rhythmic beat.

Co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac and John McDaid, “Shape of You” deals with themes of physical attraction and romance, with the lyrics focusing on a new relationship and the excitement of meeting someone special. The song’s distinctive marimba loop and danceable rhythm contributed to its widespread popularity.

“Shape of You” became a huge commercial success, topping charts worldwide and breaking multiple streaming records. The catchy production and Sheeran’s stirring vocal performance were praised by critics. The music video features Sheeran in a boxing gym, which adds to the energetic and playful atmosphere of the song.

2. Supermarket flowers

“Supermarket Flowers” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on March 3, 2017 as part of his third studio album *÷* (2017). The track is a poignant acoustic ballad that showcases Sheeran’s thoughtful and emotional songwriting.

The song’s lyrics deal with themes of loss and memory, with Sheeran talking about dealing with the death of a loved one. The song is written from the perspective of someone reflecting on the death of their grandmother and the impact it has on their family. Its simple, soulful melody and personal lyrics resonate with listeners.

“Supermarket Flowers” has been praised for its emotional depth and Sheeran’s delicate vocals. The track is a moving tribute and a testament to his ability to write songs that reach the listener on a personal level.

3. Photo

“Photograph” is a song by Ed Sheeran from his debut studio album *+* (2011). The song was released as a single on May 27, 2015 and is a tender ballad that combines acoustic and pop elements.

Co-written by Sheeran and Steve Mac, the song features soulful lyrics about cherishing memories captured in photographs and the lasting impact these moments have on our lives. The track features gentle guitar playing, emotive vocals and a nostalgic feel.

Praised for its simplicity and emotional resonance, “Photograph” is popular with fans for its ability to evoke feelings of love, memory, and nostalgia. The music video, directed by Emil Nava, features a collection of personal photos and home videos that reinforce the song’s themes of memory and connection.

4. Perfect

“Perfect” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 15, 2017 as a single from his third studio album *÷* (2017). The track is a romantic ballad featuring Sheeran’s signature acoustic sound and soulful lyrics.

Co-written by Sheeran and Steve Mac, “Perfect” is known for its gentle melody, simple guitar accompaniment and emotional lyrics. The song describes a deep, romantic connection and the joy of finding the perfect partner. It is often considered a modern love song classic and is popular at weddings and special occasions.

The music video, directed by Jason Koenig, tells a romantic story set in picturesque locations and was praised for its beautiful imagery and portrayal of a love affair. “Perfect” was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of Sheeran’s most well-known and loved songs.

5. Thinking aloud

“Thinking Out Loud” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 24, 2014 as a single from his second studio album *x* (2014). The track is a romantic ballad that combines Sheeran’s smooth vocals with a soulful acoustic guitar arrangement.

Co-written by Sheeran and Steve Mac, “Thinking Out Loud” is known for its soulful lyrics about enduring love and growing old together. The song’s romantic and timeless message has made it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

The music video, directed by Emil Nava, features Sheeran performing the song alongside professional dancers in a beautifully choreographed routine, which further enhances the emotional and romantic appeal of the song. “Thinking Out Loud” received widespread acclaim and was a huge commercial success, topping charts worldwide and winning several awards, including a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2016.

6. Sing

“Sing” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on April 7, 2014 as the first single from his second studio album *x* (2014). The track features an energetic, upbeat sound with influences from pop and funk, and is known for its catchy, infectious melody and lively rhythm.

Co-written by Sheeran and produced by Pharrell Williams and Steve Mac, “Sing” has a playful, upbeat feel with notable use of rhythmic clapping and funky guitar riffs. The lyrics describe the excitement and freedom of letting go and enjoying the moment, with an emphasis on the power of music and dance.

The music video, directed by Emil Nava, is a lively and humorous video that features Sheeran and actor/comedian Jamie Foxx in a humorous, chaotic environment that complements the playful nature of the song. “Sing” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions around the world and becoming a staple of Sheeran’s live performances.

7. Shower

“Shivers” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 10, 2021 as the second single from his album *= (Equals)* (2021). The track is an upbeat dance-pop song with a catchy melody and energetic production.

Co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, “Shivers” features a bouncy beat, catchy hooks and a lively instrumental arrangement. The song’s lyrics express the thrill and excitement of a new romance, capturing the feelings of euphoria and attraction that come from falling in love with someone.

The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, presents a colorful and whimsical storyline that sees Sheeran and a group of dancers performing in various imaginative and energetic settings. “Shivers” was well received for its infectious energy and upbeat vibe, becoming a commercial success and further cementing Sheeran’s place in the pop music landscape.

8. Happier

“Happier” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on September 21, 2017 as a single from his third studio album *÷* (2017). The track is a poignant ballad that features Sheeran’s signature acoustic sound with a mix of smooth guitar playing and emotional lyrics.

Co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac and Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco), “Happier” deals with themes of longing and acceptance after a breakup. The song’s lyrics reflect the difficulty of watching an ex-partner move on and find happiness with someone else, while also expressing a sincere wish for their well-being.

The music video, directed by Emil Nava, tells a touching story featuring a golden retriever who represents the emotional core of the song and adds a visual layer to its themes of love and loss. “Happier” was well received for its heartfelt performance and praised for its emotional depth and relatability.

9. The A-Team

“The A Team” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on June 22, 2011 as the first single from his debut studio album *+* (2011). The track is an acoustic folk-pop ballad characterized by poignant lyrics and minimalist arrangement, and features Sheeran’s acoustic guitar and soulful vocals.

Co-written by Sheeran and produced by Jake Gosling, “The A Team” tackles serious issues such as homelessness and addiction. The song’s storyline follows the struggles of a young woman dealing with the harsh realities of life on the streets and substance abuse. The lyrics are deep and sensitive, offering a raw and honest portrayal of these issues.

The music video, directed by Paul Cummings, visually complements the song’s themes by portraying the challenges faced by people in similar situations. “The A Team” received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and emotional impact and played a significant role in establishing Sheeran’s career, reaching high chart positions around the world and winning several awards.

10. Bad habits

“Bad Habits” is a song by Ed Sheeran, released on June 25, 2021 as the first single from his album *= (Equals)* (2021). The track marks a departure from Sheeran’s usual acoustic style and embraces a more upbeat dance-pop sound with a catchy rhythm and energetic beat.

“Bad Habits,” co-written by Sheeran, Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, deals with themes such as self-destructive behavior and the struggle to break free from unhealthy behavior patterns. The song’s lyrics reflect the challenges of resisting temptation and the impact of one’s actions on personal relationships.

The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, sees Sheeran in a visually striking and surreal setting, with a transformation into a vampire persona that complements the song’s themes of bad habits and personal struggles. ‘Bad Habits’ received widespread acclaim for its infectious energy and marks a notable shift in Sheeran’s musical direction, achieving huge commercial success and topping charts around the world.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.