Released: October 29, 2021

By: Ed Sheeran

While great music comes from heartbreak, Ed Sheeran proves that you can make just as brilliant of an album when you’re completely happy. It’s quite evident in his fifth studio album = (pronounced “equals”).

Like his friend and collaborator Taylor Swift, Sheeran is one of the talented sing-songwriters of our generation whose music transcends genres. Whereas his last album featured more of a hip-hop/rap sound, this one brings him back to pure pop.

The pop can be heard best in the first two singles “Shivers” and “Bad Habits.” It’s more upbeat than we’ve heard Sheeran before, but instantly gets stuck in your head. However, the album takes many turns and the later “Visiting Hours,” which focuses on wishing you could visit loved ones in Heaven, is amongst the most emotionally effective.

Final say: Equals greatness. ★★★★★