Transitioning into yet another genre, the album’s sixth track “I Don’t Care” shows Sheeran taking on Justin Bieber’s pop style. The beats Skrillex adds into “Way To Break My Heart” turn the somber song on its head and keep it from becoming too melancholic for the LP’s overall upbeat feel. YEBBA’s voice adds a soulfulness that turns the cliche love song into something refreshing. Guest appearances, however, breathe new life into what could have been a tried song structure. “Best Part of Me” and “Way To Break My Heart,” featuring YEBBA and Skrillex respectively, are characteristic of Sheeran’s sensitive and slower hits. Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock lend their talents to the third track, “Cross Me.” Although Chance the Rapper’s verse features lyrics that could be considered cringe-worthy – “No one say hi to me without her/ Better pay your respect to the queen” – the song’s fast-paced synth beats alongside Sheeran’s high notes in the refrain make it lovable and endearing.Īlthough Sheeran plays with styles throughout the album, he remains true to his signature softer sound on a couple token tracks. The two insist on staying true to who they are as they sing, “We don’t fit in well ’cause we are just ourselves,” setting an uplifting tone for the album to follow.įollowing the Spanish-inspired “South of the Boarder,” which includes contributions from Camila Cabello and Cardi B, the album takes a turn in a hip-hop direction. Khalid’s easygoing style blends well with the softness of Sheeran’s voice as they unite to resist the negative effects fame can have on a person’s life and personality. The song creates a summertime feel as it unfolds, with echoing vocals and distorted synth sounds that beg to be blasted in a car with the windows down. The opening track, “Beautiful People,” presents Khalid’s laid-back vocals alongside Sheeran’s soft singing as the album’s genre journey begins. Each track’s sound shifts and morphs across genres to best highlight the featured artists’ voices, showing that Sheeran is capable of branching beyond his typical acoustic love songs. While Sheeran started by collaborating with lesser-known artists, his new album includes chart-topping names such as Travis Scott and Bruno Mars. The release follows Sheeran’s 2011 EP fittingly titled, “No.5 Collaborations Project,” which includes 11 artists in addition to Sheeran across its eight tracks, but came before his worldwide fame. Sheeran’s fourth full-length release, “No.6 Collaborations Project,” dropped Friday and totes fifteen tracks – each one featuring a different artist. This post was updated July 15 at 10:12 a.m.Įd Sheeran’s new album is as fiery as his ginger hair.

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