The age of Ed Sheeran’s mathematical-themed albums has finally come to a close. Today, the British singer-songwriter returns with -, the fifth and final installment of the series that began in 2013 with x.
Produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, - started to take shape over a decade ago, according to Sheeran. He set out to create “the perfect acoustic album” and wrote and recorded hundreds of songs for the project. Then, in 2022, his mental health took a nose dive when his wife Cherry Seaborn was diagnosed with a tumor while pregnant and his best friend Jamal Edwards suddenly died. “I found myself standing in court defending my integrity and career as a songwriter,” Sheeran explained in a special note to fans. “I was spiraling through fear, depression, and anxiety. I felt like I was drowning, head below the surface, looking up but not being able to break through for air.”
To get through the difficult period, Sheeran turned to songwriting and ultimately wound up scrapping most of his previous work on -. The result is 14—plus an additional four tracks on the deluxe version—of his most personal songs ever, including promotional singles “Eyes Closed” and “Boat.” “For the first time I’m not trying to craft an album people will like, I’m merely putting something out that’s honest and true to where I am in my adult life,” Sheeran said.
