I would like to start with a disclaimer. I am an Ed Sheeran fan and I think there are some great songs on this album. In general though, No. 6 Collaborations Project, is disappointing and here’s why.
Ed Sheeran has developed a specific image for himself. His image is first and foremost relatable and down to earth. He doesn’t get caught up in the wiles of stardom and judgmental attitudes. Sheeran has also branded himself as appropriate for all ages. Explicit references were removed from his last two projects in order to appeal to a wider audience.
In Ed Sheeran’s latest album, No. 6 Collaborations Project he taints these two elements of his image.
Tainting the Down to Earth Image
First, he morphs his down to earth image into that of an antisocial kid who feels jealousy and distain for all of the “cool kids”. His first song “Beautiful People” tells the story of a couple trying not to get caught up in the trappings of worldliness. The music video, however, portrays a couple who refuse to take part in the festivities that surround them. And, that is so hard to relate to. How pretentious does it look to go to a party and sit awkwardly in the corner refusing to talk to anyone?
That same sentiment is further expressed on the tracks “I Don’t Care” and “Antisocial”. “Antisocial”‘s hook focuses on how Ed Sheeran doesn’t want to be touched or interacted with while “I Don’t Care” focuses on how he doesn’t want to be at parties where everyone is looking at him. The complaint of an artist that life sucks because they’re famous and successful is not a relatable plight. Part of what made Ed Sheeran great was his ability to avoid the pitfall of writing about how life sucks because he’s famous. In the lead singles from his album, he throws away chances to work with huge artists to complain about that to which few can relate.
Tainting The Family-Friendly Image
Second, Ed Sheeran does not do enough to avoid the profane and vulgar on No. 6 Collaborations Project. He may have felt that he couldn’t censor the rappers on his album. And, that’s a valid excuse. But, should he have censored himself? Probably. Furthermore, his song “South of The Border” explicitly describes a sexual interaction. He gets two of the biggest up and coming female artists, Cardi B and Camila Cabello, on a track and he ruins it by making it sexually explicit. That’s what disappointing means to me. Sheeran misses on some of his biggest opportunities.
There are also smaller disappointments throughout No. 6 Collaborations Project. On the track, “Back to London” Ed Sheeran raps with Stormzy, the current king of grime rap. And, instead of rapping in his normal low tone, Sheeran chooses to sound less like a grime rapper and more like a mumble rapper. On, “Remember The Name”, Ed Sheeran collaborates with two rap legends. And, instead of using a hip hop producer, he enlists Max Martin, the pop legend responsible for N’Sync and Britney Spears.
The Good Stuff in No. 6 Collaborations Project
Ed Sheeran blew some major opportunities with the biggest names on this record. But, two of the biggest collaborations were awesome. “Blow” is fantastic. It showcases how well Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton fit in with rockstars. Bruno’s scream at the beginning of the track sounds like it could easily fit on a Led Zeppelin record. Unfortunately for Sheeran, that genre doesn’t suit him as well. “Cross Me” is a great song which focuses on willingness to defend his girl. Sheeran sounds great on the song and the tone suits Chance The Rapper well. “I Don’t Want Your Money” with H.E.R. is a great collaboration and features smooth vocals and intelligent lyrics. Finally, his collaboration with Skrillex, “Way to Break My Heart” is my favorite song of the album. Sonny Moore’s production fits seamlessly with Sheeran’s songwriting creating a brilliantly sad track.
Other notable tracks on the album include “Best Part of Me (feat. Yebba)” and “Nothing On You (feat. Paulo Londra and Dave)”.
In conclusion, the record is okay. On a scale of pop disappointments it ranks higher than Man of The Woods by Justin Timberlake and lower than Reputation by Taylor Swift.
Enjoy!
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