Opinion: Is Ed Sheeran worth it or not?

For me, personally, I never really understood the hype around Ed Sheeran as a whole.

His style of music wasn’t something that caught my attention. He does have some good songs that people have liked throughout his career. I can acknowledge that he had put a spotlight on Ipswich and how great it can be. Yet the main things that get brought up are he is from Suffolk, a “hometown hero” and has album covers with maths symbols on them.

As well as helping local charities and donating items from his collection to raise money for good causes, he also does work to help support young musicians and provide them with education. This is great since he can provide his contacts, that he has within the industry, and help those musicians build a good career.

Ed Sheeran is a British artist who has been in music since the age of eleven. Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire but raised in Framlingham, Suffolk.

As time goes on and new, plus older artists release new music, can he keep up with how the industry is evolving?

As an artist, you have to be able to create stories about songs or use your personal experiences to guide you when making music or any other kind of creative work. Some do this with create distinct eras for each project they make, for example Beyonce with Renaissance and Cowboy Carter and Ariana Grande with Sweetener, Positions and Eternal Sunshine.

These are all unique and speak to how they were feeling within that moment in time. Yet, I don’t think Ed has carved and crafted out his own story and perspective. Potentially he has done but what path has he created to make people stick around?

Like, when I think of other artists, I can pinpoint which song was from an album that personally had an impact on me. Yet with Ed I can only think of his albums that have maths symbols along with - I could not name what era a song of his is from. I do fully understand that I don’t have as much knowledge about him as I would other people within the music industry, yet I could still point to an album that meant a lot to me. Yet with Ed, I don’t have that, however I’m sure his music does have that impact on people.

Realistically I could draw comparisons between him and various other artists, who have an even bigger influence and catalogue of music. For example, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny and many more. The difference would be that all of them have worked hard and sustained their careers. Ed does have hits, but does it translate with those who have a bigger and stronger fanbase?

From the view of the audience, it’s a great moment of nostalgia and thinking back to when they first listened to the song. However, for more of a general audience that may like a few songs or don’t, they may not want to hear the same few songs continuously. Don’t get me wrong, some older songs by other people are great, but do I need to hear that song so many times that I start to dislike the song?

From my perspective I don’t really see many people talking about Ed Sheeran, yet that could also be that I don’t actively seek him out. Ed has obviously had impact yet that will eventually run out since people will evolve their tastes in music. However, he has done some good work, but does that match up with any other artist?

In the music industry men don’t really do much, especially when it comes to dressing, performance or honing their craft to become better. Some just stand there and sing, which is fine. Yet compare that to other people they do much more. Because even if you look at girl groups, they do more, a good example would be K-Pop. They create an experience with the music, dance moves and visuals.

Ed Sheeran isn’t an artist I would actively listen to, mainly because I don’t believe I can learn anything from him. Such as aspects about his life, career, emotions and many more. A lot of his lessons would be like other artists, but they package that story better in a way for people to sit and digest it.

From my experience, I want an artist that continuously grows with their work and can develop some story/lore as to why people should take a step into a new single or album. While also providing a moment in time that can stand out by itself. Now yes, I’m sure Ed has created that for those who listen, but maybe I missed that. Since I want someone who has good vocal range and can develop their voice, rather than an okay voice.

I can appreciate his lyrics and the hard work he has puts into that. I wouldn't go out of my way to put on a song of his, since I wouldn’t have any kind of connection to it. However, I can fully appreciate the impact he’s had for those around the world and those local to Ipswich.

I am sure he will continue to make even more appearances around Ipswich.