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- (Subtract)
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- (Subtract) Image
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

  • Summary: The final mathematic-titled album from British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran features production from The National's Aaron Dessner.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 4, 2023
    100
    Subtract still sounds like an Ed Sheeran album, just one that is not trying so hard to be everything to everyone all at once. Sometimes less really is more.
  2. Variety
    May 8, 2023
    81
    One of the strong points of “Subtract” is how little sugar-coating Sheeran tries to put on his rough 2022, even as he provides a few leavening songs, like “Colourblind,” that speak more generally to his love for his wife, and not just the prospect of her loss. Otherwise, it’s “Life Goes On,” as a seventh-stage-of-grief song title, and “Right now I feel I’m running from the light,” as an overriding sentiment.
  3. Rolling Stone
    May 5, 2023
    80
    On Subtract, Sheeran’s lyricism returns to the spotlight, bolstered by finely detailed music that complements his crystalline lyrics and close-confidant delivery.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 5, 2023
    60
    For the most part, ‘-‘ feels like a warm but cautious hug from a sensitive friend – Dessner gives Sheeran space to say what’s on his mind without trying to crowd him. ... But most of ‘-’ is doggedly one-paced, an often drawback of Dessner’s mellow production stylings.
  5. musicOMH.com
    May 8, 2023
    60
    Although the songs on – never really rise above a mild trot, there’s still some musical variety.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    May 8, 2023
    60
    Subtract is palpably a grownup record on which he swings from coping to not coping. ... Artistically, things are less clear cut. If this is not a time for frisky, funky percussion, the watery tropes on these songs are matched by the album’s misty sound.
  7. Slant Magazine
    May 10, 2023
    30
    No matter how much aesthetic cosplay Sheeran is willing to engage in, though, he’s still pumping out the same cheese-filled anthems that have plagued his previous albums.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 40
  3. Negative: 13 out of 40
  1. Jp98
    May 5, 2023
    10
    Ed has finally found himself through pain and depression, making all these things into beutiful and well written lyrics and an amazingEd has finally found himself through pain and depression, making all these things into beutiful and well written lyrics and an amazing production. So far his best album with strong lyrics and a complete production with the help of the producer Aaron Dessner. Seems that every project Aaron is featured becomes a masterpiece, well done Ed… Expand
  2. jacobsailr
    May 8, 2023
    10
    i was very surprised at how much i enjoyed this album. ed brought me to tears, and i thought that was something that he could only do for 40i was very surprised at how much i enjoyed this album. ed brought me to tears, and i thought that was something that he could only do for 40 year old single women. anyone dealing with terminal illness or health issues is certainly bawling at a few of his songs.… Expand
  4. ColemanJ
    May 5, 2023
    10
    This is probably Ed’s most vulnerable and honest album he has ever released and it pays off big time. This is a really great change of pace inThis is probably Ed’s most vulnerable and honest album he has ever released and it pays off big time. This is a really great change of pace in a way because he goes back to his roots of singer songwriting. Also, working with Aaron Dessner of the National was a phenomenal move and overall this album is just so amazing!!!… Expand
  5. TShihab
    May 12, 2023
    9
    I really liked this Album from the beginning til the end despite the fact that it doesn’t have a significant number of upbeat songs. Most ofI really liked this Album from the beginning til the end despite the fact that it doesn’t have a significant number of upbeat songs. Most of the lyrics seem genuine and heartfelt.… Expand
  6. Fabiancsc
    May 28, 2023
    6
    I don't consider this album bad, but it's not what I expected either. We want evolution in sounds and letters. I think Ed got stuck in hisI don't consider this album bad, but it's not what I expected either. We want evolution in sounds and letters. I think Ed got stuck in his comfort zone.… Expand
  7. yadevol
    May 5, 2023
    1
    An album so dull it fails to leave any impression at all even after repeated listenings.
  8. leogarcia132002
    May 19, 2023
    0
    I try to connect with this dude's music but why does he always give us such bad projects?

See all 40 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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