- (Subtract)
by Ed Sheeran
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 5, 2023
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 79
  3. Negative: 24 out of 79
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  1. someonewhocares
    May 8, 2023
    4
    'Subtract' is a drastic change in sound for Ed Sheeran and is his hugely anticipated return to his acoustic pop roots with his debut album 'Plus'. However, only the first three songs on this album were memorable and were as close to favourites as the rest of the record. All the songs started blending into each other and showing no evolution, growth, or a build-up towards the closing couple'Subtract' is a drastic change in sound for Ed Sheeran and is his hugely anticipated return to his acoustic pop roots with his debut album 'Plus'. However, only the first three songs on this album were memorable and were as close to favourites as the rest of the record. All the songs started blending into each other and showing no evolution, growth, or a build-up towards the closing couple of tracks. I guess changing your sound doesn't mean he's changed as an artist, as most songs were cliche broadening on generic.… Expand
  2. Lajaleaa
    Jun 3, 2023
    6
    I ran as fast as I could from Ed Sheeran, but he has finally caught up to me, and it was just as I expected. I won't get into details, this is just the very same old cliché energy then ever and a reason to believe why less can also very well be less. (Not as bad as I would've expected, tho.)
  3. JoelG
    Sep 8, 2023
    6
    Ed Sheeran just keeps on making the same album concept, and hoping some songs will catch...
    This time he chose a different path in terms of production, which was refreshing, but I feel like it wasn't enough to overcome the dullness of the lyrics... it just feels like he was writing songs with the same old pen, and then added that different kind of sound to them...
    Let's talk about    Ed Sheeran just keeps on making the same album concept, and hoping some songs will catch...
    This time he chose a different path in terms of production, which was refreshing, but I feel like it wasn't enough to overcome the dullness of the lyrics... it just feels like he was writing songs with the same old pen, and then added that different kind of sound to them...

    Let's talk about 'Toughest' - one of the more interesting songs on this album, some lyrics are deep-cutting, raw, and honest, but others are just plain, cheesy, generic, and just boring lyrics... Too bad.. a little more work on that song, and he would've deserved a lot of praise, just for that song.

    On 'Moving' , the album outro, I found Ed's vocals very disturbing.. made me actually feel uncomfortable. Again, those changes he's trying to make just seem forced.. he should try to go back to basics and create a new path he can grow on naturally.

    A lot of songs are lacking layering and background vocals.. it was just very predictable after a few songs.
    Couldn't finish the album on my first listen, it's very long (I don't mind listening to long albums, as long as they're worth it... not the case here sadly), and I got bored rather quickly.

    Favorite Tracks: 'Boat', 'Dusty', 'End Of Youth'    … Expand
  4. 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 his comfort zone.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. 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.
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  2. AllMusic
    May 10, 2023
    60
    Sheeran is naturally a laid-back performer, the pair fit almost a little bit too neatly: where certain hooks and melodic refrains would've been pushed into the spotlight on previous Sheeran albums, they're lying in the background here. That tender touch when combined with a preponderance of ballads turns - (subtract) into a curiously recessive album: its emotions are raw, yet its execution is reserved.
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  3. Pitchfork
    May 10, 2023
    38
    -, pronounced “subtract,” which responds to them much like its predecessor, 2021’s =, did to its themes of turning 30 and becoming a parent: with the usual beige palette, generic hooks, and vapid lyrics. The songs on - are almost uniformly dour, often slow, occasionally drumless.
    Read full review
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