- (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. 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 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!!!
  2. anjanuprety
    May 5, 2023
    10
    Let me get this straight, is this the best album ever? No, is it his best work ever? mostly yes. Is it bad by any means? every album will eventually have some weaknesses and this is no exception but this does not make it a bad album by any means. The album is mostly rich in lyrics, instrumentals, theme, and production. This isn't the stuff everyone might enjoy but everyone will have someLet me get this straight, is this the best album ever? No, is it his best work ever? mostly yes. Is it bad by any means? every album will eventually have some weaknesses and this is no exception but this does not make it a bad album by any means. The album is mostly rich in lyrics, instrumentals, theme, and production. This isn't the stuff everyone might enjoy but everyone will have some track to like. Its Ed Sheeran's least commercial oriented album and you can feel it with the rawness in the tracks. This is the type of album you would wanna listen from a guy like Ed, and it genuinely excites me for his upcoming projects with Dessner after Equals left me totally disappointed, this has sparked a new hope. It is amazing!… Expand
  3. CherThom63
    May 6, 2023
    10
    This album is a no skip journey through one’s life. Ed Sheeran has a way of connecting to his listeners that is truly incredible , I usually have a favorite after the first listen but this album is filled with one beautiful song after another. As he sings in Dusty, “drop a needle” on Subtract, you won’t regret it.
  4. Diana3032
    May 6, 2023
    10
    Loved it!
  5. taylorevermore_
    May 5, 2023
    10
    I love, love, love this album but it’s making me too emotional. I would love it more if it had raps too but Curtains is as close as it got to classic Ed Sheeran. I still very much love this album. Better than =.
  6. MetacriticOnur
    May 5, 2023
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  7. RK13
    May 5, 2023
    8
    I am shocked by how much I have enjoyed this album. Aaron Dessner has worked his magic again, and with Ed Sheeran this is a dream combination. I haven't liked an Ed album since 2014's X but this album feels like the perfect blend of the works of his first two albums that made me become a fan of him. I was a big fan of Eyes Closed when it first came out, but some of the album tracks areI am shocked by how much I have enjoyed this album. Aaron Dessner has worked his magic again, and with Ed Sheeran this is a dream combination. I haven't liked an Ed album since 2014's X but this album feels like the perfect blend of the works of his first two albums that made me become a fan of him. I was a big fan of Eyes Closed when it first came out, but some of the album tracks are showstoppers. I really enjoyed Salt Water, Dusty, Colourblind and Curtains.

    But these are some of Ed's strongest lyrics in his catalogue mostly because of how honest and raw they are. Sycamore and Vega for example are the type of songs I missed from Ed.    … Expand
  8. timetraveler136
    May 6, 2023
    9
    Almost perfect. In my Top 3. Nothing is ever gonna top X and + but this album came really close.
    First it's refreshing not having the super hit in the album, though Eyes Closed is the commercial song it doesn't feel over the top like Shape Of You, Bad Habits or anything from No. 6 Collaboration Project.
    While it's a different approach to his well known style there's a song that, for me,    Almost perfect. In my Top 3. Nothing is ever gonna top X and + but this album came really close.
    First it's refreshing not having the super hit in the album, though Eyes Closed is the commercial song it doesn't feel over the top like Shape Of You, Bad Habits or anything from No. 6 Collaboration Project.
    While it's a different approach to his well known style there's a song that, for me, represent each past album. Curtains is very + and X like, The Hills of Aberfeldy and Toughest could've easily been in Divide, while Eyes Close would fit right in with =.

    On one hand I love that the album wasn't carefully crafted as others have but at the same time there's songs there that kill the momentum sometimes, nonetheless is a very good album.
    The instrumentals are great and the lyrics even more, it's a very honest album, very personal but at the same time it's very relatable to anyone that has ever gone through a rough patch. It's best enjoyed on a cozy rainy day, I'm gonna cherish this album for a long time and I bet it sounds glorious live with the 12 piece band, hopefully he will release a live version of the album.

    My favorites, in runtime order are End Of Youth, Vega, Sycamore and Stoned.    … Expand
  9. jarris
    May 5, 2023
    10
    It's amazing how he does to fill your soul, make you cry with sadness and joy at the same time. They are songs that make you feel what he felt at that moment and although he tells his story, many of us see ourselves reflected in it too.
  10. StuartGordon
    May 6, 2023
    10
    Amazing. An incredibly raw album from one of the greatest songwriters in pop music today.
  11. Liliana7
    May 6, 2023
    10
    Loved it!
    My favorites are: "Curtains" , "The End of Youth", "Salt water" and "The Hills of Aberfeldy"

    (URGENT: WHEN YOU ASK TO WRITE A REVIEW, YOUR SCORE GOES TO 0 AND YOU NEED TO GIVE YOUR SCORE AGAIN OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE A ZERO!!!!, IT'S ON THE UPPER LEFT SIDE !!!!)
    I've seen, already FOUND good reviews accompanied by a zero!!!!!! Be careful
  12. 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 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
  13. Alex91mh
    May 5, 2023
    10
    emotional! His best album to date in terms if lyrics, vocals and productions.
  14. 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 40 year old single women. anyone dealing with terminal illness or health issues is certainly bawling at a few of his songs.
  15. itsttarquez
    May 5, 2023
    9
    Ed has redeemed himself as an excellent artist and songwriter after launching two previous albums, which are very controversial by any means.
    This album is delicate and genuine, with acoustics mixed with soft-pop type of music that sounds stripped-down or raw but yet feels so settled. it was painfully and beautifully crafted from depression, anxiety, and grief he has been through and    Ed has redeemed himself as an excellent artist and songwriter after launching two previous albums, which are very controversial by any means.
    This album is delicate and genuine, with acoustics mixed with soft-pop type of music that sounds stripped-down or raw but yet feels so settled. it was painfully and beautifully crafted from depression, anxiety, and grief he has been through and shows how he REALLY felt in intriguing aspects along with ingenious songwritings, lyrics and metaphors which require interpretation but definitely got you hooked when you understand them comprehensively. for those who don't like his music, you should give this a try.
    SOLID 9. Ed and Aaron did a really amazing job for this one.    … Expand
  16. Jms161230
    May 7, 2023
    10
    As a massive fan since the first album, I am so happy to report Subtract is Ed’s most cohesive and overall strongest record to date. While - does not include the instant radio hits that all his prior work is known primarily for, it is instead a true work of art wherein each track is not just fantastic on its own, but ties sonically, lyrically and thematically to the remainder of the album.As a massive fan since the first album, I am so happy to report Subtract is Ed’s most cohesive and overall strongest record to date. While - does not include the instant radio hits that all his prior work is known primarily for, it is instead a true work of art wherein each track is not just fantastic on its own, but ties sonically, lyrically and thematically to the remainder of the album. There are truly no “throw-away” or filler tracks. It’s clear - is intended to be listened to in the chronological order of the album, as a natural evolution of the stages of grief; the stunning music videos accompanying this evolution further bolsters the strength of the narrative and makes the music even more powerful.

    For fans who prefer Ed’s usual sound and are not quite ready for the stripped-down departure, “Curtains” is a great track and arguably the most consistent with his prior hits, in addition to the first two singles released. However, tracks like “End of Youth,” “Life Goes On,” “Salt Water,” and “Hills of Aberfeldy” are truly stunning, and “Dusty” is a very new sound for Ed, albeit one that works incredibly well. And, in typical Ed fashion, “Sycamore” is the track which will likely make any listener cry. Having known the extent of his vocal, instrumental and lyrical ability for so many years, I am thrilled Subtract finally shows the range and depth of Ed’s talent.    … Expand
  17. Jules1
    May 7, 2023
    10
    An emotionally charged album, beautiful lyrically & vocally, Ed's best album to date !
  18. Andreemusic
    May 10, 2023
    10
    This album is wonderful, I think it's the most mature album of Ed's entire career, without a doubt he's one of the best songwriters, I'm very proud of him
  19. deathbed
    May 12, 2023
    9
    Just a lovely album. Simple, stripped back arrangements, beautiful heartfelt lyrics, filled with genuine emotion, all delivered by a master of his trade.
  20. 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 of the lyrics seem genuine and heartfelt.
  21. chris4523
    May 15, 2023
    9
    With this album, I have felt that some of the charms that I got from hearing his old songs are back. Many songs that have been released recently are too uniform (as in the theme of the songs, upbeat rhythms, overproduced, same general genre), so It is kinda nice to hear songs that tackle dark topics with simple production and instrumentals yet effective. What makes this album feels uniqueWith this album, I have felt that some of the charms that I got from hearing his old songs are back. Many songs that have been released recently are too uniform (as in the theme of the songs, upbeat rhythms, overproduced, same general genre), so It is kinda nice to hear songs that tackle dark topics with simple production and instrumentals yet effective. What makes this album feels unique is that it feels like he is venting or telling a story about his misfortune while maintaining a balance of relatability toward the listener. For people who can't relate to the topics these songs tell, maybe it falls flat to them. Sure some lines may be 'corny', 'boring', or 'cheesy' to some people, yet these lines feel more genuine than songs that are produced to catch everyone's attention. Take boat for example; the line "They say that all scars will heal, but I know. Maybe I won't", for me, it meant or feels like the writer is trying to say that loss can be recovered by time and the writer also knows that, yet for people who can't really move on, this 'scar(s)' is still painful and can't really be healed.

    The only critique that I have is that some songs do fall flat on some parts for me. However, the high of this album overshadowed these pitfalls. As a young adult, I would recommend the song Boat, End of Youth, and Borderline.    … Expand
  22. Jerbinrg
    May 20, 2023
    10
    One of the best acoustic album . Every song in this album has valuable meaning.
  23. Sahaj12
    Jul 8, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. His best album. Truly, the most touching ever. The feelings he shows are really emotional as well as the music is highly appreciated.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

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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.
    Read full review
  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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