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Equals
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Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 273 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the British singer-songwriter was influenced in part by his marriage, the birth of his daughter and the death of a friend.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 28, 2021
    80
    To some tastes, Sheeran will be corny and trite. Yet what he does well is essentially inarguable: provide songs that fulfil the emotional needs of universal moments.
  2. AllMusic
    Nov 4, 2021
    70
    Here, Sheeran's melodies are soft yet insistent, and the production glistens with flair borrowed from younger, hipper artists who mine a similar blend of retro new wave and modern R&B, but he knows how to turn this stylish sound into something cozy and reassuring.
  3. Variety
    Oct 29, 2021
    65
    If Sheeran’s previous albums evoked a genuine emotional response, you’re in for a treat. If not, this isn’t going to change your mind. The songsmith unashamedly sticks to his winning formula on album four.
  4. The Guardian
    Oct 28, 2021
    60
    = settles for gently nudging at the boundaries of what he’s known for, most notably on the opening Tides, which thunders along, driven by distorted guitars and double-time drums, and closer Be Right Now, which arrives unexpectedly welded to a Giorgio Moroder-ish synth line. As a result, whatever you already think about Sheeran, = isn’t going to alter it, and neither will a critic’s review.
  5. Clash Music
    Oct 29, 2021
    60
    Unashamedly broad, it can lack detail and punch; yet ‘=’ has something about it that is difficult to shrug off, while being hard to truly relate to.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 28, 2021
    60
    He avoids turning the songs on this album into as much of a box-ticking exercise as they felt on earlier records, managing to weave influences in with a little more flair.
  7. Pitchfork
    Nov 2, 2021
    36
    He’s settled into the comfort zone of songs that will haunt weddings for years to come, like “2step,” in which he raps about “Two-steppin’ with the woman I love.” Even at his most passionate, Sheeran sounds as threatening as a meringue peak. ... Sheeran’s reliance on clichés is especially unfortunate during the album’s back half, which is where he placed a majority of the songs about death and fatherhood.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 145
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 145
  3. Negative: 60 out of 145
  1. Sophs05
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    = is some of his best work. The lyricism is insanely good. The melodies and production are incredible. It is very emotional and personal in= is some of his best work. The lyricism is insanely good. The melodies and production are incredible. It is very emotional and personal in the best way.… Expand
  2. rtaplays
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    His best body of work to date. Great production. His voice sounds majestic, and the amount of genres here is incredible. Sheeran triesHis best body of work to date. Great production. His voice sounds majestic, and the amount of genres here is incredible. Sheeran tries something new without giving up on his authenticity and essence. The themes on this album are great. You get exactly why he made this, and what point in life he’s in. Perfect.… Expand
  4. doroteta
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    It’s so personal and incredible. He could give us old sounds from + like first times, and such great tunes out of his comfort zone likeIt’s so personal and incredible. He could give us old sounds from + like first times, and such great tunes out of his comfort zone like sandman or stop the rain. Love it, so worth it.… Expand
  5. Panchogul
    Oct 30, 2021
    6
    Bad Habits y Shivers fueron buenas canciones, pero el resto es tan intrascendente que no vale la pena dedicarle tiempo.
  6. Animadoria
    Oct 29, 2021
    2
    Not very good, just very exhausting, boring, and old. It doesn’t intrigue me, its just like any other album of his.
  7. gecarranza
    May 10, 2022
    0
    It's AOTY: Abortion Of The Year and I don't even need to hear it in full to come to this conclusion
  8. shameIess
    Oct 29, 2021
    0
    Ed Sheeran has four albums, but as we can see, the only difference between them is the number. Doesn't he get tired of always making the sameEd Sheeran has four albums, but as we can see, the only difference between them is the number. Doesn't he get tired of always making the same album with the same songs?… Expand

See all 145 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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