Divide
by Ed Sheeran
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2017
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Mar 6, 2017
    80
    Sheeran's musical history lesson is both well-timed and rip-roaringly fun, another example of his still-evolving craft.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 3, 2017
    80
    This is a polished, well-executed effort from one of the hardest-working men in music.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 3, 2017
    80
    His latest album is as likeable as he seems in interviews: assured but unassuming and sometimes hard to fathom.
  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    Mar 3, 2017
    80
    Division is by far Sheeran’s smoothest collection.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Mar 10, 2017
    70
    As calculating as Sheeran can seem here, he understands there’s a fine line between universal and generic, which is why he gives his songs the idiosyncratic touches they need to stand out.
  7. AllMusic
    Mar 9, 2017
    70
    Throughout the record, Sheeran seems assured in his smooth schtick, and that cheesy confidence, combined with the hints of new style, help make Divide his easiest album to enjoy.
  8. Spin
    Mar 7, 2017
    70
    These songs are more believable--touching, even, if you’re not put off by the milky expressiveness of his voice--than the multiple attempts at rapping.
  9. Clash Music
    Mar 7, 2017
    70
    Maybe he (and it will be a he) should approach ÷ with more of an open mind, because it’s packed full of tunes that have an undeniable quality and mark the point where Ed Sheeran goes truly stratospheric. It’s less ÷, more conquer.
  10. The New York Times
    Mar 7, 2017
    70
    A batteries-fully-charged assault on the pop charts from a performer skilled in musical osmosis.
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    Mar 6, 2017
    67
    If the familiarity of the album bodes well for its commercial success, key elements of Sheeran’s schtick don’t add up creatively. Despite the wrinkles of wit and flashes of detail in his writing, he’s horribly sentimental, idealizing love into anonymity in a song actually called “Perfect,” as well as one titled “How Would You Feel (Paean).”

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2017
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
4.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 780 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 312 out of 780
  2. Mixed: 132 out of 780
  3. Negative: 336 out of 780
  1. xosahani
    Mar 4, 2017
    3
    Too Generic. Except ''Shape of You'' whole album kind of sounds the same. Lacks vastness. Stands no where near ''STARBOY'' by The Weeknd orToo Generic. Except ''Shape of You'' whole album kind of sounds the same. Lacks vastness. Stands no where near ''STARBOY'' by The Weeknd or ''Sweet.Sexy.Savage.'' by Kehlani.… Full Review »
  2. IBlackout
    Mar 3, 2017
    0
    Tragic. Generic. Boring. That's all I can say about this awful album. I can't actually believe I wasted my time listening to this. I wasTragic. Generic. Boring. That's all I can say about this awful album. I can't actually believe I wasted my time listening to this. I was expecting more of Ed Sheeran.… Full Review »
  3. michellephillip
    Mar 4, 2017
    0
    Awful album. It seems fame has gone to his head and I have already returned the album and got a refund. Never again will I buy another recordAwful album. It seems fame has gone to his head and I have already returned the album and got a refund. Never again will I buy another record of his. Ever. The problem with him, is that he is too arrogant and arrogance is the worst human trait. Secondly the album itself is nothing original. He's just catering to the popular audience now. Avoid this album unless you want to hassle for a refund. The. End.… Full Review »
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