Equals
by Ed Sheeran
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 29, 2021
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 273 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 273
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 273
  3. Negative: 103 out of 273
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  1. slej
    Nov 2, 2021
    10
    Mainstream pop at it's best. The ballads are definitely his forte. First time and The Joker and the queen are so beautiful.
  2. Tedddyy
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Ed really explored with this album more than he has ever done before, the beats, production and melodies on this album are insane, he stepped out of his confort zone with this one and I can't be more proud than I am right now.
  3. biarezende28
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Amazing album! Ed is a great singer and songwriter and this album shows that. You can travel trough his life when you listen to this se songs
  4. RICTER
    Dec 28, 2021
    10
    I really liked the album tbh. Honest though first time I listened to it was not super impressed but having listened to to tracks a few times it began to grow on me and I'm not disappointed. Yes it's similar to some of his old music however he writes about new things in his life. Visiting hours is probably my favourite and it must relate to older people who have lost loved ones. All in AllI really liked the album tbh. Honest though first time I listened to it was not super impressed but having listened to to tracks a few times it began to grow on me and I'm not disappointed. Yes it's similar to some of his old music however he writes about new things in his life. Visiting hours is probably my favourite and it must relate to older people who have lost loved ones. All in All a solid contribution and thank as I appreciate it Mr Ed Sheeran.

    Keep on doing what you do. Respect!!    … Expand
  5. Lucasswiftie
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    Não sei porque está no amarelo sendo que o álbum ta muito bom. Esse povo é muito invejoso, impressionante isso.
  6. Leoxtreme
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    I loved this album. It sounds brilliant, with great lyrics and melodies. I found it different from anything he's ever done.
  7. Cielolili
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    it´s no talking about hearts broken anymore, Ed is happy now so the album is higher than multiply or divide
  8. Rault
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Cada álbum que Ed hace es mejor que el anterior realmente disfrute cada canción del álbum
  9. Thiago20
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    This album is amaziing!! Ed's phenomenal!! He is a great artist that give very emotional musics!
  10. Pioter510
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    It is good album, my early favourites are first times and Tides. It is different from other albums
  11. JamesWilly
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Awesome ! This album is so **** amazing. Ed Sheeran fell in love
  12. Lotto1999
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    É um album muito bem produzido, gostei que ele saiu um pouco da zona de conforto. Espero que continue inovando.
  13. GhostKing
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Album is near perfect. A mix of fast paced songs and slow songs. Each one special in their own way. 10/10
  14. marcmarc
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    I love this album, the best songs for me are Shivers, Tides, Stop the Rain and Visiting Hours, but all of them are really cool songs.
    I don't understand why people say that is similar to Divide, because it's not true, it's completely different in the lyrics, the structure of the song and the themes, please listen first and understand what the songs are about and then judge.
  15. J4u2004
    Oct 8, 2022
    10
    Say all you want by this guy made a beautiful in a way that you can only see with a pure and clear mind :)
    Ed’s Equals has to be the best POP album of 2021
  16. poptartlet
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    = is an amazing album. There’s a song for every mood, beautiful vocals with different stories to tell. Especially loved the song Visiting Hours
  17. Lily_K
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Great lyricism, a cohesive sound, solid production, beautiful vocals and a lot of interesting concepts explored across the whole album. Ed exceeded my expectations with this one.
  18. Josemayr
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    yes, it's very ed sheeran, he didn't seem to step out of his comfort zone much but why does he need to do that? i love his stuff and loved the album
  19. teresasarmanho
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    "Equals" is the most personal album Ed Sheeran has ever written. The lyrics are deep and clearly about what he has been going through in life nowadays. It doesn't have any tracks about feelings he doesn't have anymore - as "Divide" had with "Happier", for example, which is a sad breakup song sung by someone in a happy and stable relationship. "Equals" follows themes like fatherhood, love,"Equals" is the most personal album Ed Sheeran has ever written. The lyrics are deep and clearly about what he has been going through in life nowadays. It doesn't have any tracks about feelings he doesn't have anymore - as "Divide" had with "Happier", for example, which is a sad breakup song sung by someone in a happy and stable relationship. "Equals" follows themes like fatherhood, love, grief, and adulthood. The closing song "Be Right Now" connects with the opening song "Tides" nicely, both thematically and sonically, which makes looping this album a pleasure. Ed Sheeran explores different beats in this album, which can be explained by the presence of a new producer (Fred Again) that didn't work on the last albums. It's possible to feel Ed Sheeran's personal touch in all lyrics, but songs like "The Joker and The Queen" and "First Times" feel like a time travel for those who enjoyed "Plus", the singer's first job.
    I waited a few days to do this review so I could taste the album, and "Equals" grew in me. It got better and better every time I heard it, and now I can assure you that, in my opinion, this is Ed Sheeran's best work so far. Haters only hate for their preconceived ideas about the artist, but if you listen to Equals with an open mind and pay attention to the story told in the lyrics, you'll hardly regret it.    … Expand
  20. LineOfDuty
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    An excellent album that takes you through almost everything, may not be the best album for people who prefer acoustic ed and his album + but normally this album has everything. Sadness, Love, Funky vibe, Dancy catchy music, Lust, Romance, Parenthood and even has a lullaby.
    Songs are a bit over produced but the idea has def worked for me. It feels like a whole new Ed Sheeran but has    An excellent album that takes you through almost everything, may not be the best album for people who prefer acoustic ed and his album + but normally this album has everything. Sadness, Love, Funky vibe, Dancy catchy music, Lust, Romance, Parenthood and even has a lullaby.
    Songs are a bit over produced but the idea has def worked for me. It feels like a whole new Ed Sheeran but has components of all his previous album. Songs like Tides, The Joker and the Queen and Leave your life gives album a very advance touch sonically.

    Def worth listening to, One of the best albums released this year xx    … Expand
  21. 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 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.
  22. Jaychafale
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Equals is undoubtedly the most mature and sophisticated work Sheeran has done in the last few years. The opening arena-pop track 'Tides' is a great intro to the album, setting the tone for the rest of the songs. Shivers is an excellent dance-pop track likely to be an earworm. Only Sheeran could brag about playing 80000 people at wembley and come off as not. First Time is an elaborate song,Equals is undoubtedly the most mature and sophisticated work Sheeran has done in the last few years. The opening arena-pop track 'Tides' is a great intro to the album, setting the tone for the rest of the songs. Shivers is an excellent dance-pop track likely to be an earworm. Only Sheeran could brag about playing 80000 people at wembley and come off as not. First Time is an elaborate song, one of the highlights on this album. Overpass Graffiti is another pop song with an insane hook likely to become Sheeran's next No.1. Still, the standout track on the album is 'the joker and the Queen', an exquisite piano ballad containing all of Sheeran's finesse, a ballad for the ages.
    All the songs fit well into a album filled with pop bangers, beautiful ballads, and basically making one album for the ages.    … Expand
  23. RomiIsaiah
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album so good.... Great emotion and lotta story telling... Just a vibe on vibes... Maybe better than Divide… Expand
  24. Abhipsa0824
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    This album is a rollercoaster of emotion and more importantly Ed Sheeran's best album lyrically to date. What does this album does so well is that tells different stories, his worries, hopes and what is his perception of life at the age of 30. I love that Ed has experimented with different kind of sounds throughout the album and not doing what one would expect out of him. There has beenThis album is a rollercoaster of emotion and more importantly Ed Sheeran's best album lyrically to date. What does this album does so well is that tells different stories, his worries, hopes and what is his perception of life at the age of 30. I love that Ed has experimented with different kind of sounds throughout the album and not doing what one would expect out of him. There has been put great deal of detailing into the sound and production of this album but not like in your face, the subtlety of the production fits perfectly with his writing....Also you would have to real dumb if you thought Bad Habits was a weekend rip off coz bad habits has a 4/4 edm beat meaning its literally is pop edm and thats nowhere near what The Weekend did on After Hours and an actual music reviewer making this comparison is genuinely laughable and embarrassing.… Expand
  25. Clacol
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Excellent album. There’s a song for every mood. This is a new sound but he gives old fans throwbacks with rap but entertains with new musical arrangements. His lyrics prove he’s grown as a musician and has learnt to appreciate his success whilst not forgetting where comes from. He’s also become a father and it’s clear it has changed his perspective of the world.

    Ed is an excellent    Excellent album. There’s a song for every mood. This is a new sound but he gives old fans throwbacks with rap but entertains with new musical arrangements. His lyrics prove he’s grown as a musician and has learnt to appreciate his success whilst not forgetting where comes from. He’s also become a father and it’s clear it has changed his perspective of the world.

    Ed is an excellent musician and “=“ proves he has a lot to give.    … Expand
  26. Razeru
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    This album explored Ed's love on everything that matters to him. A lot of artists did this but with this album, it went superb on beats and lyricism at the same time. The production is fine and the lyrics are good enough to understand how passionate he is as a lover and a friend and as a songwriter. His voice is everything in each tracks. His voice filled with huskiness really matched theThis album explored Ed's love on everything that matters to him. A lot of artists did this but with this album, it went superb on beats and lyricism at the same time. The production is fine and the lyrics are good enough to understand how passionate he is as a lover and a friend and as a songwriter. His voice is everything in each tracks. His voice filled with huskiness really matched the cohesive sounds on this music. He has shown a big growth of artistry with this era. This is a recommended album. And despite the album being full of romance and contentment, Ed showed unexpectedly great tunes and lyrics that makes Equals a remarkable and memorable album, making the listeners listen again and again.… Expand
  27. zainscult
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. perfeito sem erros como sempre veio ai pra hitar prometeu e entregou te amo edinho amor da minha vida… Expand
  28. alfabetoboy
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    Another masterpiece from mr Sheeran. Amazing album from beginning to end! Loved it!
  29. ludenwknd
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. te aml te amo te amo te aml te amo muito te Mo nssjsjsjhssh7fugjgivig serioe eu ge aml… Expand
  30. 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 the best way.
  31. Chalupitas
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Cada una de sus canciones fue escrita con mucho esfuerzo, no desmeritemos el trabajo de este gran artista solo porque no es de su agrado.
  32. Xear
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. it’s amazing album !! And I wanna say that to the people who still miss his old songs ,and old Ed who writes about break up, alcohol and just how sad he is. U will never find such person is not exists anymore! He is happy and has a family right!… Expand
  33. Alpha66
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is an amazing coming of age album for Ed. All the milestones in his life and where he is at in life is beautifully painted in this album. Turning 30,becoming a father, loss of a close friend, experiencing grief for the first time. The themes really hit home for me. Visting Hours is such a heartbreaking song. There is a song called "First Times"on this album which is classic Sheeran, very acoustic with violins in the background which I loved. The joker and the Queen might be the best ballad hes ever written so much vulnerability and soul in the song. Sandman is another standout which is a track dedicated to his daughter and it too cute and wholesome, it might be the best lullaby of all time. 2step is another banger,which brings back "rapper ed" or singing fast lyrics ed which is a signature style he cultivated .Overall I love this album so much. Thank you Ed for your art… Expand
  34. 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 like sandman or stop the rain. Love it, so worth it.
  35. Mrmaster
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    It is just wonderful ! Thanks Ed. I really enjoy listening to it. My favourite track is shivers
  36. Kymmmm
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    Lyrics on point you can totally say it has a lot of radio hits but is only the production that also helps to don't feel the album flat, every song is different. We can see Ed going through a crisis of what is life, love, grief, and parenthood.
  37. cotechs
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    wonderful album, sounds really different from what he's done before. it definitely shows ed's songwriting abilities.
  38. Freewoman13
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    Um álbum simplesmente autêntico, Ed sempre traz histórias pessoais de uma forma em que todo o público possa de identificar. Emoção a flor da pele do começo ao fim, incrível é a palavra.
  39. Hope05
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best' album of the year It gives me add "+"vibes
    Ed never disappoints.    … Expand
  40. sodreu
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    I think this one is the best Ed's album so far. We can see his evolution as an artist.
  41. paszk87
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    "Equals" is Ed's most personal and heartfelt album with hits that fans of new and old will get a kick out of.
  42. vtblurry
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    it's the most vulnerable, real and personal he has ever been in an album. it opens with 'tides', a song that sums up the whole album: it reflects on the chaos of the music industry and the peace and calmness he finds in his family life, being a dad for the first time. lyrically, it feels like reading the diary of someone finding love, getting married, growing up and building a family.
  43. Jp98
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    The album is a work of art, varied songs if you want to dance, reflect or even cry, the meaning of the album gives it more interest. What I liked the most is that each song has a special meaning in addition to each song having its own image or in this case a butterfly, I don't understand how people didn't like the album. I recommend it 100%. Give equals = a try
  44. ravenlau
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    Estava ansiosa para o novo álbum do Ed Sheeran e estou apaixonada! O álbum é sensível e profundo, onde Ed fala sobre família, sua vida como casado e pai, e também sobre perdas. As músicas são maravilhosas!
  45. Ceciliafrid
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best album ever he is the kingggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg i love you ed sheeran… Expand
  46. nivia
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. álbum incrível, não paro de escutar, tem música romântica, feliz, triste, até música de ninar, equilíbrio total. meu álbum preferido de todos os tempos. quanto mais eu escuto fica melhor, parabéns Ed… Expand
  47. laizzaly
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    Its absolutely awesome how Ed describes his life. His emotions, his feelings. He never disappoints me. Absolutely incredible! Love it!
  48. overpassgrafiti
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    It's an incredibly persoonal and vulnerable album.

    The lyrics to every song are deep and well-written and the melodies are extremely good.
    For what i've listened, it is the best piece of work that Sheeran has ever produced.
  49. gabiecoments
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Um dos melhores álbuns que eu já ouvi! Ed Sheeran leva a gente em uma viagem cheia de altos e baixos. Incrível poder acompanhá-lo desde o plus. Um dos maiores artistas que eu conheço.… Expand
  50. Vitor2
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    Eu amei, foi o album mais pessoal dele até agora, não consigo parar de ouvir
  51. isabeyeye
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    'Equals' is Ed's most mature album and really shows how great being married and having a child is to him. The lyrics are as incredible as always, but the productions are, in a good way, different than the ones we were used to in his records. The aesthetic of '=' is also prettier than the previous eras.
  52. ellegabris8
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    Ed is back with good music. Honestly, I was missing the high quality he had before divide (which was quite bad saved by a few songs and then n6 was a whole new disappointment) but he is back, Equals has great songwriting, production and is showing that live performances will be great too.

    personally my favourites were Leave your life, 2step, Stop the rain and The joker and the queen,,    Ed is back with good music. Honestly, I was missing the high quality he had before divide (which was quite bad saved by a few songs and then n6 was a whole new disappointment) but he is back, Equals has great songwriting, production and is showing that live performances will be great too.


    personally my favourites were Leave your life, 2step, Stop the rain and The joker and the queen,, honorable mention to Be right now; the only one I didn't like much was collide.    … Expand
  53. RenePaixao
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    One of his best works, extremely personal and mature.
    I loved this Ed Sheeran album, the sound of it made me feel great. All the waiting we had between DIVIDE until this album was worth it.
  54. Vixhidalgo
    Nov 2, 2021
    10
    It's a great album! Like, it really is. The guy continues to excel doing ballads like The Joker and The Queen or First Times, and at the same time he is trying different directions in songs like Stop the rain or Sandman. I feel like is a really personal record and, if you're into that, you will find it a great album! 10/10. Ed at his finest.
  55. Meeihx
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    We can see from this album that how talented and how brave he is for trying to do new stuff... We can see that Ed isn't only broken hearts and sad music, we can see trough the album how happy he is with his life and same time how confused fame can make him feel, how in love he is with his wife and how amazed he is with being a father. Saying this album has no feeling is totally ****We can see from this album that how talented and how brave he is for trying to do new stuff... We can see that Ed isn't only broken hearts and sad music, we can see trough the album how happy he is with his life and same time how confused fame can make him feel, how in love he is with his wife and how amazed he is with being a father. Saying this album has no feeling is totally **** because clearly it has as much feeling that any other works he has done. 'Visiting hours' is such a beautiful song... I can imagine how painful it was to been written. I truly can't wait to jump with bad habits when i see him live again. You go Ed! x… Expand
  56. Anny_silva
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    Incrível como esse álbum é diverso! Adorei as misturas de ritmos e sonoridade de musicas dos anos 90. me apaixonei totalmente
  57. Giseli
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    Perfeito como sempre, entregou tudo sem prometer! O melhor trabalho dele já feito, não tem música ruim.
  58. laiiii
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The most genuine album currently. Anyone who says it's the same thing as everything else before, definitely doesn't know Ed's story or doesn't even bother to listen. On this album, you will find a lot of vulnerability, wisdom and maturity. As he said, 'Equals' are the answers he has today, at 30, which he didn't have when he was 20. Songs about your wife, daughter, friend who is no longer with us. As a fan since 2015, I rightly say that it is the best album of his career.
    He deserves a lot of recognition. Get ready. These songs contain a lot of honesty and a lot of love, dedication. It was worth the wait!    … Expand
  59. Ananta2807
    Nov 8, 2021
    10
    The best album in the world. Music is for everyone, not only for criticus who can't created popular music to everyone.
  60. crissia
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    Ed se reinventa, sem deixar as composições românticas de lado. Com uma batida muito mais pop, mas trazendo também o piano e o violão característico.
  61. Jerbinrg
    Jun 8, 2023
    10
    Nice music with deep meaning.This album contain manu lessons and one of new creation from Ed Sheeran.
  62. NolanLundgaard
    Nov 7, 2021
    9
    = by Ed Sheeran: 8.63

    Tides: 1 :) Shivers: 1 :) First Times: 1! Bad Habits: 1 :) Overpass Graffiti: 1 :) The Joker And The Queen: 0.75 Leave Your Life: 0.75 Collide: 0.75 2step: 1 :) Stop The Rain: 1 :) Love In Slow Motion: 1 :) Visiting Hours: 1! :) Sandman: 0.75 Be Right Now: 1 :) 13/14 ~ .929 -> 8.63 Ed Sheeran’s Equals album (styled “=”) is in my opinion, his    = by Ed Sheeran: 8.63

    Tides: 1 :)
    Shivers: 1 :)
    First Times: 1!
    Bad Habits: 1 :)
    Overpass Graffiti: 1 :)
    The Joker And The Queen: 0.75
    Leave Your Life: 0.75
    Collide: 0.75
    2step: 1 :)
    Stop The Rain: 1 :)
    Love In Slow Motion: 1 :)
    Visiting Hours: 1! :)
    Sandman: 0.75
    Be Right Now: 1 :)

    13/14 ~ .929 -> 8.63

    Ed Sheeran’s Equals album (styled “=”) is in my opinion, his best yet. Bouncing back from the disappointment of No. 6 Collaborations project, = features more music that, even amid new styling, retains the spirit of his original songs (from the era of + and x). We can see nods to his past releases everywhere in =, which I appreciated (such as 2step resembling some + stuff, First Times having a hint of x, and of course Overpass Graffiti and Tides containing quite a bit of ÷ DNA). While this is certainly a more-heavily produced album (which in some songs can be a bit distracting), I found = to be a lot easier to listen to than his previous 2019 release. Combining this with lyric quality consistent with his past hits make this album quite an accomplishment and I applaud him for making something this great.

    Due to the character limit, I am unable to provide my entire song-by-song commentary for =, which is a shame. I find that whenever I add it people tend to understand my point of view more, so I guess that I'll have to make due with just my intro and conclusion.

    In general, I would agree with Ed Sheeran in saying that this is his best work. Everything just fits so well together in =, and I’d say there aren’t really any moths in this collection of butterflies. Ed Sheeran fans will appreciate this new album if they can adapt to his new style of music (which I think rocks and works well). I really can’t wait until - comes out, but until then I have so many songs from = to listen to on repeat. Highlights: Tides, Shivers, First Times, Bad Habits, Overpass Graffiti, Stop The Rain, Love In Slow Motion, Visiting Hours, and Be Right Now.    … Expand
  63. IvanSCCP
    Oct 29, 2021
    9
    Álbum de extrema qualidade. Esse hate gratuito no Ed é cruel. Saibam disso.
  64. timetraveler136
    Oct 30, 2021
    9
    For me Ed redeemed himself in this album, honestly? Divide was full of skips and by far his worst album, if you don't count the No. 6 Collaboration Project, which I don't and pretend it doesn't exist.
    Equals is almost perfect, I find myself wanting to replay one song as soon as its over but the moment the next one starts I just can't press previous. My favorites are probably Overpass    For me Ed redeemed himself in this album, honestly? Divide was full of skips and by far his worst album, if you don't count the No. 6 Collaboration Project, which I don't and pretend it doesn't exist.
    Equals is almost perfect, I find myself wanting to replay one song as soon as its over but the moment the next one starts I just can't press previous. My favorites are probably Overpass Graffiti, Leave Your Life and Collide. And although I'm not really a fan of the slow songs, comparing this album's slow songs with Divide's, they're much better.

    It's still not better than X or + but it did keep me intrigued enough to look forward to Subtract ( - )

    This is an album for his fans, that's it, he's not trying to be groundbreaking or anything, he took this album to experiment with different sounds while also keeping those lyrics he's known for.
    If you've never heard anything but Shape Of You or Thinking Out Loud, this album is not for you, also if you're one of those "fans" that hate when artists grow up and don't sound the same as their first album.    … Expand
  65. Hi_How_RYah
    Nov 20, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Only album I fully listened from him. It was the product of incessant pleas of people for men in music to take risks with their artistry. They will vie this was a misstep but in the greater apex, it was never hard to take risk. It was great.… Expand
  66. PEDROMFR
    Nov 3, 2021
    7
    Despite some critics, this is a different path for Ed Sheeran, resulting in a very different album comparing to his previous work. Being a grown man and father, the British singer gets more personal in a still very pop-ish way. His best work, so far.
  67. emcritic29
    Oct 29, 2021
    7
    sheeran is really trying to experiment with new sounds, with some interesting results; however the ballads are where he shines most, and the near absence of them on this record isn’t only disappointing but deeply surprising, given the lukewarm reception of his predecessor.
    all that considered, when equals works, it’s a brilliantly produced piece of music.
  68. PrThKi
    Nov 19, 2021
    7
    = (pronounced Equals) is a solid return to form for Ed Sheeran. Striking a perfect balance between new and nostalgia, Ed certainly attempts to reinvent himself with this latest entry, and only time will tell if he was successful in that endeavour. Good.
  69. Kehi
    Jan 6, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Welll album is incomplete coming next year So i wanting that why 7 /10 tides , visiting hours are best… Expand
  70. sighcuss
    Mar 18, 2022
    7
    Not Ed Sheeran's best work, all his previous albums have a different vibe and probably a different point to make or prove but this album focuses more on the transitions in his life and how important the new people in his life are. Ed doesn't really share much of his private life but in this album he has gone all out, he has shown his vulnerable side here. The lyricism as always isNot Ed Sheeran's best work, all his previous albums have a different vibe and probably a different point to make or prove but this album focuses more on the transitions in his life and how important the new people in his life are. Ed doesn't really share much of his private life but in this album he has gone all out, he has shown his vulnerable side here. The lyricism as always is excellent, the songs are meaningful and heartwarming. The song Tides has an interesting vibe to it, the tempo and beat transition is really unexpected and really good, one of the best tracks on this album without a doubt. He had released Bad Habits and Shivers as singles, loved both of them but Shivers doesn't have much to offer, gets boring and bland after many listens. Bad Habits is something new Ed tried which i appreciate but i am not really a fan. A 5/10 song in my opinion. First Times is just so Ed, simple but calming, i like it. Overpass Graffiti is kinda overrated, the publicity done for this song was unreal and it wasn't that good, chill vibes but lacks that "ed element" to it. Leave your Life is the best song on this album, most people wont like it but it's really good, i loved the tempo, his way of singing and the overall vibe. Sandman is quite underrated honestly, many people will call it "childish" but it's what he is trying to portray, the new learnings of fatherhood. 2step and Stop the Rain are pretty decent songs but not memorable, doesn't stick with me but it's good. Visiting Hours, another single, pretty good but doesn't stand out in my opinion. The Joker and the Queen is an underwhelming song and holds no importance in this album, it has nothing to do with what this album stands for. This album needed more features or atleast cameos to spice things up but overall it's pretty good. Favorite track: Leave Your life.… Expand
  71. 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.
  72. MetacriticOnur
    Mar 30, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjective
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  73. LuissDt
    Apr 13, 2022
    6
    Equals is not quite the same as Sheeran's other great albums but it manages to be enjoyable
  74. FFS98
    Oct 29, 2021
    6
    The beginning of this album got me really excited for a second but it just lacks so much of everything… I like Ed’s music and I really enjoyed the rest of his albums but this is just not it. Personally I only enjoyed “First Times” and “2step” but that’s only two songs out of fourteen. It’s just not interesting and it bores you very easily. “Divide” also had a lot of upbeat songs andThe beginning of this album got me really excited for a second but it just lacks so much of everything… I like Ed’s music and I really enjoyed the rest of his albums but this is just not it. Personally I only enjoyed “First Times” and “2step” but that’s only two songs out of fourteen. It’s just not interesting and it bores you very easily. “Divide” also had a lot of upbeat songs and ballads but they were enjoyable and easy to listen to, and they were different.
    Even songs like “Visiting Hours” that are heartbreaking didn’t make me feel emotional at all. The songs about his daughter are beautiful but could have been left in the drafts cause no one really cares about them… Who wants a song with kids instruments? I’m just being nice and rate it with a 6 but man this was VERY disappointing. I hope he does better next time.    … Expand
  75. DramaManiac
    Oct 31, 2021
    5
    Just decent. However, like any Ed Sheeran's album, it contains boring and same/similar patterns of music.
  76. Notarobotbot
    Nov 3, 2021
    5
    As a big Ed Sheeran fan I'm quite disappointed, I thought he would return to his original style and that would be a more acoustic folk album. I feel like it's by far his worst album, most of the songs are soulless, and are more of the same poppy songs we are used to. The lyrics of most of the songs are of basic topics (love, his fatherhood) and these are approached in a way too shallow andAs a big Ed Sheeran fan I'm quite disappointed, I thought he would return to his original style and that would be a more acoustic folk album. I feel like it's by far his worst album, most of the songs are soulless, and are more of the same poppy songs we are used to. The lyrics of most of the songs are of basic topics (love, his fatherhood) and these are approached in a way too shallow and superficial tone, most are the lyrics are pure clichés. Most of the artificial sounds are quite generic and overuses typical hooks and chord progressions.
    Nevertheless, most of them are catchy, and sure I'm going to listen to them. I also, like the choirs that he uses in many of them. I would save the first part of the album, "Tides", "Overpass Graffiti" and "First Times" are enjoyable and fresh tracks but the last part of the album it's just terrible.    … Expand
  77. TiagxPl
    Nov 4, 2021
    5
    The album is good but I don't feel the same essence that Ed gave us with his sounds and lyrics in previous musical works.
  78. Menios
    Oct 29, 2021
    4
    The bar is already set too low. Even in this way, Ed Sheeran's new album cannot reach it.
  79. MusicGuyMack
    Nov 3, 2021
    4
    Undeniably well put together and polished to a mirror shine, Sheeran's latest will certainly please diehard fans but sticks so aggressively to the singer's safe, established formula of trite acoustic balladry and anodyne electropop numbers that it's otherwise unlikely to leave much of a lasting impact, with every song present here having already been done far better at least once before.
  80. JEMR
    Oct 29, 2021
    4
    Good effort but it still feels lazy from Sheeran, doesn't he want to do better? Maybe he is not able to - after so many bland albums...
  81. MARTINCARDENAS
    Nov 1, 2021
    4
    This is a normal album, which almost went wrong. (Sorry) and now my question is... where did the musical evolution go? We reached a fourth album and we kept listening, something similar or the same as in "÷". With nostalgia I can remember songs from that album "x", which filled us with emotion because they were good. Honestly, I really wanted an album with sublime and different lyrics, butThis is a normal album, which almost went wrong. (Sorry) and now my question is... where did the musical evolution go? We reached a fourth album and we kept listening, something similar or the same as in "÷". With nostalgia I can remember songs from that album "x", which filled us with emotion because they were good. Honestly, I really wanted an album with sublime and different lyrics, but with great sadness I say that it is more of the same.… Expand
  82. mcgowantrevor
    Oct 29, 2021
    4
    Ed Sheeran takes a step away from the soft, acoustic, heart-wrenching and organic-sounding tones that he had previously been known for in his earlier releases.
    The album in many moments, sounds to have very non-creative lyrics;
    “When it was all over, I cleared out the room Grabbed a couple beers, just me and you Then we started talking the way that we do” -Track 3, First Times It sounds    Ed Sheeran takes a step away from the soft, acoustic, heart-wrenching and organic-sounding tones that he had previously been known for in his earlier releases.
    The album in many moments, sounds to have very non-creative lyrics;
    “When it was all over, I cleared out the room
    Grabbed a couple beers, just me and you
    Then we started talking the way that we do”
    -Track 3, First Times
    It sounds almost lazy, but not quite.
    while there were more emotional pieces like The Joker and the Queen, and Visiting Hours- the rest of the album nearly failed to capture much of any feelings.
    = (Equals) seems to be the leftovers of his previous studio album, ÷ (Divide), which was decent at best.
    4/10    … Expand
  83. lwtos
    Nov 2, 2021
    4
    Kinda missed Ed Sheeran here... Although the album has some good moments too.
  84. PoetArt96
    Nov 2, 2021
    4
    Ed Sheeran has dissolved into his relationship and it is painfully apparent in this album. This is Ed's version of Chance the Rapper's Wedding Day. Uninspired pop songs flank recycled sounding ballads all with as much depth as a shallow puddle. I find it hard to believe the same man who created the amazing variety of music on ÷, created this album. A lot people dislike No.6, but I thinkEd Sheeran has dissolved into his relationship and it is painfully apparent in this album. This is Ed's version of Chance the Rapper's Wedding Day. Uninspired pop songs flank recycled sounding ballads all with as much depth as a shallow puddle. I find it hard to believe the same man who created the amazing variety of music on ÷, created this album. A lot people dislike No.6, but I think it's streets ahead of this album in creativity and execution.

    Ed Sheeran was the first artist I ever saw live and I will never forget the passion he had when on stage. This album is devoid of the passion for sonically pleasing fans and is instead a sappy and, quite frankly, poorly written love letter of exposition to his wife and daughter. Even the "party" songs feel neutered    … Expand
  85. Fox2006
    Nov 2, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Some of the tracks are interesting but i feel that there is something missing, "Bad habits" its ok and totally enjoyable but some tracks are just too basic. It's almost the same thing that happened to his other 2 last albums, they are made to make numbers and have some good tracks on it, but 80% its not good. 4/10 i wasn't expecting a lot but it disappointed me… Expand
  86. jeremycastillo
    Oct 29, 2021
    3
    Acabo de escuchar el Álbum, se Siente la Misma Vibra que Sus Trabajos Anteriores, Lo único rescatable del Álbum Sería Su "Reinvención" en Bad Habits
  87. Gummer
    Nov 15, 2021
    3
    I honestly don't have much to say... only this: Ed Sheeran = Below average
    Why did i even bother??? It was not like i was expecting anything...
  88. earlgreyrelief
    Nov 19, 2021
    3
    After this album I stop listening to Ed, it's okay to maintain his music style. But this one?

    like pitchfork said, He’s settled into the comfort zone of songs that will haunt weddings for years to come. Kinda disappointed.
  89. Swiifitie
    May 21, 2023
    3
    Sabemos que esse é o estilo do Ed mas convenhamos, já saturou. A essa altura toda música dele soa com alguma já feita antes. Está precisando se arriscar e se reinventar
  90. ravenvenom
    Oct 29, 2021
    2
    I had high hopes for the album after Bad Habits. Nope. Another lazy, boring album from Ed and one decent song (being Bad Habits). Next.
  91. joe_m6
    Nov 11, 2021
    2
    why is he still doing this? it's not that his old music is bad, it just that it was never something that needed to be replicated, and yet here it is. for the third time.
  92. AdrianRL
    Nov 4, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bad, always the same sounds and style. He should taste new generes and give better music… Expand
  93. 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.
  94. Coppeddem
    Oct 29, 2021
    2
    This has to be one of the blandest albums ever. There is absolutely nothing special about this album. Vocals? Bland as anything (but listenable). Lyrics? Boring and lacking depth. Production? Mediocre at best. It's just so boring.
  95. Leo748
    Oct 30, 2021
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Only Songs that really catched me were First Times and The Joker And The Queen. The rest kind of is what we always here from Ed. It's simple as always. It's like Divide. At most times I knew were the song was going just from listening the beginning. I really recommend "First Times" and "The Joker And The Queen" but that's it. 2 from 14 tracks. That's not much. And i would't even say these song were superior good. The second half was way more boring than the first. We have songs like "Collide", "2step", "Stop The Rain" and "Love In Slow Motion" which feel the same. The Opener "Tides" didn't got me at all. It had a loud start, had a quiet drop and than it got loud again. Hasn't there been an opening song with a similar concept this year? I think so... The closing track was a real missfit. Didn't really felt like it was over. I didn't really expect something new from Ed because since Bad Habits was the first single I was like, here we go again. Sorry Mr. Sheeran but you have to change your concepts a bit. Like all these female artists, doing it almost every album. Thank U… Expand
  96. downjeth
    Oct 30, 2021
    2
    his music doesn't feel authentic anymore, to be fair there are 1 or 2 tracks that stands out, but overall, i tried my best to enjoy the album but sadly i cant, chart driven album, it doesnt have any appeal, instead of evolving in every era, he devolves tragically.
  97. lenny68
    Nov 8, 2021
    1
    It's a wonder Sheeran has reached the heights he has when he puts out dull, pedestrian 'music' like this.

    As someone else remarked, he makes music for people that don't like {or at least appreciate} music.
  98. FallOutTheDisco
    Oct 29, 2021
    1
    Ed Sheeran seems to get progressively less interesting and more dumbed down with every album he releases. Feels like an album made for people that don't like music.
  99. allisonjane65
    Oct 30, 2021
    1
    The best that can be said about Equals is that it is inoffensive. Absolutely nothing on the album is memorable or bears a second listen. Dreadful.
  100. lennycliff123
    Oct 30, 2021
    1
    Equals is remarkable only in that is sets a new standard for musical blandness. Totally forgettable from beginning to end.
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. musicOMH.com
    Dec 16, 2021
    60
    If you’re a fan, you’ll still be a fan and if you’re not, you still won’t be.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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