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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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!
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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!
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. Vitor2
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    Eu amei, foi o album mais pessoal dele até agora, não consigo parar de ouvir
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Giseli
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    Perfeito como sempre, entregou tudo sem prometer! O melhor trabalho dele já feito, não tem música ruim.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. MetacriticOnur
    Mar 30, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjective
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  38. Wanesta
    Jan 6, 2022
    1
    Instrumentally, it sounds not only outdated and awfully outside of Ed’s brand, but it’s also embarrassingly empty and kitsch. On =, Ed tries to open up about his recent experiences, mainly about his family life and big ego. Sadly, it doesn’t work out for him at the end. Before, it used to be cute and magical, but now it’s just tragical.
  39. LuissDt
    Apr 13, 2022
    6
    Equals is not quite the same as Sheeran's other great albums but it manages to be enjoyable
  40. Xiaomingwu
    Mar 30, 2023
    0
    how is this possible that his music is getting worse and worse, like it’s soo bad!
  41. IvanHielo
    Aug 7, 2022
    0
    Una porquería, musica pop basica hecha para ser escuchada en la radio y nada mas
  42. skylecrawling
    May 22, 2023
    0
    grotesco, achei triste esse álbum não tem nenhum tipo de tempero, completamente insosso
  43. someonewhocares
    May 8, 2023
    0
    This is Ed Sheeran at the most uninspired or most dissatisfying point of his career. He hit his peak long ago, and now all his music is as personal as if a toddler wrote ballads about toys. 'Equals' stands out for all the wrong reasons as the bargain bin album of 2021.
  44. Jerbinrg
    Jun 8, 2023
    10
    Nice music with deep meaning.This album contain manu lessons and one of new creation from Ed Sheeran.
  45. 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
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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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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