Divide
by Ed Sheeran
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2017
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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    This years best album so far, that's for sure. Don't get these hateful comments on album, but whatever. "Shape Of You", "Perfect", "Galway Girl", "Castle On The Hill", "Eraser", "Dive" and "Happier" are golden songs.
  2. vinnynguyen
    Jun 17, 2017
    8
    Very similar lyrically and production wise to his previous albums. Most songs are memorable, catchy, however, the ballads on this album truly lack substance, as his limited voice range does not do him any favours. The ballads (with the exception of Supermarket Flowers) fail to evoke emotion, and the sharp shifts between energetic and ballads are quite questionable. Yet, there is no denyingVery similar lyrically and production wise to his previous albums. Most songs are memorable, catchy, however, the ballads on this album truly lack substance, as his limited voice range does not do him any favours. The ballads (with the exception of Supermarket Flowers) fail to evoke emotion, and the sharp shifts between energetic and ballads are quite questionable. Yet, there is no denying that this is an overall solid album.… Expand
  3. sosa1799
    Oct 9, 2017
    9
    This album is being massively underrated. While it’s not as consistently good as x, this album contains some of Sheeran’s best work. What Do I Know is the only song that I cannot honestly say I don’t like. If anyone is turned off because of Shape of You, rest assured, that is only one song, and it doesn't sound like it. Having said that, I do like that song, in part because it representsThis album is being massively underrated. While it’s not as consistently good as x, this album contains some of Sheeran’s best work. What Do I Know is the only song that I cannot honestly say I don’t like. If anyone is turned off because of Shape of You, rest assured, that is only one song, and it doesn't sound like it. Having said that, I do like that song, in part because it represents Sheeran’s continued expansion of his sound. He continues some hip-hop, as well as experimenting with U2-esque anthem rock, acoustic and piano ballads, tropical house pop, and Irish folk (if you get the deluxe version, it includes even more sounds). His voice continues to be a huge selling point, none more evident than on songs like Dive and Castle on the Hill. Arguably his best love ballad (Sheeran’s bread and butter) is Perfect, which is one of the highlights of this album. The others are Castle on the Hill, Supermarket Flowers, and my personal favorite song of all time, Galway Girl.… Expand
  4. TheCriticReview
    Nov 17, 2017
    9
    This year's best album so far, that's for sure. Don't get these hateful comments on an album, but whatever. "Shape Of You", "Perfect", "Galway Girl", "Castle On The Hill", "Eraser", "Dive" and "Happier" are golden songs.
  5. BastianCritic
    Jan 9, 2018
    9
    el album cuenta con canciones sentimentales y felices pasando de una a otra emocion desde eraser a save myself el album narra felicidad o como lograrla
  6. EgorRussia
    Jan 19, 2019
    8
    First of all, I'm so surprised to see THAT low score for Divide. I mean, maybe, excluding 3 huge hits, Shape Of You, Perfect and Castle On the Hill, this album is not radio-friendly, but Ed deserves more with this release. I find Divide very suitable for atmospheric winter evenings on the kitchen with your lover under the lights - and the sound of this album will bring you to the magicalFirst of all, I'm so surprised to see THAT low score for Divide. I mean, maybe, excluding 3 huge hits, Shape Of You, Perfect and Castle On the Hill, this album is not radio-friendly, but Ed deserves more with this release. I find Divide very suitable for atmospheric winter evenings on the kitchen with your lover under the lights - and the sound of this album will bring you to the magical place (in the best Sheeran's traditions). You will not dance all the time listening to the Divide, but this album is not about dancing at all. One thing that disappointed me - that Spanish melodies in the middle of the album. I mean, come on! It's not necessary to follow the trends of 2017 to create a commercially successful album.… Expand
  7. cyclone100
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    An excellent album, and every song is fantastic. It deserves a better score.
  8. emiliosenn
    Jan 22, 2018
    8
    Smart album, presumptuos lyrics, beautiful sound, but still falls short compared to Ed's previous efforts. Formulaic and comfortable.
    'Castle on the hill', 'Galway Girl' and 'Supermarket flowers' save most of the album.
  9. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 6, 2020
    9
    ÷ by Ed Sheeran: 8.50

    Eraser: 1 :) Castle on the Hill: 1 :) Dive: 1 :) Shape of You: 0.25 Perfect: 1 :) Galway Girl: 1 :) Happier: 1 New Man: 0.75 Hearts Don’t Break Around Here: 1 What Do I Know?: 1 :) How Would You Feel (Paean): 0.75 Supermarket Flowers: 1! Barcelona: 1 :) Bibia Be Ye Ye: 1 :) Nancy Mulligan: 1 :) Save Myself: 1 14.75/16 ~ .922 -> 8.50 Everyone    ÷ by Ed Sheeran: 8.50

    Eraser: 1 :)
    Castle on the Hill: 1 :)
    Dive: 1 :)
    Shape of You: 0.25
    Perfect: 1 :)
    Galway Girl: 1 :)
    Happier: 1
    New Man: 0.75
    Hearts Don’t Break Around Here: 1
    What Do I Know?: 1 :)
    How Would You Feel (Paean): 0.75
    Supermarket Flowers: 1!
    Barcelona: 1 :)
    Bibia Be Ye Ye: 1 :)
    Nancy Mulligan: 1 :)
    Save Myself: 1

    14.75/16 ~ .922 -> 8.50

    Everyone should LOVE this album, since it is Ed Sheeran’s best work. I’m still blown away by it. Sheeran retained his lyrical creativity, as can be seen in more tracks than not, while still coming out with an evolved style of music. Divide is a little more poppy, and that part of it is fun. That being said, ÷ isn’t all pop. He continues his rappy style with Eraser and Galway Girl, and I’m not even sure how to classify Supermarket Flowers, besides that it nearly brought tears to my eyes, it was so beautiful. If you’re reading this review, you are probably thinking of something that I’m overlooking. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about it: Shape of You. Absolutely awful. This song lowered ÷'s score enough so that it didn’t get a Perfect (haha) score. It’s a fun poppy song on the surface, but once you reach the chorus it becomes repetitive, annoying, and kind of a nasty song. Where was Sheeran’s creativity when writing this? I hope he doesn’t become primarily known for this song, especially when 94% of this album is fantastic. Sheeran’s album score keeps improving with each one he releases, so I’m really excited for Subtract when it comes out. Highlights: Eraser, Castle on the Hill, Dive, Perfect, Galway Girl, Happier, Hearts Don’t Break Around Here, What Do I Know, Supermarket Flowers, Barcelona, Bibia Be Ye Ye, Nancy Mulligan, and Save Myself.    … Expand
  10. DJBigBoy
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    Isang album na tunay na klasiko. Ang album na ito ay naglalaman ng mga kanta mula sa magkakaibang halaga ng mga genre, kaya hindi lahat ng mga tunog ay tunog ang parehong. Si Ed Sheeran ay isang pambihirang tagasulat ng kanta, at nagpapakita ito sa rekord na ito. Ballad, disco, folk, at ballroom. Mga kumplikadong kanta, nang walang filler hindi katulad ng iba pang mga album. At ito ayIsang album na tunay na klasiko. Ang album na ito ay naglalaman ng mga kanta mula sa magkakaibang halaga ng mga genre, kaya hindi lahat ng mga tunog ay tunog ang parehong. Si Ed Sheeran ay isang pambihirang tagasulat ng kanta, at nagpapakita ito sa rekord na ito. Ballad, disco, folk, at ballroom. Mga kumplikadong kanta, nang walang filler hindi katulad ng iba pang mga album. At ito ay hindi lamang tunog mabuti, ngunit ang mga salita ay mahusay na nakasulat. Naaabot lamang nito ang kaluluwa, na pambihira para sa isang artist ngayon. May isang magandang dahilan kung bakit ang talaang ito ay nagbenta ng milyun-milyong kopya sa buong mundo. Ito ay dahil alam ni Ed Sheeran kung paano kumonekta sa madla, kahit anong wika, tulad ng Elvis Presley at The Beatles. Talagang natagpuan namin ang isang alamat.… Expand
  11. DCMusicFan
    Oct 3, 2018
    9
    May not be the most original artist, but Ed Sheeran is one friendly, talented chap. And the songs here just JAM.
  12. AngieB019
    Oct 11, 2019
    10
    El mejor trabajo de Ed hasta ahora, buenas letras, ritmos variados e himnos como Shape of you y Perfect
  13. gii
    Dec 6, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. as músicas são extremamente PERFEITAS, só tem hits e esse álbum é tudo pra mim.
    Ed Sheeran lançando perfeições sempre e não choca.    … Expand
  14. tedsheeran
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Definitely the best album of Ed Sheeran. I love how it has an upbeat, ballad, and dreamy songs all in one yet the album remains cohesive and likable.
  15. yeet69420
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    Dude, this album is one of my favourites! Ed Sheeran doesn't have one bad song.
  16. Cristiana49
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    I first heard this album back in summer 2017, and when I heard it the first time I was blown away. Before that I didn’t really care about Ed Sheeran but I think this albums for him as an artist pushed the boundaries of what he is capable of, as a songwriter and musician. The singles for this album are definitely not the best songs on the album, although they too are great songs, and that’sI first heard this album back in summer 2017, and when I heard it the first time I was blown away. Before that I didn’t really care about Ed Sheeran but I think this albums for him as an artist pushed the boundaries of what he is capable of, as a songwriter and musician. The singles for this album are definitely not the best songs on the album, although they too are great songs, and that’s only the best part. They’re are also many different genres of songs, so it’s the kind of album you can listen to all the way through and not get bored of. One of my favorites to this day… Expand
  17. Priyanshu_SHarm
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is literally a masterpiece . Each and every single song is bop with different beautiful vibes . Galway girl , perfect , happier , eraser are my most favourites .… Expand
  18. paolo2587
    Apr 11, 2017
    10
    I love this album! Shape of you is an amazing hit and I can't help myself from listening to it a lot of times! the deluxe tracks are even better! Barcelona should be promoted as a summer hit
  19. vbnrtyfgh
    Apr 23, 2017
    10
    Excellent album with great songs and a good repertoire. The versatility of the singer and the good melodies. A conceptual album and that the charts reflect how good it is
  20. spongeswift
    Mar 24, 2017
    7
    This album is ok. There's only 4 or 5 truly great songs, the rest really are alright or they are just bad. Not a bad album but for sure not Grammy Worthy.
  21. MigueleBotelho
    Jun 6, 2017
    9
    Divide by Ed Sheeran - Review by Miguelê

    Relationsheep Between the Musics: The purpose of the album is divide the kind of musics, so I'll gave a 7/10 because of this. I REALLY LIKE THE WAY HOW HE MIX + AND x 1. Eraser: I hope a little more for the begaining of the album, but I like too much this song 8/10 2. Castle On The Hill: good choose for "promocional" single! i love this song!    Divide by Ed Sheeran - Review by Miguelê

    Relationsheep Between the Musics: The purpose of the album is divide the kind of musics, so I'll gave a 7/10 because of this. I REALLY LIKE THE WAY HOW HE MIX + AND x
    1. Eraser: I hope a little more for the begaining of the album, but I like too much this song 8/10
    2. Castle On The Hill: good choose for "promocional" single! i love this song! 10/10
    3. Dive: The best song of the album! Wounderful! I like a lot! 10/10
    4. Shape Of You: Good first single!!! I like very much! 9/10
    5. Perfect: One of the best songs of Divide! Very good! 10/10
    6. Galway Girl: Good one. I like! 9/10
    7. Happier: Wounderful song!! I love it!! Amazing! 10/10
    8. New Man: I like very much! 9/10
    9. Hearts Don't Break Around Here: Very good! I love this! Very cute... Sounds like plus 10/10
    10. What Do I Know: It's good, not very good. But I like the letter! 7/10
    11. How Would You Feel: Good one. 8/10
    12. Supermaket Flowers: Beautyful song! One of the best! 10/10

    Final note: 9    … Expand
  22. S0BERB0Y
    Mar 14, 2017
    10
    Ed's new album is incredible! Although the tracks deluxes are medium, the other songs show the power of sheeran with the words, whereas the singles until then are hymns to the ears!
  23. charlottexu
    Jun 16, 2017
    10
    I just like divide as much as i love plus mutiply, it baffed me that many fans believe that divide can not compete mutiply , i think it's just as good or even better, also as you kan see so many user give '0' with no reason , haters gonna hate ,that's all i can say.
  24. thedaywalker
    Mar 22, 2017
    8
    I do not understand all the bad reviews, and how they say it's generic... listen to the instrumentals, they are so much different from what he used to make, songs like Barcelona, Bibia Be Ye Ye, Nancy Mulligan, Galway Girl are more than just simple ballads, he travelled the world and incorporated the different cultures as his own intrumentals, he reached new heights instrumentally, verseI do not understand all the bad reviews, and how they say it's generic... listen to the instrumentals, they are so much different from what he used to make, songs like Barcelona, Bibia Be Ye Ye, Nancy Mulligan, Galway Girl are more than just simple ballads, he travelled the world and incorporated the different cultures as his own intrumentals, he reached new heights instrumentally, verse wise i can agree too that he needs something new, but he also went deep with songs like Supermarket Flowers and Nancy Mulligan talking about his family history, and then there's Castle on the Hill which you can't help but to start to remise on your old days... maybe i'm just too much of an ed sheeran fan not too listen to what others are listening, but this album his great… Expand
  25. bahpalta
    Mar 13, 2017
    10
    This website is a joke. Bunch of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Katy Perry, etc gay ass fans giving low notes thinking their faves make good music and because hate him, Gaga fans cause they think he shaded her but he didn't.
    So they dislike comments which aren't what they wanna hear. SMH!
    The truth isn't always what you want btw.
  26. Likeabawz151
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    Divide is a solid album.
    Many people/reviewers are complaining that it "feels bland". They find the song unoriginal.
    I have the dissagree with them. I'm going to review every song: 1.Eraser: One of those classic rap ed sheeran songs, a nice refrain, excellent rapping and in this case really cool background guitar music. 9/10 2.Castle on the Hill: This song does remind me of his older    Divide is a solid album.
    Many people/reviewers are complaining that it "feels bland". They find the song unoriginal.
    I have the dissagree with them. I'm going to review every song:
    1.Eraser: One of those classic rap ed sheeran songs, a nice refrain, excellent rapping and in this case really cool background guitar music. 9/10
    2.Castle on the Hill: This song does remind me of his older ones, it is pretty good, catcy, original but sometimes the lyrics are a step back. 8/10
    3. Dive: Dive is awesome, it is powerfull, direct and the electric guitar in the background is just awesome. 9/10
    4. Shape of You: This is the most catchy song on the whole album, very nice melody, but you don't want to listen to it too often because then it gets slighty irritating. 8/10
    5. Perfect: Perfect is a romance ballad, it's pretty good but the lyrics are sometimes just too much, and it isn't that original. 7/10
    6. Galway Girl: The mix of Irish melody's and rap maybe sounds weird but hell this is a good one. Galway girl is amazing, you really going to like this song. 9/10
    7. Happier: Happier is one of the more emotional/sad song, it builds up pretty good, couplets are well written but sometimes the refrain feels a little bit too similat to Sam Smith. But still a 8/10
    8. New man: You know Ed does those catchy type of melodies like in Don't, Runaway and Touch and Go, he does it again, mixes it up a little and it sounds neat. The lyrics are funny, everything about this song is catchy. But the bridge is something I don't like that much. Doesn't really fit. 8/10
    9. Hearts Don't Break Around Here: A nice slow, romantic song from Ed, reminds you of older underdog songs from him. Pretty good. 8/10
    10. What Do I Know: This song is catchy, and just makes you happy, the lyrics on the other hand are sometimes like in the Refrain: "love and unstanding positivity" are a little annoying but after a while you don't mind it anymore. 9/10
    11. How would you feel: Very original guitar/piano work, pretty good, nice "John Mayer-ish" solo. The lyrics are sometimes a little annoying. 8/10
    12. Supermarket Flowers: This song is about his Grandma who passed away, it's very emotional, sad. I don't really have a complain about this song I just think it's great.
    Thanks Ed for this album, and thanks to everybody reading this!    … Expand
  27. Dillon123
    Jun 3, 2017
    8
    Though Ed Sheeran has now completely translated to a pop sound, evident through songs like "Shape of You, New Man and Galway Girl", this album is full of bangers that make Ed an even bigger tour de force than he had become on Multiply.

    Track by track review Eraser - 8.5/10 Castle on a Hill - 8.5 Dive - 9.5 Shape of You - 9 Perfect - 9 Galway Girl - 8 Happier - 7.5 New Man - 6    Though Ed Sheeran has now completely translated to a pop sound, evident through songs like "Shape of You, New Man and Galway Girl", this album is full of bangers that make Ed an even bigger tour de force than he had become on Multiply.

    Track by track review
    Eraser - 8.5/10
    Castle on a Hill - 8.5
    Dive - 9.5
    Shape of You - 9
    Perfect - 9
    Galway Girl - 8
    Happier - 7.5
    New Man - 6
    Hearts Don’t Break Around Here - 8.5
    What Do I Know? - 7.5
    How Would You Feel - 7.5
    Supermarker Flowers - 8.5
    Barcelona - 8.5
    Bibia Ye Ye - 8
    Nancy Mulligan - 7.5
    Save Myself - 8.5

    Overall, not a classic album like Multiply, but still a solid record from Ed with more hits than he's ever had on an album.    … Expand
  28. laguns2011
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    This album in my opinion is his best yet. The songs individually are very strong on here which in no wonder why all of them hit the top 20 here in the UK. Highlights of this album are Eraser,Castle on the hill,Dive,Shape of you and Galway girl. Happier however does sound like a Sam Smith reject.
  29. nicolasfederick
    May 22, 2018
    10
    divide is gold people .....................................................
  30. bernizzy
    Mar 22, 2017
    7
    I really don't understand the hate for this album. IMO, this is much better than what most artists are putting out (Starboy...blech). Some of the songs sound repetitive/familiar, but his lyric-writing ability makes a good chunk of the album worth listening to. There's so much more to the album than just Shape of You (which was just made to get on the radio) and Castle on a Hill (which isI really don't understand the hate for this album. IMO, this is much better than what most artists are putting out (Starboy...blech). Some of the songs sound repetitive/familiar, but his lyric-writing ability makes a good chunk of the album worth listening to. There's so much more to the album than just Shape of You (which was just made to get on the radio) and Castle on a Hill (which is quite good). He shows his range by writing old tales of love in many songs and some fresher topics in What Do I Know and Eraser. Sure some of it is cliché, but singing about love always will be; at least it's something meaningful (again, blech, Starboy)… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. PopMatters
    Mar 16, 2017
    50
    At best, we have a middling collection of songs that are going to sound great in a packed arena. At worst, it’s a pretty significant step back from X, and once the initial novelty of its release wears off, it’s unlikely to enjoy the popular acclaim or the longevity of its predecessor.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Mar 14, 2017
    60
    Listening to this third LP, you wonder if some of the good ones slipped through the cracks. [May 2017, p.102]
  3. 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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »