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. Jerbinrg
    Jun 8, 2023
    10
    Nice music with deep meaning.This album contain manu lessons and one of new creation from Ed Sheeran.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. Giseli
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    Perfeito como sempre, entregou tudo sem prometer! O melhor trabalho dele já feito, não tem música ruim.
  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. 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
  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. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. Vitor2
    Nov 1, 2021
    10
    Eu amei, foi o album mais pessoal dele até agora, não consigo parar de ouvir
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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!
  30. 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
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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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