X
by Ed Sheeran
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2014
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 381 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 292 out of 381
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 381
  3. Negative: 62 out of 381
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  1. NazAw
    Jun 23, 2014
    7
    The singer/song-writer Ed Sheeran is back at it, with his sophmore LP "X" which was followed up by the two Hip Hop/R&B influenced tracks "Sing" and "Don't". Songs, heavyweight producers like Pharrell and Rick Rubin (respectively) laid hands on. A more rougher and mature Ed Sheeran with a flave of urban music, packed with more experiences of the 'BS', though the same sweet and hopeless ladThe singer/song-writer Ed Sheeran is back at it, with his sophmore LP "X" which was followed up by the two Hip Hop/R&B influenced tracks "Sing" and "Don't". Songs, heavyweight producers like Pharrell and Rick Rubin (respectively) laid hands on. A more rougher and mature Ed Sheeran with a flave of urban music, packed with more experiences of the 'BS', though the same sweet and hopeless lad he remains with his ballades, better lyrically and sonically than ever.

    "Sing", a cut bringing the thoughts back to the early 2000 where Neptunes production had it's landmark, a song that could easily slip in to Justin Timberlake's debut album.
    "Sing" is a summer hit, finding himself more up-tempo than he has ever been and also a drastic change for Sheeran. The track swirls with guitar riffs and heavy beats throughout with verses and chorus sung in a gorgeously outstanding melisma and falsetto. Both production and vocals, makes one reminisce on a Timberlake and even Michael Jackson.

    "Don't" is basically the guys anthem for women being disloyal and unfaithful with you, but deeper to the story, it is his feelings pouring out after that his fellow-celebrity crush and lover went behind his sight with another man. And who the girl is *cough, Ellie Goulding?, cough* we may never know.
    The song is the closest thing a singer/song-writer is coming to 2 Pac's "California Love" and Blackstreet's "No Diggity". Two tracks Dr. Dre did what he's known for, outside of his Beats-collection, and on here the bounce infectiously got a wrap on what could, or should be Sheeran's next single. A track Sheeran has been open about the influence of.

    "All my senses come to life / While I'm stumbling home as drunk as I, have ever been.." he sings shattered and lonely for some warmth on the opener "One", as he slowly realises that his woman slips out of reach for the days that goes by.
    An absolutely beautiful song, that starts up with him and his acoustic guitar then with adds of a light beat-kick and orchestral melodics. The second chorus in, switches to that he knows, she is being lossed, but hopes at least for her to stay in friendship even if they don't share the same ammount of love. Where this all had it's chance to go Disney, it felt fresh and quite crushing.
    While his precursor "+" shared the topics a like, the execution mostly had it's lacks, if it was a corny lyric or just a weak production, it had it's critics, it was recognized by myself to, but for this run you actually feel the emotions and don't feel the need to cringe instead. Sheeran is putting a closure to the same girl he had mentioned on "+", end chapter, good mate. This will probably be the most played for the rainy days, a song that will top at the back-hand of the year.

    The album is a change pace for Sheeran, more than before, he embraces influences from other artists and genres, like The Streets influenced cut "The Man" where he raps excellent with a sing-songy flow, or if it is just a sting of touch of a rapidly vocal output of Craig David. His love for Hip Hop is all over, especially the first half which also is the stronger and more memorable part. Though all the songs might not have the fire as the six opening tracks, they still got a little charm in them without being that much of a filler.

    Ed Sheeran is out this time, with a broader purpose to stay, there lyrics, melodies don't end up beeing the cheesy teen-pop, high school poetry, but, noticeably grown as an artist. He his writing more cohesive, sexier and taking his music further bringing another element to it which could have failed to his right, but ended up being the most satisfying album he has done, proven me his talents and that some mistakes, just was mistakes.

    "Multiply" as pronounced, is one of the best mainstream pop music we are going to across this year, and one of the better ones in a while!    … Expand
  2. KarlaTabii
    Sep 8, 2014
    10
    Such an amazing album full of great songs. Ed is proving more and more how amazing and talented he is. I´m obsessed with "Shirtsleeves" and "Even my dad does sometimes", the lyrics are really good.
  3. cryhardhumor
    Jul 18, 2015
    8
    As an album the sudden changes between fun party songs and slow emotional love songs can be a rough, but each of the songs on their own are good enough to make the album and enjoyable success.
  4. Adson
    Oct 19, 2014
    8
    I love this album! The first single, "Sing" didn't catch me but even this way I heard the album and passed months and I'm still listening it. Instrumentally for me, Ed keeps the good rhythm. Lyrically, sometimes he falls but when he's rapping, he's great. And the vocals, Wow, the vocals, he got this voice of angel that can catch anybody. My favorite's top 5 (Is kinda hard do it): 1 -I love this album! The first single, "Sing" didn't catch me but even this way I heard the album and passed months and I'm still listening it. Instrumentally for me, Ed keeps the good rhythm. Lyrically, sometimes he falls but when he's rapping, he's great. And the vocals, Wow, the vocals, he got this voice of angel that can catch anybody. My favorite's top 5 (Is kinda hard do it): 1 - Bloodstream (I have to say, when Ed keeps singing "All the voices in my mind, calling out across the line and keep going until touch the high point is F****** AWESOME!), 2 - I'm a mess, 3 - I See Fire, 4 - Don't, 5 - Photograph.… Expand
  5. JotaBrasil
    Jul 11, 2014
    8
    Existem alguns estágios na carreira de um artista musical que, normalmente, precisa-se se respeitado para que a jornada do mesmo seja a melhor possível. Uma delas é a transição do primeiro álbum para o segundo. Há uma ordem já estabelecida que diz que o primeiro álbum deve mostrar o potencial do artista para o futuro. Mesmo que seja um trabalho genial é necessário não tomar cuidado paraExistem alguns estágios na carreira de um artista musical que, normalmente, precisa-se se respeitado para que a jornada do mesmo seja a melhor possível. Uma delas é a transição do primeiro álbum para o segundo. Há uma ordem já estabelecida que diz que o primeiro álbum deve mostrar o potencial do artista para o futuro. Mesmo que seja um trabalho genial é necessário não tomar cuidado para não enganado por um belo embrulho e esquecer que há mais coisas por baixo que devem ser levadas em conta. Essas coisas, então, devem ser mais bem mostradas no álbum seguinte para que o público saiba qual o verdadeiro artista está na sua frente. Então, o segundo álbum é o consolidador (ou não) da carreira de um artista. Claro, há várias exceções, mas, em vários casos acontece assim. O mais recente exemplo é do inglês Ed Sheeran. Para a alegria de Ed, seus fãs e do público em geral, o resultado de X (fala-se multiply, "multiplicação") o resultado é positivo. Melhor: o resultado é extremamente positivo, pois Ed, além de se mostrar um artista mais complexo que seu trabalho anterior, entrega um CD sensacional.

    X funciona espetacularmente em todos os níveis possíveis. Começa pelo fato de que o CD é deliciosamente despretensioso. Ed é um jovem de 23 anos que está à procura de um caminho em sua vida pessoa e devido a isso encontra no caminho obstáculos, comete erros e, as vezes, acerta. Mais do que isso: Ed quer apenas viver sua vida. Encontrar um sentido na sua existência. Como eu, você e todo mundo. Essa humanidade é perceptível em cada composição que compõem X dando ao trabalho uma atmosfera tão tocável e identificável. São as memórias, as vivências, as observações de Ed sobre a vida. Com uma preferência para os assuntos do coração, mas sem esquecer outras facetas e também utilizando em alguns momentos pitadas do humor e a ironia típica britânica, Ed demonstra uma habilidade para narrar as coisas banais com uma doçura única, mas sem perder o foco e cair em lugares comuns. Na verdade, Ed com ajuda de alguns parceiros interessantes se faz um expert em contar de maneira o que é de comum na vida de uma pessoa. Como um verdadeiro cantor/compositor, Ed domina suas canções com perfeição. Porém, nada pode preparar quem ouve todo o álbum para a impressionante presença e versatilidade que ele mostra aqui.

    Dono de um tom delicado e suave como seda, o cantor não se apega a isso para fazer as suas performances. Ed mostra uma capacidade impressionante no que tange se adaptar em diversos estilos para melhor interpretada cada canção de X. Ele se coloca na figura de cantor de pop estilo "Michael Jackson" com a mesma facilidade que tem para se modular na figura de cantor indie pop mostrando uma fragilidade emocionante. Então, Ed vira um rapper com um estilo divertido e afiado para depois carregar brilhantemente uma power balada pop sem nenhum momento perder as qualidades de sua voz. Finalmente, mas não menos importantes, as escolhas de Ed para a produção do álbum são acertada no momento que ele decidiu abrir o leque de possibilidades com a adição de novos nomes como Pharrell Williams, Rick Rubin, Jeff Bhasker e Emile Haynie dando para a sua sonoridade um colorido mais vibrante e bem mais substância do que apenas trabalhar com Jake Gosling (produtor do anterior +), mas que também aqui tem seu nome credito em algumas músicas. Não que essas mudanças mudaram o estilo pop indie com base de violão e influências de R&B, folk e rock que Ed mostrou anteriormente, mas com a ajuda deles a sonoridade ficou mais refinada e intensa. O resultado final é um álbum inspirado e bastante coeso que ajuda a mostrar claramente quem é Ed Sheeran. Entre vários momentos marcantes em X é necessário destacar que o melhor momento é a emocionante Photograph, uma balada capaz de tirar lágrimas verdadeiras. Não menos sensacionais estão One, o single Sing, as com uma orientação mais voltada para o rap The Man e Take It Back, Thinking Out Loud que lembra muito as canções de John Mayer e, por fim, a bonita Afire Love. Ed Sheeran tem como o resultado de X, não apenas um dos melhores álbuns de 2014, mas o começo definitivo de uma carreira que vai ainda dar frutos ainda mais impressionantes.    … Expand
  6. Mab_987
    Jun 30, 2014
    7
    Ed fortunately didn't fall prey to the sophomore slump. Despite a few duller moments, he really expanded on the unique talents he showed on his debut. The rapping cadences pop up more frequently, the instrumentation gets more tight & interesting, and Ed still isn't afraid of tackling darker subjects despite his mainstream success.

    (For a more in-depth review with Album Review TV, look    Ed fortunately didn't fall prey to the sophomore slump. Despite a few duller moments, he really expanded on the unique talents he showed on his debut. The rapping cadences pop up more frequently, the instrumentation gets more tight & interesting, and Ed still isn't afraid of tackling darker subjects despite his mainstream success.

    (For a more in-depth review with Album Review TV, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  7. Khombe
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    GREAT ALBUM.........some songs could have had more work....but the culmination of all the songs produces a dynamic pop album . Songs like ONE,I'M A MESS AND TINERIFE SEA, show his rather talented vocal ability whilst he also shows his talent with the guitar strings
  8. canoeingrox
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Ed Sheeran has finally made a breakthrough. While + was a bland album (though littered with some fantastic singles), x achieves consistency in quality. Less 'Nina' and 'The Man', every other song is excellent. In particular, Sheeran's falsetto hits your ears in all the right places in 'One' and 'Photograph', while 'I'm A Mess' and 'Bloodstream' crescendoes beautifully. 'Sing' and 'Don't'Ed Sheeran has finally made a breakthrough. While + was a bland album (though littered with some fantastic singles), x achieves consistency in quality. Less 'Nina' and 'The Man', every other song is excellent. In particular, Sheeran's falsetto hits your ears in all the right places in 'One' and 'Photograph', while 'I'm A Mess' and 'Bloodstream' crescendoes beautifully. 'Sing' and 'Don't' provide fun, upbeat party hits, while 'Tenerife Sea' provides for a soothing emotional listen. The best song here is undoubtedly 'Thinking Out Loud', showcasing Sheeran's superb vocal quality and lyric mastery. It is no wonder Sheeran received an Album of the Year Grammy nomination for x, and I believe we can look forward to a day when Sheeran achieves pop domination.… Expand
  9. mchlkirk77
    Nov 9, 2014
    10
    I have not written a review since the beginning of the year, since not many new releases have inspired me, until this one. After one listen of the entire cd, I was hooked. The depth of the lyrics, the rhythms and melodies all touch the soul. While most of the tracks are folk inspired, Ed seamlessly transitions between folk, dance, r&b, and hip hop and rap. This is by far my favorite cdI have not written a review since the beginning of the year, since not many new releases have inspired me, until this one. After one listen of the entire cd, I was hooked. The depth of the lyrics, the rhythms and melodies all touch the soul. While most of the tracks are folk inspired, Ed seamlessly transitions between folk, dance, r&b, and hip hop and rap. This is by far my favorite cd of the year. I would not be surprised if it will be nominated for, and probably win, many awards this year.… Expand
  10. biancaflark
    Jan 6, 2015
    10
    Multiply is one album you can hear thousands of times without having to skip some music, because all aparesentam an amazing and good content to listen. It really is a wonderful album
  11. JohnKristofer
    May 27, 2015
    8
    A Brilliant album by Ed Sheeran. Ed Sheeran is a great singer/song-writer and the album is also great.Hope he will continue to do his work well and create wonderful songs rather than a song about how sexy they are or how big her butt is.
  12. Boatfromthesea
    Jun 27, 2015
    10
    It is the perfect album, as a huge Ed sheeran fun. Very emotional, meaningful lyrics, i mean, it is just perfect, all songs in the album are great. this is included Thinking out loud which is very famous
  13. diegonelli
    Sep 13, 2015
    8
    Beautiful album. Ed is the one of the few artists that can impress you with only his voice and a guitar. X don't have catchy songs, but it's still very popular!
  14. Dallasboi1992
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    For his sophomore album, Ed Sheeran released a diverse and incredible album ranging from strong ballads in Afire Love and Thinking Out Loud to urban hits like Sing and Don't. Every last song in Multiply is a big success.
  15. Noeyz
    Sep 23, 2016
    9
    I love this album more than +
    X is so sold and much variable ..Soul ballad ,Rap and Pop .I like it especially Thinking out loud and Tenerife sea.
    Ed is great songwriter who is good at melody and songwrting
  16. Wael
    Jun 24, 2014
    8
    The one word that can sum up the whole record is "Brilliance". With "x", Ed Sheeran experiments musically, while not straying a lot from his comfort zone and the formula he used on his previous record, "+". From the first lyric until the last one, Sheeran performs so flawlessly you can literally feel his pain, agony, happiness, love, or confusion. Here's a track-by-track review:
    1. One:    The one word that can sum up the whole record is "Brilliance". With "x", Ed Sheeran experiments musically, while not straying a lot from his comfort zone and the formula he used on his previous record, "+". From the first lyric until the last one, Sheeran performs so flawlessly you can literally feel his pain, agony, happiness, love, or confusion. Here's a track-by-track review:
    1. One: No other track could have kicked off the album so beautifully, with Sheeran desperately asking a former lover to "always be a friend". My personnel favourite.(10/10)
    2. I'm a Mess: Great track with some great guitar riffs, and the last minute and a half will blow you away with Sheeran repeating "For how long I loved my lover?". A huge concert-bomb, this track is.(10/10)
    3. Sing: The lead single off of the record and the Pharell-driven Timberlak"ish" track is easily a stand-out, specially due to Sheeran's flawless falsetto.(10/10)
    4. Don't: A blue-eyed pop/hip-hop hit about a cheating flame. Obviously, a huge future-single choice. This track says "Rick Rubin" all over it.(10/10)
    5. Nina: A track about Sheeran and his former lover "watching DVD and smoking illegal weed", but finally he asks her to leave cause he'll never stop touring. Good one, but not the best one. (8/10)
    6. Photograph: There are no words to describe this, as many said, Snow Patrol-meets-Taylor Swift ballad. Just like Ed said it would, this track is gonna "change the path of his career". I would give it an 11 if i could. (10/10)
    7. Bloodstream: A bit clichéd, but the song is saved by 3 elements: Ed's soulful vocally-beautiful performance, Ed's perfectly executed guitar-riffs, and the obvious imprint of Rick Rubin on it. (9/10)
    8. Tenerife Sea: I'd be a liar if I said this track is not a great love weeding-ready song. One of those songs that says what every girl wants to hear. (9/10)
    9. Runaway: If this song doesn't become a huge hit and beautiful stop in concert, then I don't wanna live anymore. Once again, this great Pharrell-Timberlake song also says "ED SHEEEEERAN" all over it. He's not trying too hard, it just comes naturally. (10/10)
    10. The Man: If you missed the Streets you saw on You Need Me, I Don't Need You, well here we go back to his great rap, but about a different concept: heartbreak and the loss of an old flame. Flawlessly-done.(9/10)
    11. Thinking Out Loud: probably the biggest track on the album, along with Photograph. Great performance, great vocals, great instruments, great lyrics, great production. GREAT GREAT GREAT. (10/10)
    12. Afire Love: While his debut single was about a drug-addict prostitute, this one is about Alzheimer's and his grandpa's struggle with it. Yep, this is how much Ed's lyrics are diverse. Great heartbreaking closer.(9/10)
    So that about sums up the whole concept of the Brit's sophomore installment: You're Happy? Listen to it. You're sad and confused? Listen to it. Ed Sheeran just shows us just how far his talent can go. BUY IT PEOPLE!!    … Expand
  17. thaleslucas
    Jun 27, 2014
    7
    It's just more of the same... But less. The album has a focus in the lyrics, not so much in the production. It makes 'X' a little less than '+'. They could be do it better.
  18. Teodoro
    Jun 23, 2014
    9
    This album is wonderfull,Ed Sheeran is amazing and really **** good.
    "+" IS MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCH GOOD,but "X" is MUUUUCH BETTER,

    WE LOVE ED "****" SHEERAN
  19. 21GreenDay21
    Jul 6, 2014
    8
    X grows on you more than Ed's previous album, +. If you give it enough time and attention, this is a very rewarding album. It takes + and does exactly what you would expect. Multiplies. Adds more variety, layers, and better production. Ed worked with a lot of producers on this album (Rick Rubin, Pharrell Williams to name a few) but it never feels disjointed. Every song somehow manages toX grows on you more than Ed's previous album, +. If you give it enough time and attention, this is a very rewarding album. It takes + and does exactly what you would expect. Multiplies. Adds more variety, layers, and better production. Ed worked with a lot of producers on this album (Rick Rubin, Pharrell Williams to name a few) but it never feels disjointed. Every song somehow manages to seamlessly flow into the next. If + was a 6, X is definitely an 8.… Expand
  20. Comingtotank
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    One of his best works, really glad Ed has done something new and different after his debut album
  21. BeforeBroadcast
    Jun 27, 2014
    6
    "X" was meant to be the album where Ed finally proved his doubters wrong, but sadly he fails to. Let's not be too hasty, he has released a relatively strong album that many would be proud of, the issue is that we know he is capable of so much more. However, like his début, once again it is a case of less would be more. The songs themselves sound like they will be very good to hear live"X" was meant to be the album where Ed finally proved his doubters wrong, but sadly he fails to. Let's not be too hasty, he has released a relatively strong album that many would be proud of, the issue is that we know he is capable of so much more. However, like his début, once again it is a case of less would be more. The songs themselves sound like they will be very good to hear live once he has stripped them back to just himself which just leaves the question, why doesn't he record them a bit closer to the live version? The talent is obvious but as long as he allows his albums to venture away from his selling point it seems that he will always underwhelm to some extent. However, lyrically he has vastly improved in my opinion, where the more forgettable tracks of "+" lacked in the substance of the stand out tracks, it is very much strong across the board this time. (I won't put any in to prevent spoiling for first time listeners!)

    So basically, he has put out a good album which for most we would probably be impressed with, but this is Ed Sheeran, a man of enormous talent if only it could be channelled better.    … Expand
  22. scidr1
    Aug 5, 2015
    7
    For me this album was very polar, as many tracks were excellent yet a few fell short. Unfortunately, the album didn't feel like a well planned and constructed album, but more of a collection of songs, as very few of them seemed to gel together. However, there are excellent tracks in the beginning and the middle, but fall short at the end, especially My Dad Does Sometimes and Shirtsleeves.For me this album was very polar, as many tracks were excellent yet a few fell short. Unfortunately, the album didn't feel like a well planned and constructed album, but more of a collection of songs, as very few of them seemed to gel together. However, there are excellent tracks in the beginning and the middle, but fall short at the end, especially My Dad Does Sometimes and Shirtsleeves. My favorite track was I See Fire. Despite it's flaws it was still a very good album, and is definitely worth a listen to.… Expand
  23. valgreen
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    It's just more of the same... But less. The album has a focus in the lyrics, not so much in the production. It makes 'X' a little less than '+'. They could be do it better.
  24. finnbarrh
    Apr 17, 2015
    0
    Pretty cool, inspiring and heartfelt apart from the actual music, great for young fangirls though, ill give it that. A lot of bad music with little to no end result, makes you feel like a young kid trying to tell your mum that 5am is a good bedtime, arguments are pointless and never end well, even if you enjoy the music. It's like your mum letting you stay up until 5am and then you havePretty cool, inspiring and heartfelt apart from the actual music, great for young fangirls though, ill give it that. A lot of bad music with little to no end result, makes you feel like a young kid trying to tell your mum that 5am is a good bedtime, arguments are pointless and never end well, even if you enjoy the music. It's like your mum letting you stay up until 5am and then you have got to live with the consequence of being cranky, u gotta deal with basically wasting ur time with this album. STAY AWAY… Expand
  25. Gabeamd
    Dec 27, 2014
    0
    Culpa do Pedro, porque o pedro é o culpado de tudo, culpem o pedro, 150 letras culpando o pedro, pedro, isso mesmo o pedro, vamos pedro, culpa sua, zzzz.
  26. Musicfan09
    Jul 23, 2014
    6
    This is a great album. Singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran is back with his second full-length album "X," which had 2 amazing singles, Sing and Don't. Pharrell and Rick Rubin laid their hands on the album, which made it better. X really isn't anything special after you here "Sing," "Don't," and "Afire Love." It is just regular good all tracks after this, which really disappointed me. I thought heThis is a great album. Singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran is back with his second full-length album "X," which had 2 amazing singles, Sing and Don't. Pharrell and Rick Rubin laid their hands on the album, which made it better. X really isn't anything special after you here "Sing," "Don't," and "Afire Love." It is just regular good all tracks after this, which really disappointed me. I thought he could do another + and make 2 amazing albums, but this just didn't cut it for me.… Expand
  27. TJAW
    Mar 18, 2015
    2
    Stunningly incompetent from the very first note, Ed Sheeran's X is an atrocious, thoroughly obnoxious waste of time. Almost every aspect of it is exceedingly lame and unoriginal. An ugly mixture of toothless, over-sentimental pop, recycled R&B and brainless hip-hop, this album is designed for every form of lowest common denominator imaginable. It's for the soccer moms who buy albums basedStunningly incompetent from the very first note, Ed Sheeran's X is an atrocious, thoroughly obnoxious waste of time. Almost every aspect of it is exceedingly lame and unoriginal. An ugly mixture of toothless, over-sentimental pop, recycled R&B and brainless hip-hop, this album is designed for every form of lowest common denominator imaginable. It's for the soccer moms who buy albums based on what they hear on the radio and the X Factor. It's for the soppy Taylor Swift-obsessed teenage girls going through their first of many heartbreaks. It's for the jobless pothead/drunk buskers who play on the streets for tips. It even aims to impress the dumb hipster gamers who think they're superior to everyone because they play indie games and nothing else; hell, some of the tracks on this album would go well as background noise for that laughably overrated "Gone Home" crap that inexplicably received a 9.5 score on GameSpot. Completely devoid of anything for real music fans to latch onto, it has just one redeeming quality - the fact that at least it could be worse. After all, this isn't a LMFAO, Nicki Minaj or Kanye West album. But it's still a complete insult to music regardless. Ed Sheeran's X is a worthless, insufferably tedious lump of modern pop manure that will be dated by the time it finally leaves the charts and gets replaced by the next album of its kind.… Expand
  28. longjetty7
    Jan 12, 2015
    6
    I liked this album slightly better than +. It has some nice moments and is a lot more consistent than most albums, but I feel like there's something lacking. I think Ed definitely has his sweet voice and sing-songy rap going for him, but other than that, the music is often generic. His lyrics are cutesy and sometimes smart, but over the course of an album he comes across as self-pityingI liked this album slightly better than +. It has some nice moments and is a lot more consistent than most albums, but I feel like there's something lacking. I think Ed definitely has his sweet voice and sing-songy rap going for him, but other than that, the music is often generic. His lyrics are cutesy and sometimes smart, but over the course of an album he comes across as self-pitying and unsexy. Still a pretty good effort though.… Expand
  29. victorcarter
    Nov 21, 2016
    3
    thinking out loud is a good song but i can't stand the personality ed conveys here- it's simultaneously pretentious and childish, the kind of tongue-in-cheek songwriting that doesn't let listeners in on the joke, and comes off as shallow in its simpleness. it doesn't help that i don't like like half of the songs here, either.
  30. VivienneEliza
    Oct 11, 2014
    9
    Who knew that Ed Sheeran can sing R&B?And can be so amazing!Actually I hated Ed's music before,this album really changed my mind,and who knew Ed can rap like that?Love "sing" "don't" "I see fire" "The man" and some more songs that are so amazing,wish he can do more this kinda album
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2014
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. PopMatters
    Jul 28, 2014
    60
    The album is good that’s for sure; Sheeran is too talented to deliver a sub par album. It suffers in terms of consistency.
    Read full review
  2. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jul 14, 2014
    40
    Charmless kiss-offs (“Don’t”) and sappy sentiments (“People Fall in Love in Mysterious Ways”) dominate otherwise, landing with the thud of the authentically uninspiring.
    Read full review
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 1, 2014
    40
    X is a vapid and overly confident album that feels more like regression than progression for Ed Sheeran's indie folk sound.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »