Review: Ed Sheeran’s “Autumn Variations”
- by Harley Houghton
- in Reviews
Ed Sheeran is not just multi-talented; he is also one of the hardest-working musicians around today. After releasing his last album, “Subtract,” he is back a mere four months later, gifting us with another release.
“Autumn Variations” is not just a clever title coinciding with the time of year. Although, you would have to be slightly silly to think this release was not totally pre-planned. But give it a listen, and you will soon discover that it is not merely a gimmick.
Sheeran is sounding as croony as ever, with impressive guitar hooks and his gentle, almost unassuming voice, so beautifully carrying his messages to our ears. As you listen, you will be struck not only by his incredible talent but another almost indefinable quality of the album. The tracks actually manage to feel like autumn.
It features 14 new songs that take us on a wonderful journey of variety, different styles, and beautiful words. Sheeran’s gift for poetry is on full display here, with his lyrics creating a captivating picture that will have your heart smiling.
Change and a sense of shifting feel like the themes throughout this album. He could not have chosen a better title or time of year for this release. It creates a sense of change that is gradual and beautiful, not jarring, or shocking. Yet that does not make the sensation of shifting any less dramatic. If anything, it shows us that it is often the slow and steady changes that have the biggest impact on us.
As Sheeran himself explains, "Last autumn, I found that my friends and I were going through so many life changes. After the heat of the summer, everything either calmed, settled, fell apart, came to a head, or imploded. My dad and brother told me about a composer called Elgar, who composed “Enigma Variations,” where each of the 14 compositions were about a different one of his friends. This is what inspired me to make this album."
By drawing inspiration from people in his own life, he has created something truly beautiful and personal, that is also relatable. Most people have either been through, or know someone who has been through, the ebbs and flows described in these tracks.
Do yourself a favour and check out “Autumn Variations” today. Available on all streaming platforms. And if you check out his website, here, you can order yourself exclusive, limited edition vinyl versions., including one with a fun sticker pack.
