A short while ago, British pop star Ed Sheeran announced his second album of 2023. With “Autumn Variations” Sheeran delivers. An easy listening album that serves as the perfect autumn soundtrack.
Sheeran recently completed his mathematical album series. Whether he is now planning on creating soundtracks to all four seasons, remains to be seen (or heard). “Autumn Variations” is a well written and performed start.
Produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, Sheeran takes after his friend Taylor Swift. Similar to “folklore” and “evermore” Sheeran has created a soft pop album that trenscends to folk with which he returns to the basis of his singer-songwriter roots. No more poppy, electronic beats, but a quiet piano or acoustic guitar. And it suits him well.
“Autumn Variations”: Your Fall Soundtrack
In the spirit of falling leaves and rainy days, Sheeran sings about the happy and sad days everyone experiences. In particular during the fall season. Opener “Magical” is the perfect example. A summation of how he has fallen in love with his now-wife.
“England” is an ode to his homeland. A multiplicity of lyrics about the good and bad things in England. The song stands out on the album. Not only due to its lyrics, also the rhythm on the background stands out. Good song, however it falls out of place on “Autumn Variations”.
One of the highlights of the album is, coincidentally, “Spring”. On this album dedicated to autumn, “Spring” is where Sheeran excels. Lyrically the metaphor of winter being a bad phase and waiting for the next phase, spring, to commence, is very strong. The old Ed Sheeran from first albums “+” and “x” is back.
Sheeran’s vulnerability
The Brit was never the one to shy away from difficult subjects. On “Autumn Variations” he takes this a step further. Elaborating on his depression and difficulties in his marriage. He shows his vulnerability.
These lyrics turn out best on “That’s On Me”. Sheeran starts his recognizable rapping about periods in his life where he was not himself. He takes the blame for what went wrong. Lyrically one of the best songs on “Autumn Variations”.
The popstar that is known for his catching hooks, has not forgotten the basis of his music. “Autumn Variations” is a great start for a more serious Ed Sheeran album. With the help of The National brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, he has found the best collaborators for these subjects. A more mature Ed Sheeran is born and an easy listening autumn soundtrack is the result.
