Ed Sheeran Returns In A Big Way With New Singles 'Castle On The Hill' and 'Shape Of You'

2016 was a quiet year for Ed Sheeran, but he's back in full gear for 2017. The English songwriter has offered up two new singles, 'Castle On The Hill' and 'Shape Of You' to usher in the new year, and it's a powerful return from him.

'Shape Of You' is the love song of the pair. The Sia-esque keyboard intro rings sweetly into the track, Sheeran crooning gently above them. There's lots of harmonies backing his vocals in the choruses and pre-choruses, making each song flow sweetly and nicely. This song's more of a one-night stand experience type track, but its lyrics are pure sensuality. The chorus swims sweetly, harmonies crooning "I'm in love with the shape of you / We push and pull like a magnet do / Although my heart is falling too / I'm in love with your body" before the backing vocals beg "Come on, be my baby, come on." The bridge sees a rawer side of the song come out, an acoustic guitar ringing under Sheeran's sweet timbre.

'Castle On The Hill' is a poppier and more optimistic sounding track. Introduces by a bright guitar chord and a summery bassline, you know you're in for a summer hit. This song is an ode to his childhood in England, the first verse introducing the song with fond memories: "When I was six years old I broke my leg / I was running from my brother and his friends / And tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down." The choruses burst in powerfully and hugely, synths blaring in the background as the percussion becomes more driven. Sheeran longingly sings "I miss the way you make me feel, and it's real / We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill," referencing the views he had growing up in the English country. It's a very sweet and genuine track, really showing the best of what Ed Sheeran has to offer.

Ed Sheeran's next album is rumored to be titled Divide (÷) and will likely (and hopefully) be out sometime soon. Ed Sheeran has returned in a big way with 'Castle On Th Hill' and 'Shape Of You,' and they show no sign of becoming any less great with time. It's been a long time coming for this comeback, but it seems it'll definitely have been worth the wait. 

'Shape Of You' Rating: 85 / 100

'Castle On The Hill' Rating: 93 / 100

Buy or listen to 'Shape Of You' or 'Castle On The Hill' via Amazon: