Ed Sheeran is ready to "Multiply" the funky factor by about 100 percent. After weeks of anticipation, today (April 7) the English singer-songwriter released his first new single "Sing" on BBC Radio 1.
Produced by musician extraordinaire Pharrell Williams, "Sing" marks a wholly new territory for the normally subdued "Lego House" singer. As could be presumed from the one-minute preview of "Sing" released late last week, the first x single incorporates funkier elements, from handclaps to "woo!s" to a little bit of a disco-influenced falsetto from Sheeran.
Though most prominent in the choruses, these elements aren't just limited to one portion of the song. The post-chorus incorporates a tribal round of "Ooh" from Sheeran and backing singers, and the jiving acoustic guitar-led beat in the verses give this track a much bigger urban flare than anything from Sheeran's debut album +.
But, will this new music be a shock to the system for Sheeran's numerous fans? Though markedly different from, say, "Lego House," the poppy core to Sheeran's music remains rooted in "Sing." Sure, it's less singer-songwriter and more something clearly done with the help of Pharrell, but for those with a sensibility to groove, this track will be appealing.
But, don't look for any "A Team" to rescue you here.
Listen to Sheeran's new single "Sing" from the upcoming album x below, via the singer's YouTube account:
"Sing" is the lead single from Sheeran's second full-length album x. Last week, he announced the record will hit stores on June 23.
