Though A-Team has seen huge success, Sheeran isn't just your typical acoustic-singer-songwriter-balladeer. He clearly has a huge range of musical tastes which influence his music. But this isn't a mere mish-mash: these influences are distilled down into a sound that is all his own.
The intro to this track alone combines a bluesy acoustic riff with beat boxing. The hip hop rhythm continues throughout but what really takes the fore is the Jason Mraz style wordplay, filled with comic lines and pop culture references ("They say I'm up and coming like I'm f*cking in an elevator" being a personal favourite). It's less singing and more rapping, but showcases Sheeran's songwriting ability - the lyrics depicting his rapid rise to fame. All this is paired with a stylish, black and white hip-hop style video.
Sheeran's music is like fusion food - taking the best bits of different musical cuisines to create a new and unique dish. Bon appetite.
4/5
