Ed Sheeran – Autumn Variations [Album Review]

Ed Sheeran continues his unstoppable journey, displaying his resilience against the winds of criticism with “Autumn Variations.” This collection of songs delves deeply into the nuances of autumn, a theme perfectly encapsulated in its title.

Collaborating once again with Aaron Dessner, Sheeran’s creative synergy shines brightly. Much like his debut album “Plus,” “Autumn Variations” peels away the musical layers, allowing tracks such as “Blue” (which bears a striking resemblance to a Bon Iver track, but I wholeheartedly embrace it), “Page,” “Spring,” and “When Will I Be Alright” to bask in the pure essence of Ed’s vocals and the resonant notes of a steel-string acoustic guitar.

The opening track, “Magical,” resonates with a nostalgic touch reminiscent of his earlier work on “Plus,” delivering the folk sound we’ve yearned for.

However, nestled within the heartfelt simplicity of this album lies sonic experimentation. A personal favourite emerges in the form of “England.” This track kicks off with an intriguing, eclectic synth that instantly captivates, yet it gracefully maintains alignment with the album’s authentic, organically infused character.

It’s an album worthy of praise, but it’s not without its imperfections. “That’s On Me” stands out like a sore thumb on this record, and yes, Ed incorporates melodic rap elements into this track. 
Unfortunately, it does not harmonise well with the beautiful collection of songs, in my humble opinion; that said, it’s something we see on every Ed Sheeran album. Despite these moments of discord, “Autumn Variations” stands as a testament to Sheeran’s enduring artistry, inviting us into the rich tapestry of his musical journey.

Below is a rating for each song on a scale of 1-10:

Magical – 7

England – 8

Amazing – 6

Plastic Bag – 8

Blue – 10

American Town – 8

That’s On Me – 4

Page – 7

Midnight – 5

Spring – 10

Punchline – 5

When Will I Be Alright – 8

The Day I Was Born – 5

Head > Heels – 5

Rating – Excellent – With its emotive storytelling and musical explorations, this album exemplifies Ed Sheeran’s ability to evolve while remaining true to his roots, a testament to his enduring appeal in the music industry. It is an impressive feat.

(We rank albums on a scale of: Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, Outstanding)