Has Ed Sheeran been using Chat GPT to write his cheesy lyrics? TIM DE LISLE gives a limp 2 stars to new album Play

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Last year, for nine triumphant months, it appeared as if Ed Sheeran‘s reign had come to an end. His most recent album, Autumn Variations, barely made it past the top 100 after just eight weeks, while three of its predecessors held strong for a staggering eight years. Even the mightiest empires must crumble. It seemed that Sheeran’s era of dominance was concluding not with a grand finale, but a soft fadeout.

He deeply values his chart positions, so it’s not surprising that he responded defensively. His subsequent album was a compilation of his greatest hits, surprisingly titled +÷x (Tour Collection). Given that it included Shape Of You, one of the second most streamed songs in history, it seemed destined for success. It was launched last September and hasn’t left the top 12 since then.

Currently, Ed Sheeran has released a fresh album titled “Play.” On a positive note, this new work exceeds his previous release, “Autumn Variations.” It’s lively and upbeat, which is remarkable given that he labels it as a ‘direct response to the most challenging phase of my life.’

Cherry, his wife, was diagnosed with cancer during her pregnancy with their second child. Sadly, his friend and advisor, Jamal Edwards MBE, passed away unexpectedly. Moreover, Sheeran went through two legal proceedings due to accusations of plagiarism. Fortunately, Cherry is now in good health, as well as their daughter Jupiter, born as a sister for Lyra.

The record showcases some creative evolution, as Ed Sheeran’s distinctive style of soft, catchy pop music has been infused with an Indian flavor. He now performs in both Hindi and Punjabi, demonstrating a welcome embrace of diversity during times when it is particularly significant.

It’s disappointing that his music continues to blend the positive, the questionable, and the cranky elements. He still tends to rap in a less than convincing manner. He also often boasts (‘I won both lawsuits’) and represents himself as his own lawyer. However, he seems unaware that bricks are typically laid, not built (as in constructed from scratch).

Ed, Cherry, and possibly himself as ChatGPT when assisting in writing the lyrics.

In contrast, the most heartwarming song is titled “For Always,” which serves as a loving tribute to the speaker’s daughters. Conversely, the least affectionate track goes by “A Little More,” delving into the theme of a once-cherished friendship that soured over time. Seeking inspiration from Taylor Swift’s penchant for writing songs about her former romantic partners, Ed decides to follow suit and explore his strained friendships in a similar manner.

Among all the tracks, Sapphire stands out as the most inspiring one. It carries a powerful, anthem-like quality, yet it seems somewhat similar to the early works of Sheeran. One might speculate that he chose to replicate his own style in order to ensure safety and familiarity with listeners.

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2025-09-12 11:19