- (Subtract) by Ed Sheeran

Subtract is the sixth studio album by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released on May 5, 2023. It is the last chapter of his series of mathematical albums and his first fully acoustic album. The album was produced and co-written by Aaron Dessner of The National, who gave the album an intimate and melancholic atmosphere. The album also came out as a visual album, with videos for all fourteen tracks.

Subtract is an album that comes from a period of personal pain and hope for Ed Sheeran, who faced his pregnant wife’s illness, the sudden death of his best friend and a legal case for his artistic integrity. Writing songs was a form of self-therapy for him, which allowed him to express his deepest and darkest feelings. The album is therefore an emotional and sincere diary, which shows the most vulnerable side of Ed Sheeran.

The songs on Subtract are all different from each other, but they have in common a writing rich in details and a catchy melody. Among the most beautiful songs are Eyes Closed, the first single from the album, a bittersweet ballad about the difficulties of a long-distance relationship; Boat, the second single, a folk-rock song that celebrates love for his wife and daughter; Life Goes On, the third single, an optimistic and sunny song that invites not to give up in the face of adversity; Dusty, a song dedicated to his late friend Jamal; End Of Youth, a reflection on the end of innocence and the transition to adulthood; Spark, a romantic and passionate song that recalls the first meetings with his wife; The Hills of Aberfeldy, a traditional Scottish song that closes the album with a touch of nostalgia.

Subtract is an album that demonstrates the artistic and personal maturity of Ed Sheeran, capable of experimenting with new sounds and opening up to the public without filters. It is an album that touches the heart and soul of listeners, giving intense and genuine emotions.