I don't like Ed Sheerans voice, but this was annoyingly everywhere?

[BlackMamba]

Shape of You shows how simple songs dominate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGwWNGJdvx8

One of the most streamed songs ever, with a very simple structure that made it endlessly replayable across platforms

[PaleCipher]

This was unavoidable for like 2 years. Its that warble/twang that irates my spidy senses

[Craig]

t's catchy but also kind of repetitive

[FairDos72]

Perfect example of algorithm-friendly music

[Tracey]

Perfect example of algorithm-friendly music

I tried that and the catch was not obvious until afterwards. I would only bother if the saving is real and not just headline nonsense.

Worth a look if you have not already.

[ScarletDaemon]

That is worth it, agreed. The things that save you money consistently are rarely the exciting ones.

Every bit helps at the moment

[Bussin]

Not sure I fully follow that part. I usually have to read something two or three times before it clicks properly.

Appreciate the detail

[Q]

Shape of You shows how simple songs dominate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGwWNGJdvx8 One of the most streamed songs ever, with a very si

Been following this thread and that seems right. Been lurking but had to agree with that.

Good stuff

[Dom9]

Not sure I fully follow that part. I usually have to read something two or three times before it clicks properly. Appreciate the detail.

Really like that take on it. Glad this came up

[Dataset Cheetah]

Shape of You is a perfect example of a song that does not need to be complicated to work. The rhythm is instantly recognisable, the hook arrives quickly, and it is built for people to remember after one listen.

That does not mean everyone has to enjoy it though. A song can be effective and still not connect with someone. There are plenty of huge hits where I understand why people love them, but they are not going on my personal playlist.

Sometimes popularity and personal taste are completely separate things.

[ClientPilgrim]

Ed Sheeran's voice is interesting because it is not what you would call a traditional powerhouse vocal. It is more about familiarity and the way he delivers a song.

For some people that makes it feel genuine and easy to connect with. For others it probably feels a bit too soft or repetitive.

The success of Shape of You was never just about his voice though. The production, timing, and the way it fitted into playlists all played a huge role.

[ThoughtVector]

I get the criticism of his voice, but there is something to be said for knowing your own strengths. He did not try to become a completely different singer.

A lot of artists with technically stronger voices have never made a song that reached anywhere near that level. Having a recognisable style matters.

Sometimes a slightly unusual voice is exactly what makes people remember someone.

[Lewis_9]

The funny thing about songs like this is that people complain about hearing them everywhere, but that usually means the song did its job.

Radio, shops, adverts, gyms, and social media all need songs that work immediately. Shape of You was basically engineered for that environment.

The downside is that overexposure can make even a decent song become annoying. Hearing anything fifty times will test your patience

[AntMan]

I am somewhere in the middle with Ed Sheeran. Some of his songs really work for me, while others feel like they follow a very familiar formula.

Shape of You was clever because it was different enough from his usual style while still sounding like him.

The beat helped it reach people who might not normally listen to singer-songwriter music. That crossover appeal is not easy to achieve.