Ed Sheeran releases new singles

At+11+p.m.+Thursday+night+%28Central+Time%29%2C+Sheeran+released+via+Asylum+Records+not+one%2C+but+two+new+singles%3A+Castle+on+the+Hill+and+Shape+of+You.

At 11 p.m. Thursday night (Central Time), Sheeran released via Asylum Records not one, but two new singles: “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You.”

Matthew Carlson

Fans around the world were buzzing this week as Ed Sheeran announced via Instagram that the new year would also bring about new music. New Year’s Day saw Sheeran post a photo with a sign saying, “New music coming Friday!!”

Sheeran released not one, but two new singles late Thursday night: “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You.”

There has been no further news on what seems to be a division sign against a blue background, but many think that in line with Sheeran’s previous LPs — Plus and Multiply — that the new album will be called “Divide.”

“Castle on the Hill” tells the story of someone who is returning home after being away for a time and coming back to the people they grew up with. The song features a fast-paced melody that builds to an epic chorus. And while it is a little different than what we are used to, it still showcases the classic Ed Sheeran that we all know and love.

“Shape of You” is similar to his previous work in the form that it tells of an encounter that he has with a girl and features Sheeran reciting lyrics quickly in an almost poetic style, similar to “Don’t.” But this song is largely put together with a xylophone rhythm and synthesized beats.

Sheeran performed “Castle on the Hill” live on a BBC Radio breakfast show, and people are already raving on social media sites about his performance. Sheeran hasn’t announced when the full album will be released, but regardless, it is safe to say that Sheeran has 2017 started off well.