Happy birthday Mr. Perfect

Brit music’s favourite and most prominent ginger, Ed Sheeran, celebrates his birthday today.

Throughout his career, he has been lauded for his unique songwriting capabilities and the ability to create unconventional radio hits. His sound is versatile and has lent itself to hits in various genres. From mid-tempo pop ballads like “Perfect” and “Thinking Out Loud” to upbeat acoustic pop tracks like “Sing” and “Shape of You”, he is no stranger to topping charts worldwide, creating sensational viral hits and being one of music’s most reliable hitmakers in recent times.

So, we all know him. but today, on his birthday, we thought we might celebrate the lesser known Ed Sheeran – the B Sides, the indie-pop records and the underground Brit that only cares about the music.

1. Small Bump –

This emotional track gives listeners insight to Ed’s story-telling prowess; Sheeran had a friend who lost a child to a painstaking miscarriage and decided to write this ode to a life lost. The track is a melodic love song complete with acute lyrical sensitivity. Grab your tissues, this one’s going to make you tear up, no discussion.

2. You Need Me, I Don’t Need You

One of the more high-energy tracks featured on his sophomore album “Plus”, “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,” is a classic cheeky Ed Sheeran acoustic rap. The singer has a habit of mixing smooth guitar riffs with quick, rhythmic vocal delivery and this song has the best of both worlds. The track, penned down towards the beginning of Ed’s journey into superstardom, details Ed’s belief in himself and his music, and how that separates him from the rest. Truly prophetic, hm?

3. Firefly

Ed’s the king of love songs, and that’s that. This one’s a lovely little b Side from his lesser known album “Loose Change” and is bound to make you feel warm, cuddly, fuzzy, loved and everything romantic.

4. Tenerife Sea

See above, because it’s the exact same recipe – an in-love Ed Sheeran, his smooth melodic acoustics and the ability to write a love song like no other. I mean has anyone ever compared your eyes to the Tenerife Sea? Well, no because who have ever thought?

5. Bloodstream

This lyrically intense, exposing and vulnerable fast paced track from the album “Multiply” is an absolute delight to the ears but can cause some serious self-reflection. The song dives deep into his struggles with alcohol, an unhealthy lifestyle and his need for love in times of loneliness – the celebrity foes, you know.