Rating: 4/5 stars

Ed Sheeran (“Subtract”) has once again hit us with a perfect fall album just in time for the leaves to start changing and sweater weather to commence. “Autumn Variations” released on Sept. 29 and has 14 songs, which makes the runtime about 50 minutes. This album is Sheeran’s first to be released under his own record label, “Gingerbread Man Records.”

The album sounds like most of Sheeran’s typical discography, really leaning into the singer-songwriter kind of sound. Sheeran has really found his voice and is now just perfecting it with “Autumn Variations.” Most of the songs are relaxing, focusing more on the lyrics and harmonies at the forefront. 

A common theme in this album is using heavier lyrics masked with a more fun, upbeat sound. This is demonstrated in songs like “The Day I Was Born.” The song speaks on the idea of nobody caring that it is his birthday, but the instrumentals and beat come off as an almost folk-like sound which is an interesting tool that Sheeran uses. 

Sheeran is known for his storytelling in his work and “Autumn Variations” has many songs centered in such a story. In the song “Plastic Bag,” Sheeran writes, “So I left home and jumped in the deep end/Took a job for dad, I think, just to please him/So, when I quit, I just kept it secret/And I had friends, but no longer see them.” This use of setting up a story to further emphasize a message is seen a lot in Sheeran’s songs and is used well in “Autumn Variations.” 

Although Sheeran is known for his classic love songs that are played a lot at weddings, it seems that he is taking a step back from the traditional love song and writing about topics of struggles with oneself and finding purpose. He writes in “Page,” “Livin’ in Hell/Pretendin’ it’s Heaven/Head spin, maybе I’m destined to be/Always lonеly, alone, a loser, pathetic/Maybe tomorrow will be better.” Another song that shows this struggle of purpose within himself is “Punchline.” The chorus goes, “Put me down so I’m in my place/Say it’s over for breathin’ space/All I was was a route to change/Is this just growin’ up?” Sheeran is an exceptional songwriter, and his work sounds and reads like poetry. 

This album does feature a few love ballads that have beautiful harmonies and instrumentals. “Magical” is the album opener and is such a strong start. The song has a good buildup and really captures the idea of love as this magical, heavenly feeling. 

“Autumn Variations” is another well written album by Sheeran. Sheeran’s songwriting talent is evidently seen in this piece of work. Everything ties in nicely and the album flows together well. His use of lyrics, storytelling, instrumentals and harmonies are used in such a way that makes “Autumn Variations” an enjoyable and perfect fall listen.

Image from @edsheeran via Twitter.com