5 cover

5

Ed Sheeran · 2015

136 min · 32 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of heartfelt folk melodies and sharp hip-hop rhythms, showcasing Sheeran's lyrical storytelling and soulful delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The A Team — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics addressing addiction and loneliness, showcasing Sheeran's knack for storytelling through a haunting melody.
  • →
    You Need Me, I Don’t Need You Start here — The energetic beat and assertive lyrics reflect Sheeran's confidence and individuality, making it an anthem for self-reliance and artistic integrity.
  • →
    Homeless — With its emotional depth and vulnerability, this track highlights Sheeran's ability to evoke empathy through personal narratives wrapped in soft instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • heartfelt melodies for introspective moments
  • dynamic progression through varied themes
  • for reflective late nights
  • engaging storytelling across long tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, instant gratification
  • seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Sheeran's reputation in the UK music scene.
Themes
intimate storytelling· early career reflections
Career context
By 2015, Ed Sheeran was transitioning from his breakout success with '+', moving into a phase of increased visibility and experimentation. '5' is positioned as a compilation of earlier works that illustrate his growth as a songwriter, while also serving as a prelude to the commercial heights he would achieve with subsequent releases like 'x'.
Stylistic neighbors
Passenger· Ben Howard· Hozier
New to Ed Sheeran? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 You Need Me, I Don’t Need You Start here 4:05
  • 2 So 4:28
  • 3 Be Like You 3:38
  • 4 The City 4:26
  • 5 Sunburn 4:26

Disc 2

  • 1 The A Team 5:22
  • 2 Homeless 3:45
  • 3 The City 5:07
  • 4 Fall 2:31
  • 5 Wake Me Up 5:00
  • 6 You Need Me, I Don’t Need You Start here 9:50

Disc 3

  • 1 Let It Out 3:51
  • 2 Homeless 3:30
  • 3 Little Bird 3:46
  • 4 Sofa 3:19
  • 5 One Night 3:26
  • 6 Firefly 4:15
  • 7 The City (live at Sticky Studios) 5:06
  • 8 Firefly (Bravado dubstep remix) 4:29

Disc 4

  • 1 Fall 2:44
  • 2 Fire Alarms 2:24
  • 3 Where We Land 3:03
  • 4 Cold Coffee 4:14
  • 5 She 4:05

Disc 5

  • 1 Lately 4:31
  • 2 You 3:22
  • 3 Family 4:15
  • 4 Radio 3:44
  • 5 Little Lady 5:29
  • 6 Drown Me Out 4:21
  • 7 Nightmares 4:03
  • 8 Goodbye to You 5:30

What to play next

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Listen next

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2017

Continues the blend of heartfelt melodies and diverse rhythms, expanding on themes from 5.
X
Go back to

X

2014

Sets the stage with a mix of pop and emotional depth that leads into the sound of 5.
Full Ed Sheeran discography Where to start with Ed Sheeran Artists like Ed Sheeran
alternative rock hip-hop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Every Kingdom

Every Kingdom

Ben Howard

Features intimate storytelling and acoustic arrangements with a similar folk-pop sensibility.

Hozier

Hozier

Hozier

Shares heartfelt lyrical themes and rich, layered instrumentation in a folk-inspired context.

All the Little Lights

All the Little Lights

Passenger

Combines reflective lyrics and acoustic-driven melodies that evoke a similar emotional resonance.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata