Bad Habits cover

Bad Habits

Ed Sheeran · 2021

3 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of pop and dance beats fused with introspective lyrics, creating an infectious anthem about temptation.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Bad Habits — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of indulgence and self-reflection, showcasing Sheeran's knack for blending relatable storytelling with danceable beats.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The song combines upbeat production with introspective lyrics, making it catchy yet reflective.

What we noticed

  • The track features a steady four-on-the-floor beat that drives the rhythm throughout its duration.
  • Layered synths create a vibrant soundscape, with a prominent bass line that underpins the melody.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single marked Ed Sheeran's return and achieved significant commercial success.
Themes
dance floor temptation· post-fatherhood reflection
Career context
Released on June 25, 2021, 'Bad Habits' marked Ed Sheeran's return after a three-year hiatus following his album 'No.6 Collaborations Project'. This single showcases a shift towards a more upbeat, dance-oriented sound that contrasts with his earlier acoustic style, reflecting his evolution as an artist while aiming to capture the energy of contemporary pop music.
Stylistic neighbors
Passenger· Ben Howard· Hozier

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bad Habits 3:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata