What makes Boat by Ed Sheeran notable?

'Boat' received significant attention upon release, debuting in the top ten of several international charts and garnering praise for its lyrical depth. Its lead single 'Eyes Closed' quickly became a commercial success, solidifying Sheeran's place in contemporary pop music and showcasing his ability to blend vulnerability with mainstream appeal. Released on April 21, 2023, 'Boat' marks Ed Sheeran's return after a brief hiatus following his 2021 album 'Equals'. This album showcases his continued evolution as an artist, embracing more introspective themes while maintaining the catchy hooks that define his style.

How many songs are on Boat?

Boat has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Boat

Ed Sheeran · 2023

6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of folk and pop, intertwining tender melodies with introspective lyrics that evoke vulnerability and connection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Boat — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of introspection and emotional journey, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate with personal struggle.
→
Eyes Closed — This track stands out for its infectious melody paired with relatable lyrics about coping with loss, making it a memorable highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that ensure lasting impact.

What we noticed

The title track 'Boat' features a slow build with layered harmonies that gradually introduce additional instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape.
In 'Eyes Closed', the verses are structured with a consistent melodic line that shifts in intensity during the chorus, highlighting emotional peaks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued evolution and relevance in Ed Sheeran's later career.
Themes: emotional storytelling· navigating loss· introspective folk-pop
Career context: Released on April 21, 2023, 'Boat' marks Ed Sheeran's return after a brief hiatus following his 2021 album 'Equals'. This album showcases his continued evolution as an artist, embracing more introspective themes while maintaining the catchy hooks that define his style.
Stylistic neighbors: Passenger· Ben Howard· Hozier