No. 5 Collaborations Project
Ed Sheeran · 2011
35 min · 8 tracks · alternative rock
An eclectic mix of folk, hip-hop, and pop, blending heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies and collaborative energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lately Start here — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its soulful melody and introspective lyrics, establishing the emotional core of the project.
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Little Lady — Featuring a poignant narrative about struggle and resilience, this track highlights Sheeran's storytelling prowess alongside rapper Mikill Pane.
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Goodbye to You — Closing the album on a somber note, this song captures themes of loss and longing with a hauntingly beautiful arrangement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases diverse collaborations and genre blending but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the following tracks introduce varied tempos and styles, creating a dynamic flow.
- Collaborative verses are common, with multiple artists contributing to individual tracks, enhancing the diversity of sound and lyrical perspective.
- Several tracks incorporate acoustic elements alongside electronic beats, blending genres effectively throughout the EP.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- acoustic storytelling warmth
- engaging lyrical narratives
- collaborative energy throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This EP marked a significant step in Sheeran's career, gaining wider recognition.
- Themes
- youth struggles· collaborative energy· family bonds
- Career context
- When No. 5 Collaborations Project was released in January 2011, Ed Sheeran was gaining momentum following his debut EP, The Orange Room. This project showcased his versatility as he collaborated with various artists, further establishing his presence in the UK music scene just before the breakout success of his debut album, + (Plus).
- Stylistic neighbors
- Passenger· Ben Howard· Hozier
Tracklist
- 1 Lately Start here 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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Every Kingdom
Ben Howard
Shares a similar acoustic storytelling vibe with introspective themes and melodic richness.
All the Little Lights
Passenger
Features heartfelt lyrics and a blend of folk-pop elements, capturing personal narratives and emotional depth.
Hozier
Hozier
Combines soulful melodies with rich storytelling, exploring themes of love and human experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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