X cover

Released 12 years ago this June

X

Ed Sheeran · 2014

174 min · 33 tracks · alternative rock · folk · folk-pop

A vibrant blend of heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies that showcases Sheeran's signature acoustic pop sound.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • heartfelt moments for reflection
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • wave-like pacing that ebbs
  • for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy listening experiences

Where this album fits

Themes
romantic nostalgia· heartbreak storytelling· acoustic intimacy
Career context
Released on June 20, 2014, 'X' is Ed Sheeran's second studio album, following his breakout debut '+' in 2011. At this point in his career, Sheeran was consolidating his position as a leading figure in the pop music landscape, building on the commercial success of his previous work while expanding his musical palette.
Stylistic neighbors
Passenger· Ben Howard· Hozier
Sounds like this from elsewhere
All the Little Lights by Passenger — Shares a similar acoustic intimacy with heartfelt storytelling and melodic hooks.
Hozier by Hozier — Combines rich lyrical narratives with an acoustic sound, evoking romantic nostalgia.
Chaos and the Calm by James Bay — Features emotive songwriting and a blend of folk-pop that mirrors Sheeran's vibe.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 One 4:12
  • 2 I’m a Mess 4:04
  • 3 Sing 3:55
  • 4 Don’t 3:39
  • 5 Nina 3:45
  • 6 Photograph 4:18
  • 7 Bloodstream 5:00
  • 8 Tenerife Sea 4:01
  • 9 Runaway 3:25
  • 10 The Man 4:10
  • 11 Thinking Out Loud 4:41
  • 12 Afire Love 5:14
  • 13 I See Fire 4:59
  • 14 All of the Stars 3:57
  • 15 English Rose 3:04
  • 16 Touch and Go 4:00
  • 17 New York 3:55
  • 18 Lay It All on Me 4:02

Disc 2

  • 1 I’m a Mess 5:45
  • 2 Lego House 3:51
  • 3 Photograph 9:07
  • 4 Bloodstream 6:40
  • 5 Don’t 8:49
  • 6 I See Fire 7:45
  • 7 Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 4:50
  • 8 Thinking Out Loud 6:40
  • 9 The A Team 5:10
  • 10 You Need Me, I Don’t Need You 9:14
  • 11 Sing 6:01
  • 12 Afire Love 5:43
  • 13 Drunk 4:06
  • 14 Tenerife Sea 6:44
  • 15 Take It Back / Superstition 9:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata