Pop superstar Ed Sheeran has just released fifth studio album: “=.” The album is a strong continuation of his smash hit pop style, but suffers from an unclear theme and contradictory messages, leaving it as just another cliche radio pop album.

The album begins with “Tides,” a contemplative ballad reflecting on life with a focus on Sheeran’s newly born son. The song opens with the line “I have grown up, I am a father now,” a theme setter for the remainder of the song. “Tides” is a lyrical strongpoint of Sheeran, reflecting on his life as a new father. 

This level of lyrical maturity is quickly abandoned in the next track, “Shivers.” Shivers is a pop anthem of the likes of Sheeran’s own smash hit “Shape of You.” But despite having a catchy chorus and instrumental strength, the suggestive lyrics in contrast to “Tides” leave it as a cheap attempt to replicate the success of “Shape of You.” Further, the contradictory messages of the two songs leave the powerful emotional moments seeming ingenuine and engineered.

This trend continues, as the album alternates between candid songs and overly manufactured songs meant to top the charts. “Visiting Hours” tells a beautiful and emotional story of death, mourning, and first times with a new child. “Sandman” is a poetic letter from Sheeran to his son. “2Step” is an existential deep dive into the repetitious never ending feelings of life, and coping with the way that time stops for no one. 

But as beautiful as these messages are, the manufactured chart toppers that fill the gaps like “Bad Habits” and “Stop the Rain” water down their message.“Bad Habits,” in particular, is certainly the worst offender. The chorus opens with “My bad habits lead to late nights endin’ alone. Conversations with a stranger I barely know. Swearin’ this’ll be the last, but it probably won’t.” This narrative of promiscuity is completely out of place, sitting in between love ballads to his wife, and heartfelt songs about his one year old son.

Altogether, “=” is on the verge of being something great. But Sheeran’s reluctance to commit to a truly meaningful album leaves it as a set of tracks that are good on their own, but disconnected as a group. While I enjoyed most of the album on its own, whether chart toppers or ballads, the lack of a consistent vision leaves it falling short of its potential. I give this album a 6/10.