Stanisland Magazine

The UK singer’s new single is mired by generic pop music.

Welcome to another standard Ed Sheeran number. Chock full of generic pop sounds and low-risk delivery, his new song, Azizam (meaning ‘my dear’ in Persian), is out now.

From his inception, the British artist rocked his way up the charts using catchy choruses and allegations of plagiarism. This approach continues with little change, crafted with safe methods and repetition of sound, minus the copyright infringement.

Sound Profile and Reaction

Azizam is guided by the influence of Persian instrumentals and is billed as a “cross-cultural collaboration” on the back of his lacklustre, yet, commercially successful album, Divide.

His latest musical foray is mired by artistic devolution and continues in the same rhythmic vein as its predecessors. Far from bold, it’s motivated by methodical predictability for a safe outcome.

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Social media has been vocal about the new release, with some also remarking that it sounds like his past tracks: “I think I’ll hate it if it becomes a radio hit. So welcome back 2017 Ed Sheeran”

Like an echo of former releases, it dampens with each play as you recall sonically identical rhythms in every other Sheeran song. It’s rehearsed and balanced, but like a nursery rhyme, you’ve heard it all before.

The Verdict on Azizam

Filled with looping stringed sample influences, it tries hard to be something it’s not. Like most Western musicians who sample, there’s the mark they miss, and then there’s the mark they smudge. Ed Sheeran is like a smartphone release: different tempo, same product.

Where to Stream and Buy Vinyl Copies

Virtually all major streaming platforms provide access to the song.

You can pre-order a vinyl copy of the new single direct from his website. The B side features the song, Crashing.