15 Ed Sheeran Album Covers You Didnt Know Were Art

As you stroll through the vibrant world of music, you might find yourself captivated not only by the melodies but also by the visual storytelling of album covers. 🎨 Ed Sheeran, known for his soulful tunes and lyrical prowess, also surprises us with the artistry behind his album covers, many of which hold layers of meaning and creative expression that fans often overlook. This article will peel back the layers of fifteen of Ed Sheeran's album covers, revealing the art and stories hidden in plain sight.

The Early Years: + (Plus)

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ed sheeran plus" alt="Ed Sheeran's '+' Album Cover"> </div>

The Symbolism Behind the Plus Sign

The first album Ed released, aptly titled '+' (pronounced 'plus'), introduced the world to his unique blend of folk and pop music. The cover features a stark white background with a handwritten plus sign and Sheeran's name.

• Mathematical Representation: The plus sign represents addition, suggesting the beginning of Ed's musical journey. Each symbol in his album titles represents a mathematical operation, symbolizing growth and progression in his career.
• Homemade Aesthetic: The simple, self-made look resonates with the DIY ethos of his early career.

<p class="pro-note">📌 Note: The simplicity of the album cover aligns with Ed's initial brand, emphasizing authenticity over extravagance.</p>

The Second Chapter: x (Multiply)

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ed sheeran x" alt="Ed Sheeran's 'x' Album Cover"> </div>

A Leap Forward

Ed's second album 'x' (pronounced 'multiply') signifies growth and multiplication of his presence in the music scene.

• Color Explosion: Unlike the minimalist approach of '+' where the white background emphasized simplicity, 'x' bursts with color, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Ed's music.
• Teenage Kick: The cover features a paint-splattered photo of young Ed, capturing his teenage years, symbolizing the complexity and dynamism of youth.

A Change in Pace: ÷ (Divide)

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ed sheeran divide" alt="Ed Sheeran's '÷' Album Cover"> </div>

The Visual Balance of Life

'÷' (pronounced 'divide') serves as a visual metaphor for life's balance.

• Watercolor Palette: The watercolor background illustrates the fluidity and the ups and downs of life.
• Equilibrium: The division line through the album title hints at themes of division and unity, the sharing of experiences, and the balance between different parts of life.

The Mathematical Journey Continues: No.6 Collaborations Project

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ed sheeran no 6 collaborations" alt="Ed Sheeran's 'No.6 Collaborations Project' Album Cover"> </div>

A Collaborative Masterpiece

This album focuses on collaborations, highlighted through:

• Back of the Neck: The cover art features the back of Ed's neck with different colored tattoos, each representing a collaborator.
• Artistic Expression: The cover nods to the collaborative nature of music, where each artist adds their color to Sheeran's musical canvas.

The Surprises in Singles: Shape of You, Perfect

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ed sheeran shape of you" alt="Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of You' Single Cover"> </div>

Capturing Emotions Visually

Ed's singles often come with eye-catching art:

• Shape of You: The cover showcases a silhouette, emphasizing the universal theme of love and attraction.
• Perfect: This single's cover art features a retro-style photo, hinting at nostalgia, a theme explored in the song's lyrics.

Legacy and Side Projects: Acoustic, Live at Wembley Stadium

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ed sheeran acoustic" alt="Ed Sheeran's 'Acoustic' Album Cover"> </div>

Back to Basics

• Acoustic: The cover art mimics the simplicity of '+', bringing listeners back to an intimate, stripped-down setting.
• Live at Wembley: The album cover captures the magnitude and energy of his live performances.

The Surprise Album: = (Equals)

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=ed sheeran equals" alt="Ed Sheeran's '=' Album Cover"> </div>

Completing the Cycle

Ed's latest album '=' (pronounced 'equals') signifies:

• Mathematical Conclusion: This album completes his mathematical journey from addition to multiplication to division, and now to equality, symbolizing reflection and resolution.

The cover art continues the tradition of using symbols but introduces a visual complexity with geometric shapes and a more sophisticated color palette.

Here are some key elements of the '=' album cover:

• Geometric Symmetry: Reflecting the balance of life, the shapes suggest order and balance.
• Subtle Continuity: Despite the mathematical conclusion, the cover maintains ties to previous albums with a familiar font and artistic style.

Ed Sheeran's album covers are not just mere placeholders for music; they are a form of art that tells stories, conveys emotions, and invites fans to delve deeper into the layers of his work. 🎉 From the simplistic beginnings of '+' to the rich complexity of '=', each album cover reflects a chapter in his career, a snapshot of his life, and a piece of his soul.

Over the years, Ed's album covers have become a form of expression that enhances his music, providing a visual narrative that complements his lyrical storytelling. Whether it's the playful chaos of 'x' or the serene balance of '÷', each cover art is a work of art in its own right, appreciated and celebrated by fans for its creativity and depth. 🎨

So next time you spin one of Ed's albums, take a moment to appreciate the art on the cover, and remember the stories they tell are just as captivating as the melodies they introduce.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why does Ed Sheeran use mathematical symbols in his album covers?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Ed Sheeran uses mathematical symbols to reflect stages of his life and career. Each symbol represents a different operation or stage, symbolizing his growth, division, or balance within his musical journey.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the inspiration behind the cover art of 'Shape of You'?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The cover art for 'Shape of You' features silhouettes to capture the universal theme of love and attraction. It's abstract enough to be personal to each listener but relatable in its visual storytelling.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How does the cover of 'No.6 Collaborations Project' relate to its content?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The cover art showcases different colored tattoos on the back of Ed Sheeran's neck, each representing a collaborator on the album. It emphasizes the idea of artists adding color to his music.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a hidden message in the album cover for '=' (Equals)?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, '=' (Equals) represents a sense of resolution and reflection, completing his mathematical journey through his career. The geometric shapes signify balance and continuity with his previous album covers.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>