A surprising change of pace
It may seems like an odd move, butΒ No.6 Collaborations ProjectΒ has come at the perfect time in Edβs career. After three huge albums, it was clear onΒ DivideΒ that his song writing talents were becoming increasingly formulaic. Sure, it was a commercial success, but the authenticity and ingenuity had dwindled significantly since his earliest work.
With this new venture, weβre finally allowed to explore Edβs talents fully, without the confinements of an acoustic guitar and loop-pedal setup. The end result is endlessly more engaging than 2017s effort, as Sheeranβs vocals weave between atmospheric trap beats on βAntisocialβ with Travis Scott, R&B instrumentals with H.E.R. on βI Donβt Want Your Moneyβ, and even a country inspired rock anthem to close off on βBLOWβ with Bruno Mars.
Think of it as an alternative to DJ Khaled, except Ed actually shows up in the songs. Artists from both the UK and the US pop up throughout, including Stormzy, Dave, Eminem, 50 Cent, Bruno Mars, Skrillex, H.E.R, Ella Mai, and more. Thereβs no shortage of A-List names and superstar talent here.
All these different artists and ideas culminate in an explosive 50-minute album, one that rarely slows down or meanders. Aside from a handful of more traditional loved up ballad verses from Ed, this is mostly a fast-paced collection of rap, trap, and pop that does a decent job of encapsulating modern musical trends in a convenient package.
Highlights include the opener βBeautiful Peopleβ featuring Khalid and βTake Me Back To Londonβ featuring Stormzy. Ed pops up on every track, often giving introspective moments on overworking, extensive touring, and relationship struggles. There are mentions of Spoons and the usual confessions of love, but theyβre far less sickly sweet than previous albums.
Lacking a certain charm
Despite all of that, though, something feels notably un-Sheeran about the whole thing. It may be more of a fun ride and shows off some aspects of his craft that have been previously underplayed, but Edβs personality and unique charisma tend to get diluted in the mix.
Where once his storytelling was poignant and heartfelt β think βA Teamβ with its considered take on homelessness as well as βSmall Bumpβ on pregnancy complications β here it’s reduced down to a few throwaway lines about Ipswich and humble bragging about money on βRemember The Nameβ with Eminem and 50 Cent.
Edβs influence is whittled down to moments scattered across the LP, leaving his impact noticeably weaker. Often these new tracks feel like leftovers or demos from other albums, with Ed chucked in for good measure. They donβt feel likeΒ hisΒ songs.
With all of these different pools of genres and people,Β No. 6 Collaborations ProjectΒ doesnβt really have itβs own sense of self. Thereβs no real consistency that threads everything together. Where Ed has been impressively curative in his track lists before, keeping entire projects gelled together stylistically, here each tune tends to trip over the next one in a sugar rush. We bounce from Khalid to Stormzy, then to a slow jam with YEBBA, then back to banger territory with Bieber β and thatβs all within the first third. Diversity is welcomed, especially from Ed, but here itβs a bit too much.
I applaud this project for trying something fresh with one of the most popular acts in the world, but not everything from everyone on here sticks well. βRemember The Nameβ, featuring Eminem and 50 Cent is one such track thatβs jarringly bizarre. βFeelsβ with Young Thug also falls into similar pitfalls β both tracks sound like mashups and bonus cuts from an extended singles EP.
Thereβs much to enjoy onΒ No 6. Collaborations Project, but thereβs also a ton to be confused by. Perhaps thatβs the point, given the title of the album, but it absolutely lacks the signature allure that was onΒ PlusΒ and – to some extent –Β Multiply. Iβm all for Ed tackling genres outside the acoustic guitar, but I wish more of it was done on his own terms without the support of an ensemble cast. This isnβtΒ The Avengers.
Is it worth a listen?
The short answer is yes.
With such a wide scope of tones, textures, and sounds, itβs almost guaranteed youβll find something you like here. Though, equally, youβre likely to be hearing at least several tracks you really do not enjoy. I canβt imagine many big Travis Scott fans taking that kindly to the closer rock song βBLOWβ with Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars.
Iβd also recommend giving this a try even if you really donβt like Edβs music.Β No 6. Collaborations ProjectΒ is a noticeable step away from past works, and is mostly free from the marketing shackles that plague Divide. Edβs having fun and clearly feels more creatively free. The reins of the βsinger songwriterβ label have been washed off, leaving the project more colourful than anything heβs dropped in a while.
Just donβt expect all of it to click, and be prepared for much more than just Ed Sheeran on these tracks.Β No. 6 Collaborations ProjectΒ is a rush of crisp production, fast raps, and buzzing energy.
Itβs just a shame not more of it comes from the main man himself.
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