A surprising change of pace
It may seems like an odd move, but No.6 Collaborations Project has come at the perfect time in Ed’s career. After three huge albums, it was clear on Divide 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, we’re finally allowed to explore Ed’s talents fully, without the confinements of an acoustic guitar and loop-pedal setup. The end result is endlessly more engaging than 2017s effort, as Sheeran’s vocals weave between atmospheric trap beats on ‘Antisocial’ with Travis Scott, R&B instrumentals with H.E.R. on ‘I Don’t Want Your Money’, and even a country inspired rock anthem to close off on ‘BLOW’ 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. There’s 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 ‘Beautiful People’ featuring Khalid and ‘Take Me Back To London’ 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 they’re 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 Ed’s personality and unique charisma tend to get diluted in the mix.
Where once his storytelling was poignant and heartfelt – think ‘A Team’ with its considered take on homelessness as well as ‘Small Bump’ on pregnancy complications – here it’s reduced down to a few throwaway lines about Ipswich and humble bragging about money on ‘Remember The Name’ with Eminem and 50 Cent.
Ed’s 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 don’t feel like his songs.
With all of these different pools of genres and people, No. 6 Collaborations Project doesn’t really have it’s own sense of self. There’s 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 – and that’s all within the first third. Diversity is welcomed, especially from Ed, but here it’s 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. ‘Remember The Name’, featuring Eminem and 50 Cent is one such track that’s jarringly bizarre. ‘Feels’ with Young Thug also falls into similar pitfalls – both tracks sound like mashups and bonus cuts from an extended singles EP.
There’s much to enjoy on No 6. Collaborations Project, but there’s also a ton to be confused by. Perhaps that’s the point, given the title of the album, but it absolutely lacks the signature allure that was on Plus and – to some extent – Multiply. I’m 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 isn’t The Avengers.
Is it worth a listen?
The short answer is yes.
With such a wide scope of tones, textures, and sounds, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find something you like here. Though, equally, you’re likely to be hearing at least several tracks you really do not enjoy. I can’t imagine many big Travis Scott fans taking that kindly to the closer rock song ‘BLOW’ with Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars.
I’d also recommend giving this a try even if you really don’t like Ed’s music. No 6. Collaborations Project is a noticeable step away from past works, and is mostly free from the marketing shackles that plague Divide. Ed’s having fun and clearly feels more creatively free. The reins of the ‘singer songwriter’ label have been washed off, leaving the project more colourful than anything he’s dropped in a while.
Just don’t expect all of it to click, and be prepared for much more than just Ed Sheeran on these tracks. No. 6 Collaborations Project is a rush of crisp production, fast raps, and buzzing energy.
It’s just a shame not more of it comes from the main man himself.
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