Summer Boys

If songs/artists were boys, I’d be guilty of a lot of one-night stands.

Some of them are on purpose. I can shamelessly belt out “Call Me Maybe” any time or place, but I certainly don’t see Carly Rae Jepsen being “the one.” Sometimes I think I’ve found something real with an artist but after maybe one or two charismatic and catchy tunes, I realize there’s no real substance, nothing long-lasting, not enough to hook me for good. Sure, there might be the occasional late night singing session and I may rebound a few years later if there’s a new hit single on the radio, but these artists just don’t have what it takes to go the distance with me.

But once in a blue moon, I discover an artist so sensational that I don’t just want to jump into bed, I want to say I love you on the first date. There’s just something different with these ones, something unquantifiable and truly amazing. I can’t get them out of my head long after the first meeting.  These are the real deal, the music Relationships. Of course, in this extended metaphor I am totally a polygamist.

I’m here today to tell you about my latest musical Relationship: Ed Sheeran. Guys, he’s special. His album is going to be one of my life long loves, I already know.  It was really my friend Abbi who introduced us. She mentioned him casually at the movies a few weeks ago (coincidentally, at a movie which is now a lifelong favorite—“Moonrise Kingdom”). She said everyone was obsessed with him lately so I said she should hook me up but I didn’t really think it would be anything to write home about.

Just a few nights later I was bored and restless late at night, so I thought maybe I’d check him out.  I pulled up the first video that popped up on a YouTube search. It was good…really good. So good that I immediately hit the next link…and the next…and the next…until I knew I couldn’t sleep until I had listened to his entire album. And then after I finished I still couldn’t sleep until I had replayed my immediate favorites a few times. I was so hooked so fast that it was overwhelming. I felt teary-eyed. I wanted to dance and sing and shout. This was just so so good.

Well, you can imagine how things proceeded. I fell hard and fast.  I kept listening to my favorites on YouTube while I waited for Abbi to burn me his album, “+”. Once I got my hands on that it was all over.  Each day it feels like I’m discovering Ed all over again. I don’t know about you, but I usually have initial favorites with an artist and so I listen to that song over and over until finally I feel ready to move on and see what else they have to offer. I still haven’t given full attention to every song on the album but my first cursory listen was enough to know that this was one of those rare albums that has the potential of being entirely good.  Like, every single song.

Here is my musical journey so far:

I started off that fateful night hooked on “Lego House,” entirely I might add because of the hilarious video starring Rupert Grint, as well as “Drunk.” The following morning I gave a little play time to “A-Team” and the fast-tempo-ed “Grade 8.” These are all great songs, but I wouldn’t argue they aren’t the ones that seal the deal. I mean, I was completely head-over-heels but it was the songs that came later that won Ed Sheeran a permanent place in my heart.

During the week I waited for the physical cd to come into my hands, I started replaying “Wake Me Up” and “Sunburn” on YouTube a lot.

As of the past few days I’ve finally really discovered “Give Me Love,” “Kiss Me,” and “Little Bird.” I can’t even explain how I feel about “Give Me Love.” And “Little Bird” is the best for driving with the windows down.

Honorable mention to “Small Bump,” which is beautiful and has lyrics that make me want to sob.

I didn’t post every song referenced above or every song from the album.  So you should all go check it out for yourselves and fall in love too. I’m willing to share.

And bonus! Here are some fantastic Olly Murs songs….I’m really digging him right now too. It’s a summer fling that I think could turn into something real.