It's only really ahead of Bad Habits because i feel like I'm still learning what First Times is about. But sadly, for me at least, that isn't enough to make it any better than I feel it is. I actually think the pre chorus and chorus have a lovely melodic structure and the strings that come in for the second half of the song really do it justice. Less of the depressing negativity though. First Times manages to make me feel like I've heard this song from Ed a hundred times whilst also being the weakest of it's kind. Honesty, heart and love that rhymes and has an instrument with it. The lyrics don't feel like they bring much to the song and, to me, that's what the acoustic songs are all about. 6/10įirst Times - I love his acoustic stuff and this track was supposed to be his 'early Ed revival', but honestly, it falls short for me.
I feel like I love it, but I'm still waiting for that all-deciding click in my head that will tell me if I do indeed love it. Perhaps I once did feel the 'umph', but now it's quenched through over-saturation? Bad Habits is a weird one. but there isn't that 'umph' that turns Bad Habits into one of my top 5. But after listening to it for so long, i realise it doesn't have that moment that brings me back to it every new day. I think Bad Habits is actually a good song. 4.75/10īad Habits - don't get me wrong. When you are in my arms, it always will". The dynamic shift really does save it from falling beneath Sandman for me because that's one of the most beautiful moments from the album - all the hurry and bustle equating to just one moment with one person in your mind as you falsetto "time stops to still. Having said that, the exchange between the heavy verse and a capella chorus is gorgeous. It's melodically so monotone throughout the verses and I like a bit of melody when the instruments include: heavy drums and maybe some guitar. Tides - this will definitely be the most controversial one I do. Either keep it just for you and your daughter, or save it for a lullaby album like Christina Perri did a while back. I don't want to believe it, but that's what I feel. As if the song is there for marketing purposes. Similarly to Be Right Now, I feel it doesn't belong on this album. Again, perhaps it's just because I'm not a baby, but lines like "count the fish in the sky" makes me curl my toes a little bit. Having said that, I think it falls short lyrically. The glockenspiel (my spelling may be off) is always welcome to my ears, the string section is delightful to listen to and I love that the chorus strips back after all the build up. The instrumental side of it is perfect for what he was going for. Sandman - I actually think Sandman is pretty cute.
The track itself though? Doesn't belong in my opinion. It kinda feels like the title of 'Be Right Now' gave it its place at the end. The dance-y sound to it doesn't feel like it belongs at the end of the album. I say that because the acoustic version he did for it was great and I genuinely felt every moment of the song. The production aspect of it makes it difficult for me to not skip it to be honest. I feel like this song would have been far more palpable had it not had the same constant beat the whole way through. So now you have some of my background, let's get started!īe Right Now - it's weird. For example, my favourite songs of his span from Give Me Love and Tenerife Sea to I See Fire and You Need Me. Just to clarify, I don't hate that Ed goes for different sounds. (Please give your lists below, it interests me!) So since we've been living with = for nearly a month now, I think I'm ready to give an informed decision on my thoughts about the album itself and the songs in order of my favourites.