It’s very easy to say that Ed Sheeran is undeniably one of the best artists of our generation when you take in the several factors that create great musicians. From the lyrics, he writes to the tunes he chooses to sing, his humble character and the technique he chooses to perform on stage.
But one thing most people don’t know is that Ed has written quite a few successful hits for other musicians as well, and some of them show you just how phenomenal he is at his craft.
Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
Not only does he save his powerful messages for himself, he also donates to other artists. And this one is quite the track. If you listen closely to the chorus you can actually hear Ed singing faintly in the background.
Little Things – One Direction
Ed and the lads from the UK have collaborated on several songs together. His label was actually furious when he gave up the song so easily since Ed revealed he lost the song, found it years later and just gave it to 1D. This is the cutest song ever.
Dark Times – The Weeknd
Bet you never thought you’d see this name on a list where Ed Sheeran wrote a song before huh? Their voices singing this together would be enough to send chills shooting down your spine. I would kill to see an onstage collaboration.
Tattoo – Hilary Duff
Now, the two might not be the best of friends, but they can agree on their mutual love for music and tattoos. She recently told MTV News that she was even really intimidated by working with him and singing in the same booth as him. Same Hil, same.
I Was Made For Loving You – Tori Kelly
Ed revealed in an interview earlier this year that during the writing process he knew he wasn’t going to keep it but wishes he did. It is a beautiful song, and I know I would kick myself if I gave it away too.
18 – One Direction
Remember when I said they did a lot of collaborations earlier? Well, this was another one worth mentioning because it’s beautiful to listen to. HOW CAN A MAN BE SO PERFECT ABOUT WRITING LOVE SONGS, LIKE DAMN.
Cold Water – Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber
The dude is so talented he forgot he even wrote the song, let alone gave it away until he heard it on the radio.
Despite giving some golden material away, he still keeps a lot of hits to himself that gives him the success as an artist deserves. Although Rihanna was very close to getting Shape of You from him, the fate of that song is now history. He’ll find a new way to articulate emotions poetically and find a way to push his words to our ears in one way or another, even if we might not know it’s him.
Feature image via “Ed Sheeran” by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity Photographer / CC BY
