Hey guys! Let's dive deep into Ed Sheeran's Subtract album. This isn't just another track-by-track review; it's more like a heart-to-heart about each song, exploring the emotions and stories Ed poured into this intensely personal record. So, grab your headphones, maybe a tissue or two, and let's get started!

1. Boat

"Boat," the opening track, immediately sets a somber tone. This song is all about feeling overwhelmed, like you're adrift at sea. Ed Sheeran uses the metaphor of a boat to describe his struggles with mental health and the feeling of being lost. The lyrics are raw and honest, painting a vivid picture of someone fighting to stay afloat. It's not an easy listen, but it's incredibly relatable for anyone who's ever felt like they're drowning in their own problems. The beauty of 'Boat' lies in its vulnerability. Ed isn't trying to sugarcoat anything; he's simply laying bare his emotions, and that's what makes it so powerful. The stripped-down production, with its focus on Ed's voice and acoustic guitar, only amplifies the song's emotional impact. It's a brave way to start an album, signaling to listeners that Subtract is going to be a deeply personal and introspective journey. This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being lost but still fighting to find your way back to shore, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

2. Salt Water

"Salt Water" continues the nautical theme, delving deeper into themes of despair and resilience. This track explores the sensation of being submerged in sorrow, using the imagery of saltwater to represent tears and emotional pain. Ed's songwriting shines as he captures the feeling of being weighed down by life's burdens. It's a poignant reflection on enduring hardship. The melody is haunting, and Ed's vocals are filled with a palpable sense of anguish. But amidst the darkness, there's also a glimmer of hope. 'Salt Water' acknowledges the pain, but it also suggests that healing is possible, even when you feel like you're drowning. The production is subtly layered, with delicate instrumentation that adds to the song's atmosphere without overpowering Ed's voice. It's a testament to the power of vulnerability in songwriting, showing how sharing our struggles can be a source of strength and connection. The song emphasizes the importance of acknowledging your pain and finding ways to cope with it, even when it feels like you're surrounded by saltwater.

3. Eyes Closed

"Eyes Closed" was one of the pre-release singles, and it offers a slightly more upbeat sound, though the lyrics are still tinged with sadness. Ed Sheeran wrote this song about the grief of losing a close friend, and it's a heartbreakingly honest portrayal of dealing with loss. The lyrics describe the feeling of trying to move on after someone you love is gone, but constantly being reminded of them. The chorus, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, is particularly poignant. 'Eyes Closed' captures the universal experience of grief and the struggle to find joy after experiencing loss. The production is more polished than some of the other tracks on the album, with a driving beat and layered instrumentation. But even with the more upbeat sound, the song's emotional core remains intact. It's a reminder that grief can be a complex and multifaceted emotion, and that it's okay to feel both sadness and hope at the same time. It explores how memories can both comfort and haunt us after the loss of a loved one.

4. Life Goes On

"Life Goes On" is a reflective track about the inevitability of change and the passage of time. This song delves into the realization that life continues, even when we're facing personal struggles. Ed reflects on the ups and downs of life, acknowledging that both joy and sorrow are part of the human experience. The lyrics are thoughtful and introspective, offering a sense of perspective and acceptance. 'Life Goes On' is a reminder that we're all on a journey, and that even when things are tough, we need to keep moving forward. The production is mellow and understated, with a focus on Ed's vocals and acoustic guitar. The song has a calming effect, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment and find peace in the face of uncertainty. It's a comforting message for anyone who's feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. The song serves as a gentle reminder to keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible.

5. Dusty

"Dusty" is a deeply personal song about Ed's relationship with his father. This track provides a glimpse into Ed's family life, exploring the complexities and nuances of father-son relationships. The lyrics are honest and vulnerable, revealing both the love and the challenges that exist between them. It's a touching tribute to his father. 'Dusty' is a relatable portrayal of family dynamics, showing how even the closest relationships can have their ups and downs. The production is simple and heartfelt, with a focus on Ed's vocals and acoustic guitar. The song has a raw and authentic feel, as if Ed is simply sharing his thoughts and feelings with the listener. It's a reminder that family is important, and that even when things are difficult, love can endure. The song beautifully captures the essence of familial love and the importance of cherishing those bonds.

6. End of Youth

"End of Youth" reflects on the transition from youth to adulthood, grappling with the responsibilities and challenges that come with age. This song discusses the bittersweet feeling of growing up, acknowledging the loss of innocence and the weight of expectations. Ed reflects on the past and looks ahead to the future, contemplating what it means to be an adult. 'End of Youth' is a universal theme, as we all experience the transition from childhood to adulthood. The production is melancholic and reflective, with a focus on Ed's vocals and piano. The song has a nostalgic feel, evoking memories of carefree days and simpler times. It's a reminder that life is constantly changing, and that we need to embrace the present moment while still cherishing the past. It's a poignant reflection on the journey of life and the changes we all face.

7. Colourblind

"Colourblind" is a song about feeling lost and disconnected from the world. The song explores the feeling of emotional numbness, using the metaphor of being colorblind to describe a lack of passion and vibrancy. Ed sings about feeling like he's going through the motions without truly experiencing life. The lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking. 'Colourblind' is a relatable portrayal of emotional disconnection, something many people experience at some point in their lives. The production is subdued and atmospheric, creating a sense of isolation and alienation. The song has a haunting quality, drawing the listener into Ed's world of emotional numbness. It's a reminder that it's important to stay connected to our emotions and to find ways to reignite our passion for life. The song captures the struggle of feeling disconnected from the world and the desire to find color and vibrancy again.

8. Curtains

"Curtains" is a song about shutting out the world and retreating into oneself. This track examines the act of self-isolation, using the metaphor of curtains to represent a barrier between oneself and the outside world. Ed sings about the desire to escape from the pressures and expectations of life. The lyrics are honest and revealing. 'Curtains' is a commentary on the need for self-care and boundaries, but also the dangers of isolating oneself too much. The production is intimate and personal, with a focus on Ed's vocals and acoustic guitar. The song has a confessional quality, as if Ed is sharing his innermost thoughts and feelings with the listener. It's a reminder that it's important to find a balance between connecting with others and taking time for ourselves. The song delves into the desire for solitude and the importance of finding a healthy balance between isolation and connection.

9. Borderline

"Borderline" is a song about being on the edge of something, whether it's a relationship, a mental state, or a life decision. The song tackles the feeling of uncertainty, using the metaphor of a borderline to represent a precarious situation. Ed sings about the anxiety and fear that come with being on the verge of something significant. The lyrics are raw and vulnerable. 'Borderline' encapsulates the feeling of being in limbo, unsure of what the future holds. The production is tense and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and anticipation. The song has a haunting quality, drawing the listener into Ed's world of uncertainty. It's a reminder that it's okay to feel uncertain and that sometimes the best thing we can do is to trust our instincts and take a leap of faith. The song captures the anxiety of being on the edge and the courage it takes to move forward.

10. Spark

"Spark" is a hopeful song about finding light in the darkness. This track explores the concept of hope, using the metaphor of a spark to represent the potential for positive change. Ed sings about the importance of holding onto hope, even when things are tough. The lyrics are uplifting and inspiring. 'Spark' serves as a reminder of resilience, encouraging listeners to never give up on themselves or their dreams. The production is gentle and optimistic, with a focus on Ed's vocals and acoustic guitar. The song has a comforting quality, offering a sense of hope and encouragement. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a spark of hope that can guide us forward. The song inspires listeners to find their inner spark and to believe in the possibility of a brighter future.

11. Vega

"Vega" is a deeply personal song about Ed's daughter, Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran. The song is a tender dedication to his child, expressing his love and hopes for her future. Ed sings about the joys and challenges of parenthood, offering a glimpse into his family life. The lyrics are heartwarming and touching. 'Vega' showcases the unconditional love of a parent, capturing the profound bond between parent and child. The production is intimate and heartfelt, with a focus on Ed's vocals and acoustic guitar. The song has a lullaby-like quality, creating a sense of warmth and tenderness. It's a reminder of the importance of family and the power of love. The song beautifully expresses the depth of a parent's love and the dreams they have for their child.

12. Sycamore

"Sycamore" is a reflective song about the importance of roots and connection. The song explores themes of heritage, using the metaphor of a sycamore tree to represent strength and stability. Ed sings about the importance of staying connected to our roots and remembering where we come from. The lyrics are thoughtful and introspective. 'Sycamore' reminds us of our origins, encouraging listeners to appreciate their history and the people who have shaped them. The production is mellow and understated, with a focus on Ed's vocals and acoustic guitar. The song has a calming effect, encouraging listeners to find peace and contentment in their lives. It's a reminder that our roots provide us with strength and guidance, helping us to navigate the challenges of life. The song beautifully captures the importance of heritage and the strength we draw from our roots.

13. No Strings

"No Strings" (bonus track) is a raw and honest song about the complexities of relationships. This track examines the dynamics of commitment-free relationships, exploring the challenges and uncertainties that come with them. Ed sings about the desire for connection without the constraints of traditional relationships. The lyrics are revealing and thought-provoking. 'No Strings' explores the allure and pitfalls of casual relationships, showcasing the desire for intimacy without the responsibilities. The production is stripped-down and intimate, with a focus on Ed's vocals and acoustic guitar. The song has a confessional quality, as if Ed is sharing his innermost thoughts and feelings with the listener. It's a reminder that relationships can be complex and that there are many different ways to connect with others. The song delves into the nuances of modern relationships and the search for connection in a commitment-free world.

14. Fading (Bonus Track)

"Fading" (bonus track) delves into the fear of losing oneself in a relationship. The song explores the concern of losing individuality, highlighting the struggle to maintain a sense of self while being deeply connected to someone else. Ed sings about the anxiety of fading away into another person's identity. The lyrics are introspective and poignant. 'Fading' speaks to the importance of self-identity in relationships, emphasizing the need to maintain individuality while building a life with someone else. The production is haunting and melancholic, reflecting the emotional weight of the lyrics. The song has a confessional quality, resonating with anyone who has struggled to maintain their sense of self in a relationship. It serves as a reminder to prioritize self-awareness and independence while nurturing a deep connection with a partner. The song touches on the delicate balance between love and self-preservation.

Subtract is a journey, not just an album. Ed Sheeran has laid bare his soul, and listening feels like being let into his innermost thoughts. It's raw, it's honest, and it's incredibly powerful. Give it a listen, guys, and let me know what you think!