Ed Sheeran, one of the most successful and well-loved contemporary pop artists, has once again captured the hearts of his audience with his latest single, Shivers. The song, which was released on September 10, 2021, as part of his upcoming album, = (Equals), marks a delightful return to Sheeran’s signature blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. In Shivers, Sheeran explores the feeling of being lovestruck, the nervous excitement, and the overwhelming emotions that come with falling for someone new. The song is packed with energetic beats, an infectious chorus, and a vibrant music video, all of which aim to convey the rush of love in a lighthearted and celebratory manner.
A Glimpse Into the Lyrics of Shivers
At its core, Shivers is about the sweet and exhilarating feelings that come with developing feelings for someone. The song opens with Ed Sheeran admitting how his heart has been struck by Cupid’s arrow, with the lyrics capturing the intensity of the emotions he experiences. “I wanna be that man / I want to kiss your eyes / I want to drink that grin / I want to feel just like I’m / Like my soul’s on fire” are some of the first lines of the track, showcasing Sheeran’s longing and desire to express his affection in vivid, romantic terms.
The upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm provide the perfect backdrop to this rush of emotions. Sheeran sings about wanting to stay up all day and night, reveling in the feeling of being with someone special. The chorus further emphasizes this excitement, with the singer declaring that he wants to “dance ’til the sunlight cracks,” and even when the party is over, he will “bring it right back.” The playful tone and passionate lyrics create an atmosphere of youthful exuberance, as Sheeran imagines a world where the fun never ends when you’re with the person you care about.
The imagery used in Shivers paints love as something fiery and all-consuming, with Sheeran wanting to experience everything with his new love, from playful kisses to dancing the night away. There’s a carefree quality to the song, but it’s also laced with sincerity. The track captures the thrill of infatuation and the feeling of wanting to savor every moment with a person who makes you feel alive.
The Energetic and Upbeat Sound of Shivers
The production of Shivers marks a noticeable departure from some of Sheeran’s more introspective, acoustic-driven work. The song’s bright, up-tempo vibe is in stark contrast to the slower, more reflective tone of some of his previous hits. This shift reflects the theme of the track: it’s a celebration of love, joy, and the exhilarating feeling of being infatuated with someone. The fast-paced rhythm and upbeat melody make it the perfect track for dancing or singing along at the top of your lungs, capturing the euphoria that comes with falling for someone new.
Shivers blends pop, funk, and dance elements, which gives the song a timeless and radio-friendly appeal. The track opens with a catchy guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song, but as it progresses, layers of percussion, horns, and synths are introduced, adding energy and flair. The playful and dynamic arrangement of the song creates a sense of urgency, almost as if Sheeran can’t contain his excitement about his newfound love.
The song’s production mirrors the intensity and energy of the lyrics, building to a climax in the chorus, where Sheeran’s vocals are accompanied by layered harmonies and a driving beat. This creates a full-bodied sound that captures the infectious enthusiasm of being in love, and it’s easy to imagine Shivers becoming a go-to anthem for anyone looking to express the thrill of romance.
The Music Video: A Celebration of Love and Quirky Fashion
As with many of Sheeran’s music videos, the visual accompaniment to Shivers is as fun and energetic as the song itself. Directed by Dave Meyers, the video showcases Sheeran and actress AnnaSophia Robb as a young couple navigating the early stages of a relationship. The narrative follows their journey from the moment they first make eye contact to the sweet sparks of their courtship.
The video is peppered with moments of humor and playfulness, reflecting the carefree vibe of the song. A key element of the video is Sheeran’s alter-ego, which is decked out in extravagant, over-the-top outfits. In one particularly memorable scene, Sheeran is dressed in sparkly sequins, feathers, and oversized rose-colored glasses, drawing clear inspiration from the flamboyant style of pop legend Elton John. This adds a layer of whimsy and fantasy to the video, emphasizing the fantastical nature of love and the emotions that come with it.
The chemistry between Sheeran and Robb is palpable throughout the video, with the pair sharing playful moments that are both sweet and humorous. Whether it’s through shared glances or moments of awkwardness, their dynamic captures the excitement of getting to know someone new and the uncertainty that can come with the early stages of a relationship. The video’s bright, colorful visuals and playful tone perfectly complement the song’s energetic rhythm, creating a visual experience that mirrors the song’s uplifting and joyful nature.
The Pressure of Following Up Bad Habits
In a recent Instagram post, Ed Sheeran opened up about the pressure he felt while preparing for the release of Shivers. Following the massive success of his previous single, Bad Habits, which topped charts around the world and was one of the biggest hits of 2021, Sheeran admitted that there was a certain level of anxiety surrounding the release of his new song. In a lighthearted way, Sheeran mentioned the pressure of having his next single perform just as well as Bad Habits, humorously adding, “I rented a parrot for the video, don’t let that be a waste.”
While Sheeran’s self-deprecating humor is typical of his personality, it highlights the high expectations that come with having a global hit. The success of Bad Habits set a high bar for Shivers, and fans were undoubtedly eager to see if Sheeran could replicate the same magic. However, if early responses to Shivers are any indication, the track is on track to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, with fans and critics alike praising its catchy melody and infectious energy.
The Upcoming Album = (Equals)
Shivers serves as one of the lead singles from Ed Sheeran’s upcoming album, = (Equals), which is slated for release on October 29, 2021. This album marks an important chapter in Sheeran’s career, following his 2019 album, No. 6 Collaborations Project, which was filled with collaborations with various artists. = (Equals) will be a return to Sheeran’s solo work, with him once again taking the reins in writing, producing, and performing much of the album.
In interviews leading up to the album’s release, Sheeran has spoken about how Equals is inspired by significant moments in his life, including his marriage to wife Cherry Seaborn and the birth of their daughter. The album will feature a blend of personal and emotional tracks, with Shivers providing a glimpse into the lighter, more playful side of the album. Sheeran has described the new record as one that represents growth, change, and the journey of self-discovery, all while staying true to the sound and style that his fans know and love.
As Sheeran continues to expand his musical repertoire, = (Equals) promises to showcase his evolution as an artist. The success of Shivers is just one indication of how Sheeran continues to capture the hearts of listeners around the world with his ability to craft songs that connect on both a personal and universal level.
Conclusion
Ed Sheeran’s Shivers is a joyful, high-energy track that perfectly encapsulates the excitement and rush of falling in love. Through its catchy melody, vibrant production, and heartfelt lyrics, the song explores the feelings of nervous anticipation and pure joy that come with developing a new romantic connection. The accompanying music video adds an extra layer of fun, blending whimsy and romance with a touch of flamboyance.
As Sheeran continues to dominate the global music scene, Shivers serves as a testament to his enduring ability to create music that resonates with listeners. The track is a celebration of love in all its forms, capturing both the fiery passion and the innocence that come with the early stages of a relationship. With = (Equals) on the horizon, fans can look forward to more songs that reflect Sheeran’s growth as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences through his authentic and relatable music.
FAQs
1. What is Ed Sheeran’s new single ‘Shivers’ about?
‘Shivers’ is about the excited, nervous feelings one experiences when falling for someone, capturing the rush of love.
2. When did Ed Sheeran release ‘Shivers’?
The single ‘Shivers’ was released on September 10, 2021, and is part of his upcoming album = (Equals).
3. Who stars in the ‘Shivers’ music video?
The music video features Ed Sheeran and actress AnnaSophia Robb, portraying a young couple navigating the early stages of romance.
4. What inspired Ed Sheeran to write ‘Shivers’?
Sheeran was inspired by the electrifying and overwhelming emotions that come with falling in love and being lovestruck.
5. How does the ‘Shivers’ music video pay homage to Elton John?
In the video, Sheeran’s alter-ego is dressed in flamboyant outfits, inspired by Elton John’s bold and eccentric fashion style.