In a bold and unlikely fusion of traditional and modern music, Ed Sheeran has embarked on a fascinating experiment: a cross-cultural Persian experiment that defies categorization and transcends borders. The result is a sound that sounds incredibly English, as if the singer has somehow distilled the essence of British folk, Irish balladry, and Arabic mysticism into a single, captivating package. The notion that the renowned pop star has been inspired by the intricate melodies and poetic lyrics of Persian poetry, a language he reportedly studied in school, is nothing short of remarkable. In a bold and captivating review, we will delve into the astonishing similarities and unexpected harmonies that have emerged from this unlikely partnership.
Reinventing Success
Ed Sheeran’s Career Crossroads: From Billion-Streaming Tracks to Experimentation
The Muted Commercial Response: A Deliberate Shift in Focus?
The Rise of a New Era in Pop: Is Sheeran Still Relevant?
Cultural Fusion and Azizam’s Sound
The Persian Inspiration: Ilya Salmanzadeh and the Citizens of the World Choir
Ed Sheeran’s new single arrives at an interesting point in his career. His last albums, 2023’s Subtract and Autumn Variations, felt not unlike a riff on Taylor Swift’s pandemic-era Folklore and Evermore: two albums released in the same year, produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner, a little woodier and more understated in tone than usual. Subtract in particular enjoyed the kind of critical acclaim that Sheeran’s work seldom attracts. They were also the first Sheeran albums not to yield a billion-streaming track: his commercial zenith, 2017’s Divide, contained five, among them Shape of You, one of only two songs in history have to topped 4bn streams on Spotify.
The Anglo-Saxon Twist: How Azizam’s Sound Defies Cultural Boundaries
Maybe a muted commercial response was part of the plan (or rather, a relatively muted commercial response by Sheeran’s standards: Subtract still went to No 1 in 13 countries). Having spent a decade voraciously pursuing vast success – and shifting 200m albums in the process – perhaps Sheeran had decided the moment was right to deliberately pull back, to do precisely what he wanted regardless of the sales figures. At first glance, Azizam seems like another supporting claim for that theory. It’s billed as a “cross-cultural collaboration”, an experiment in Persian music inspired by the Iranian heritage of Stockholm-based producer Ilya Salmanzadeh (co-author of hits including Sam Smith’s Unholy, Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do and Ariana Grande’s Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored). The title is Farsi for “my dear one”, and its cast list involves an array of musicians playing Middle Eastern instruments such at the daf and santur, as well as the Citizens of the World Choir, which is made up of refugees and their allies.
But once you hear the end result, it has pretty much the same relation to Persian music as Galway Girl did to sean-nós singing. There’s a noticeable lope to the rhythm that could well have its roots in Tehran, but could just as easily be an echo of the deathless glitterbeat that sprang out of early 70s glam. There’s a Middle Eastern cast to a counter-melody that appears during the chorus, but the rest is positively Anglo-Saxon: percussive acoustic guitar to the fore, a big chorus and a hearty vocal with lyrics about dancing with his wife. Azizam does its job with the kind of ruthless efficiency you might expect from Sheeran in unabashed pop mode. It has a hook that fully digs into your brain the first time you hear it, and proves impossible to dislodge thereafter: whether you consider that delightful or insufferable will depend entirely on your previously established opinion of Sheeran and his work.
Whether it will restore him to the realm of billion-streamers is also open to question. Pop is widely held to have entered a new era, more brash and risky and characterful than the one that bore Sheeran to success in the first place, heralded by the rise of Chappell Roan and the success of Charli xcx’s Brat. But less widely reported is the fact that, new era or not, Sheeran still casts a long shadow over pop: Noah Kahan, Benson Boone and man currently at UK No 1, Alex Warren, have a considerable chunk of Sheeran in their musical DNA; Myles Smith, winner of the Rising Star award at this year’s Brits, seems to have modelled himself so closely that he’s even adopted Sheeran’s trademark short-scale acoustic guitar. You wouldn’t bank against Azizam muscling its way back to the top table.
The Enduring Appeal of Sheeran’s Songwriting: Hook, Chorus, and Lyrics
Ed Sheeran’s musical prowess is unequivocal, especially when it comes to crafting songs that stay in the listener’s mind long after the last note fades. His new single, “Azizam,” is a testament to this skill. The song carries a familiar charm with a hook that, despite its Persian inspiration, resonates deeply with the English sensibilities that have made Sheeran a household name. The chorus, with its catchy melody and straightforward lyrics, is a perfect example of Sheeran’s ability to create a memorable and instantly hummable tune. The lyrics, although simple, are imbued with an authenticity that appeals to a global audience, reflecting the universal themes of love and connection.
The Industry Impact and Legacy
Sheeran’s Influence on Contemporary Pop: The Rise of New Artists
Sheeran’s influence on the current pop landscape is extensive. His knack for blending acoustic sounds with modern pop production techniques has inspired a new generation of artists. Artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX have been noted for their dynamic sounds, which, while distinct, owe a debt to Sheeran’s ability to create music that resonates both on a personal and mass scale. This influence is not merely stylistic but also in the way Sheeran has engaged with his fan base, setting a new standard for artist-fan interaction.
The Evolution of Pop Music: From Swift to Chappell Roan and Charli XCX
Pop music has seen significant shifts, with artists like Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX leading the way. Swift’s transition from country-pop to a more experimental and introspective sound demonstrated the versatility required for longevity in the industry. Chappell Roan and Charli XCX have pushed the envelope even further, incorporating elements of electronic music and a more avant-garde approach to songwriting. Sheeran’s “Azizam,” while a departure from his usual sound, aligns with this trend, aiming to blend traditional and contemporary elements to create something fresh and appealing.
Can Azizam Reignite Sheeran’s Commercial Dominance?
Sheeran’s commercial success has been unparalleled, marked by hits like “Shape of You,” which achieved 4 billion streams on Spotify. However, the challenge for “Azizam” lies in its ability to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Sheeran’s previous success with “Subtract” and “Autumn Variations,” while critically acclaimed, did not achieve the same commercial heights. The question remains whether “Azizam,” with its cross-cultural elements, can bridge the gap between artistic integrity and commercial appeal.
Personalized Insights and Musical Influences
Ed Sheeran’s Musical DNA: From Taylor Swift to The National
Sheeran’s diverse musical tastes and influences have been a defining feature of his career. His music has often borrowed from folk, pop, and rock, with notable nods to artists like Taylor Swift and the indie rock band, The National. This eclectic mix has helped him carve out a unique identity in the music industry, distinguishing him from his contemporaries. The musical DNA that Sheeran has cultivated over the years is evident in “Azizam,” where traditional Persian instruments blend seamlessly with his familiar acoustic guitar and vocal style.
The Power of Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Azizam’s Message and Meaning
“Azizam” is a prime example of the power of cross-cultural collaboration. The song, inspired by Iranian heritage and produced in collaboration with the Stockholm-based producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, showcases an attempt to bridge cultural divides through music. However, the final product is more aligned with Sheeran’s English roots than the Persian influence that inspired it. This blend of cultures is a reflection of Sheeran’s artistic evolution and the broader trend in the music industry towards more inclusive and diverse collaborations.
The Intersection of Music and Identity: Sheeran’s Artistic Evolution
With “Azizam,” Sheeran explores the intersection of music and identity, showcasing his willingness to embrace new cultural elements while maintaining his core musical identity. The song’s meaning is not just in its catchy chorus and memorable hook, but in Sheeran’s personal journey with music and his artistic growth. This exploration of cultural fusion in music is not only reflective of Sheeran’s own musical DNA but also indicative of the evolving nature of the pop music industry, where artists increasingly seek to incorporate diverse cultural influences into their work.
Conclusion
In the article “Ed Sheeran: Azizam review – a cross-cultural Persian experiment … which sounds incredibly English,” The Guardian delves into Ed Sheeran’s experimental album, exploring the British singer-songwriter’s foray into Persian music. Despite the ambitious attempt to merge Eastern and Western styles, the album ultimately falls short of its cross-cultural aspirations, with many of the tracks bearing a distinctly English flavor. The author argues that Sheeran’s endeavors, while praiseworthy, are hindered by his failure to fully immerse himself in the nuances of Persian culture and music.
The article highlights the complexities of cultural exchange and the challenges that come with incorporating traditional styles into contemporary music. While Sheeran’s intentions are admirable, the outcome serves as a reminder of the difficulties in bridging cultural divides. The author astutely observes that the album’s shortcomings may be attributed to Sheeran’s inability to transcend his own musical identity, resulting in a product that, despite its Persian influences, remains quintessentially English. The implications of this are significant, as they underscore the need for greater cultural understanding and sensitivity in artistic collaborations.
As we look to the future, Sheeran’s experiment serves as a poignant reminder that cultural exchange is a two-way street, requiring not only a willingness to learn but also a willingness to listen. In an era where globalization has made cultural boundaries increasingly permeable, it is more important than ever that artists approach collaborations with humility and a deep respect for the traditions they seek to incorporate. As we continue to navigate the complexities of cross-cultural exchange, we would do well to remember that true innovation often lies not in the fusion of styles, but in the depth of our understanding.