This list of Ed Sheeran songs is my personal take on his best work. Unlike most artists, I actually think his popular singles are some of his strongest songs, which really just means he knows how to pick his singles. These rankings come down to what I connect with most and what I keep coming back to.
You can listen to the full Best Ed Sheeran Songs Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Ed Sheeran Songs List
11. “Best Part of Me” ft. Yebba
Album: No.6 Collaborations Project
Lyric Sample: “Why the hell does she love me, when she could have anyone else?”
What it’s about: This duet is about finding a partner who embraces all the things you’re critical of in yourself.
Why it’s on the list: I really like this take on a love song: this person loves me despite my insecurities and “flaws.” This was my introduction to Yebba and, wow, what a voice.
10. “Thinking Out Loud”
Album: x (Multiply)
Lyric Sample: “‘Cause, honey, your soul can never grow old, it’s evergreen.”
What it’s about: This Grammy-winning ballad is a promise to keep loving someone for the rest of your life.
Why it’s on the list: I’m sure “Thinking Out Loud” is plenty of people’s favorite Ed Sheeran love song. It’s one of the better “forever, no matter what” songs that I’ve heard.
9. “Supermarket Flowers”
Album: ÷ (Divide)
Lyric Sample: “You were an angel in the shape of my mum.”
What it’s about: Written from his mother’s perspective, he describes clearing out his grandmother’s hospital room after her death.
Why it’s on the list: Like most people, I have a tough time listening to this one, but it’s a great song and a heck of a tribute to his grandmother. That chorus gets me every time.
Related: “Supermarket Flowers” Song Meaning
8. “Lego House”
Album: + (Plus)
Lyric Sample: “And out of all these things I’ve done, I think I love you better now.”
What it’s about: He promises to repair a relationship that’s falling apart, admitting he hasn’t been present enough.
Why it’s on the list: This is the first Sheeran song I heard. Cool metaphorical way to present a song about trying to make a relationship work. His voice sounds fantastic throughout this one.
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7. “I See Fire”
Album: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (also appears on the deluxe edition of x)
Lyric Sample: “If this is to end in fire, then we should all burn together.”
What it’s about: Written for The Hobbit film, this one is about loyalty and solidarity when facing certain death and devastation.
Why it’s on the list: This is the song that made me a true Ed Sheeran fan because it has a very different mood/vibe than his other hits. It has cool, folksy sounds but with explosive moments. The “brotherhood” theme is great and fitting for the film.
Related: Best Songs About Fire
6. “The A Team”
Album: + (Plus)
Lyric Sample: “And in a pipe, she flies to the Motherland, or sells love to another man.”
What it’s about: This one is about a young woman trapped in addiction and prostitution, showing how her life has deteriorated.
Why it’s on the list: Sad, catchy, and a story that hits you once you realize what he’s singing about. This was his first single and his first Grammy nomination.
Related: “The A Team” Song Meaning
5. “Perfect”
Album: ÷ (Divide)
Lyric Sample: “I found a love to carry more than just my secrets.”
What it’s about: Inspired by his relationship with now-wife Cherry Seaborn, this love song is about finding the right person and committing to a future together.
Why it’s on the list: I still remember first hearing “Perfect” and thinking, “Yep, that’s going to be a mega-hit.” I’ve always thought of it as a modern “Wonderful Tonight,” which is one of my favorite love songs.
Related: 101 Best Love Songs
4. “Photograph”
Album: x (Multiply)
Lyric Sample: “So you can keep me inside the pocket of your ripped jeans.”
What it’s about: He describes holding onto memories through photographs during separation, reassuring someone he’ll come back to them.
Why it’s on the list: This one really grew on me over the years. It’s a unique long-distance relationship track with personal yet relatable details.
3. “Antisocial” ft. Travis Scott
Album: No.6 Collaborations Project
Lyric Sample: “Won’t let nothing come in between me and the night.”
What it’s about: This one is about wanting to enjoy yourself out in public without being bothered by others.
Why it’s on the list: My favorite uptempo song from him, and a great take on the topic. Travis Scott matches the style and vibe perfectly.
2. “Castle on the Hill”
Album: ÷ (Divide)
Lyric Sample: “I’m on my way, driving at 90 down those country lanes.”
What it’s about: Sheeran looks back on his youth in Framlingham, mixing nostalgic memories with updates on his childhood friends and their current struggles and successes.
Why it’s on the list: In my opinion, this is one of the best modern nostalgia songs. Most people can’t relate to the specifics of the song, but everyone can relate to the nostalgia of youth.
Related: Songs About Home
1. “Dive”
Album: ÷ (Divide)
Lyric Sample: “So let me know the truth, before I dive right into you.”
What it’s about: Sheeran asks for honesty about where he stands before jumping into a relationship, concerned about repeating past mistakes.
Why it’s on the list: “Dive” has been my favorite Ed Sheeran song since the first time I heard it. The buildup in the pre-chorus is just so good, and the chorus is one of my favorites of the past 15 or so years.
Conclusion
I think it’s pretty obvious that I prefer Ed Sheeran’s earlier stuff (Divide is my favorite album of his). That’s how it usually goes, though, since artists tend to have a backlog of songs they’ve polished for years on their first few records. I do like some of his newer songs, just not as much as the ones on the list.
I’ll update this list once per year, but I have a feeling the top 5 will stick for a while.
Be sure to check out our Ed Sheeran Song Interpretations!
What are your favorite Ed Sheeran songs?
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