Who's behind the notes? Discover Ed Sheeran: The Definitive Biography
"Shape of You" is a massively popular song by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. Here are some interesting facts about the song and Ed Sheeran:
Chart-Topping Success: "Shape of You" was released on January 6, 2017, as one of the lead singles from Ed Sheeran's third studio album, "÷" (Divide). The song quickly became a global hit, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
Streaming Milestone: The song achieved a streaming record on Spotify by amassing over 1 billion streams faster than any other song in the platform's history at the time.
Songwriting Collaboration: "Shape of You" was co-written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid (from the band Snow Patrol), and Steve Mac. Steve Mac also produced the track. The song's success is attributed to its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and fusion of pop, dancehall, and tropical house elements.
Inspiration: The song's inspiration reportedly came from Ed Sheeran's personal experiences while visiting a bar in West Hollywood. He observed the interactions and dynamics of people at the bar and was inspired to write a song that captures the feelings of romance and attraction.
Lyric Video Cameo: The lyric video for "Shape of You" features a cameo by actress and dancer Jennie Pegouskie, who is seen practicing martial arts and dancing. The video's storyline complements the song's themes of attraction and connection.
Grammy Nominations: "Shape of You" received nominations for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. Although the song did not win in these categories, its nominations underscored its impact on popular music.
Streaming Records: In addition to Spotify, "Shape of You" also broke records on other streaming platforms. It set a record for the most streams in a single week globally on YouTube and became the first song to reach 2 billion streams on the platform.
Dance and Remix Versions: Due to its infectious beat and danceable rhythm, "Shape of You" inspired numerous dance and remix versions created by fans and professional DJs. These remixes contributed to the song's longevity and popularity in various music scenes.
Cover Versions: The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics led to numerous cover versions by other artists. Many musicians, both amateur and professional, recorded their own interpretations of "Shape of You."
Cultural Impact: Beyond its commercial success, "Shape of You" had a significant impact on pop culture. It became a staple at parties, events, and clubs, and its memorable chorus is often recognized by a wide range of audiences.
"Shape of You" remains one of Ed Sheeran's most recognizable and celebrated songs, demonstrating his ability to craft music that resonates with a diverse audience.