Who's behind the notes? Discover Ed Sheeran: The Definitive Biography
"Shape of You" is a hugely popular song by the British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released in January 2017 as part of his third studio album, "÷" (Divide). Here are some interesting facts about the song and its success:
Record-breaking streams: "Shape of You" became one of the most streamed songs on Spotify and other music platforms. It achieved over 2 billion streams within just six months of its release.
Chart-topping success: The song topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. It held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks, tying the record for the most weeks at No. 1 at the time.
Grammy nomination: "Shape of You" received two Grammy Award nominations in 2018, including Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Although it didn't win in these categories, the song's nomination is a testament to its cultural impact.
Co-writers: Ed Sheeran co-wrote "Shape of You" with Johnny McDaid of the band Snow Patrol. They composed the song in just a few hours during a writing session.
Dancehall influence: The song features a prominent dancehall and tropical pop sound, which was quite different from Sheeran's previous releases. This change in style contributed to its commercial success and widespread appeal.
Catchy melody: The song's infectious melody and lyrics helped it become a global hit. The chorus, in particular, is known for its memorable and sing-along-friendly tune.
Music video: The official music video for "Shape of You" has over 5 billion views on YouTube. It features Sheeran as a boxer who falls in love with a fellow athlete. The video's storyline complements the song's lyrics.
Streaming milestones: The song achieved several streaming milestones, including being the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2017 and being the first song to reach 2 billion streams on the platform.
Multiple awards: In addition to its Grammy nominations, "Shape of You" won numerous awards, including the Billboard Music Award for Top Selling Song, the MTV Video Music Award for Best Artist, and the iHeartRadio Music Award for Song of the Year.
Covers and adaptations: "Shape of You" has inspired countless covers and adaptations by other artists, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence on the music industry.
"Shape of You" remains one of Ed Sheeran's signature songs and a standout track in contemporary pop music.