Who's behind the notes? Discover Ed Sheeran: The Definitive Biography
"Shape of You" is one of Ed Sheeran's most popular songs, and there are several interesting facts associated with it:
Record-Breaking Streams: "Shape of You" was released as a single in January 2017 and quickly became a massive hit. It broke several streaming records, including becoming the most-streamed song on Spotify in a single day at the time of its release.
Co-Writers: Ed Sheeran co-wrote "Shape of You" with Johnny McDaid and Steve Mac. Johnny McDaid is a member of the band Snow Patrol and has collaborated with Sheeran on other songs as well. Steve Mac is a renowned British songwriter and producer.
Dancehall Influence: The song's catchy melody and rhythm were heavily influenced by dancehall music, which is a genre originating from Jamaica known for its infectious beats and grooves. This influence is evident in the song's prominent use of marimba, which gives it a distinctive sound.
Chart-Topping Success: "Shape of You" topped the charts in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It spent a record-breaking 33 consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Grammy Nominations: The song received two Grammy Award nominations in 2018. It was nominated for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year, though it didn't win in either category.
Popularity on YouTube: The official music video for "Shape of You" has garnered billions of views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched music videos on the platform. The video features a storyline of a budding romance and includes scenes of Sheeran participating in a boxing match.
Commercial Success: "Shape of You" was a massive commercial success for Ed Sheeran. It contributed significantly to his album "÷" (Divide) becoming one of the best-selling albums worldwide in 2017.
Remixes and Covers: Due to its popularity, "Shape of You" has been covered and remixed by numerous artists and has been performed in various styles and languages around the world.
Copyright Controversy: In 2018, Ed Sheeran faced a copyright lawsuit over allegations that "Shape of You" copied the melody from the 2015 song "Oh Why" by Sam Chokri. The case was settled out of court in 2020, with Sheeran giving Chokri a cowriting credit.
Longevity: Even years after its release, "Shape of You" continues to be a popular and recognizable song, a testament to its enduring appeal and Ed Sheeran's songwriting prowess.
"Shape of You" remains a standout track in Ed Sheeran's career and a pop music phenomenon.