Who's behind the notes? Discover Ed Sheeran: The Definitive Biography
"Shape of You" is a popular song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released in 2017 as part of his album "÷" (Divide). Here are some interesting facts about the song and Ed Sheeran:
Chart-Topping Success: "Shape of You" became a massive hit, reaching number one on the charts of over 40 countries, including the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It held the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks on the Hot 100.
Streaming Record: The song set a record for the most streams in a single week on Spotify at the time of its release. It was streamed over 375 million times in its first week.
Songwriting Collaboration: "Shape of You" was co-written by Ed Sheeran along with Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid. Steve Mac is a British producer and songwriter, while Johnny McDaid is a member of the band Snow Patrol.
Originally Intended for Others: The song was initially intended to be given to another artist. Ed Sheeran revealed that he had originally written "Shape of You" with Rihanna in mind, but he decided to keep it for himself.
Influence of Dancehall and Tropical House: The song's sound is influenced by dancehall and tropical house music, giving it a catchy and upbeat feel. This departure from Sheeran's usual acoustic sound contributed to its popularity.
Lyric References: The lyrics of "Shape of You" contain references to clubbing, love, and physical attraction. They describe a romantic encounter between two people who meet at a bar.
Grammy Nominations: "Shape of You" earned Ed Sheeran two Grammy Award nominations in 2018: Record of the Year and Song of the Year. However, it did not win in either category.
Music Video: The song's official music video features Ed Sheeran participating in a sumo wrestling competition, training, and eventually falling in love with a fellow competitor. It has garnered billions of views on YouTube.
Longevity on Charts: Even after its initial release, "Shape of You" continued to perform well on charts around the world for an extended period. It remained in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 33 consecutive weeks.
Crossover Appeal: One reason for the song's widespread popularity is its crossover appeal, blending elements of pop, R&B, and dancehall music. This made it attractive to a wide range of listeners.
"Shape of You" undoubtedly played a significant role in solidifying Ed Sheeran's status as a global music sensation and remains one of his most recognizable and enduring tracks.