Although Ed Sheeran has been flying somewhat under the radar lately, this doesn’t mean that he hasn’t been necessarily busy. He has finished his so-called “mathematical series” of albums and is working on releasing a tour collection album in celebration of that, which will be later released in 2024. In the meantime, amidst some struggles in his personal life which have been documented (notably his wife Cherry Seaborn, developed cancer during her second pregnancy), he has released this EP issued by Atlantic Records as a quick taste tester of some of his older songs that he has enjoyed, but not necessarily promoted. Hence the EP title. Let’s take a listen to this quick EP and we shall hear how it sounds.

Grade 8 begins with a drum machine intro, and launches into a good song with breakbeats. This is obviously an early Ed Sheeran song, and although this is good, his voice doesn’t sound as good as it could here. Nonetheless, this is a beautiful song with acoustic guitars and electronic drumbeats that sound fantastic. There is also a Pure Shores by All Saints-style guitar lick throughout this song. All the same, this is good but the singing is much to be desired. “I will never let you down,” repeats Ed Sheeran in this song. Indeed, he has never let down his fans per se. A really different, catchy and awesome listen. The falsetto in the second half is very sweet and dramatic. The music and sounds are fresh and diverse throughout. A very good and awesome tune to listen to. Very magical. It ends with acoustic guitar playing. Good work.

One Night begins with some good guitar playing on a Fender Stratocaster and has some youthful-sounding Ed Sheeran vocals. This is a good song about being with a lady love who Ed Sheeran has met on tour and is there for a one-night stand, although Ed wants more than just that. Nonetheless, this is a great song about finding the right lady in one’s life. An understandable song from Ed Sheeran’s perspective, this music genuinely sounds really great. This details circumstances in the Rockstar’s life that make a great deal of sense throughout. A really cool tune, this has some interesting guitars and electronic beats and textures throughout. A good listen that sounds really melodic and beautiful. Ed Sheeran certainly is a talented musician, and these songs prove this time and time again. A great tune.

Cold Coffee begins with some percussive bangs and launches into a song about a lady who is comparable to cold coffee in the morning. Although Ed Sheeran sings about a lady who is detestable, he articulates emotions and feelings that only a few can come close to. This is musical power. Ed Sheeran is back on his game on these songs, even if they were leftovers from earlier on in his career. Nonetheless, a fantastic listen with great guitars, excellent singing and a musical touch that sounds top-notch. Ed Sheeran carries on the spirit of Rock Music throughout. This is truly beautiful music, and Ed Sheeran with his acoustic guitar, singing and use of good production sounds, makes this song a real winner. A fantastic song to hear. This is one of the better tunes in his catalogue, and it is an essential listen for Sheerios. Beautiful, moving and touching, this is a great song. Awesome acoustic-based music from start to finish, which concludes with piano and a neat finish. Outstanding.

Gold Rush launches straight into it with a Reggae feel and Fender Stratocasters. Ed Sheeran sings about missing a lover who he anticipates her coming back in the middle of the night. A really sweet tune, this is likely about Ed Sheeran’s wife, Cherry Seaborn. In any case, this song is extremely simple, well-performed and beautiful throughout. This music has a funky and excellent feel to it throughout. A really great and interesting musical listen, this is not going to be the hit song collection by Ed Sheeran. Then again, it doesn’t need to be. A really amazing, awesome and fine piece of music that has class and melody to it. A great Fender Stratocaster neck position solo is present in this song. All in all, a really cool and inspiring listening experience that looks back to a simpler time in Ed Sheeran’s life. Another solidly great and inspired song by Ed Sheeran.

Touch and Go launches straight into an upbeat song with crisp acoustic guitars and playing, and has some awesome vocal harmonies throughout. This tune is a good singer/songwriter piece that sounds very melodic, punchy and sweet throughout. It also has some nice keyboards and guitars throughout. The chorus is really awesome and upbeat, and it is clear that Ed Sheeran is a master of his craft. No doubt that he has a natural and wonderful musical talent at hand. Ed Sheeran puts 100% into his performances, singing and playing a thousand times better than your average busker. A joyous song about relationship issues and longing to be with a lady of one’s fancy. Bongos are present throughout this tune, along with bass guitar as well. This proves that even today, Ed Sheeran is one of the greatest musicians alive at this point. It ends with some acoustic guitar playing which is fine, singing that is sweet and a good conclusion. Excellent.

Little Bird is the last track on this EP. It begins with a breezy acoustic guitar and has some decent singing and muted electric guitar parts. A very lovely and inspired tune, Ed Sheeran proves that you don’t need too much-computerised technology or audio trickery to make a great song. He reveals the depth of human emotions, set to music. Again, this is solidly good and fantastic-sounding acoustic guitar and rhythmic know-how, set to simple and youthfully romantic music. The lyrics are fantastic, too. Ed Sheeran sings about being in love, kissing a partner and spending intimate time with them. There is some keyboard and other interesting percussion in the second half of this song, which adds a unique and lovely flavour to a song that is great. It concludes with a build-up to the chorus with electronic instrumentation, along with singing and acoustic guitar playing to conclude with. Again, very, very good.

Although this is a mere short EP with nothing hugely groundbreaking in a musical sense here, the quality and consistency of Ed Sheeran’s music is nothing but outstanding here. He has created a short EP, revealing his forgotten favourites to be absolute winners. Period. Ed Sheeran is back in fine form here. Sure, this is not Shape Of You, but at least Ed Sheeran knows not to put out the same music again and again. A fantastic listen. Should you listen to this EP? If you are a serious music fan and love singer/songwriter-styled music with great singing and acoustic guitars, look no further. You will not be disappointed.

A much-needed return to form from Ed Sheeran.

9/10