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Ed Sheeran's "Play": A Pop Return with Emotional Depth, and Jade Thirlwall's Solo Debut
Ed Sheeran releases his eighth album, "Play", marking a shift towards global sounds and a more hopeful tone, while Jade Thirlwall debuts her solo album, "That's Showbiz Baby!", showcasing a blend of pop and rap.
- How does Jade Thirlwall's solo album, "That's Showbiz Baby!" differ from her work with Little Mix?
- That's Showbiz Baby!" demonstrates a significant stylistic shift from Thirlwall's time in Little Mix. It features a more experimental blend of pop and rap, incorporating unexpected tempo changes and samples from 1960s songs. Lyrically, it reflects her newfound independence and control as a solo artist.
- What are the key musical and thematic shifts in Ed Sheeran's "Play" compared to his previous work?
- Play" signifies a departure from Sheeran's recent acoustic albums, "Subtract" and "Autumn Variations," returning to a 'big pop' sound with global influences, including bhangra beats and songs incorporating Hindi and Farsi. The album's themes are more hopeful, acknowledging past grief while focusing on present joy and future prospects.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of these two albums on the artists' careers and the music industry?
- For Sheeran, "Play" could solidify his global appeal and establish a new creative phase. For Thirlwall, "That's Showbiz Baby!" successfully launches her solo career, showcasing her versatility and artistic independence. Both albums demonstrate evolving trends within pop music, incorporating global influences and a willingness to experiment with sound.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review of Ed Sheeran's album, "Play", focuses heavily on its autobiographical elements and Sheeran's personal life, potentially overshadowing a purely musical critique. The headline, while descriptive, emphasizes the 'emotional punch' more than the musical style. The introduction highlights Sheeran's personal changes (moving to America, family life), setting a narrative that emphasizes this aspect before diving into the musical content. This framing may lead readers to view the album primarily through the lens of Sheeran's personal journey rather than its artistic merits.
Language Bias
The review uses positive language towards Sheeran, describing his music as 'catchy,' 'lavish,' and containing 'emotional heft.' While this is largely subjective, it may implicitly influence the reader's perception of the album's quality. There's also a use of informal language like "Chez" (for wife) which may seem more casual and less formal.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on Sheeran's personal life and doesn't delve into potential criticisms of the album's musicality. While it acknowledges some sentimental moments, it doesn't analyze those in depth or provide a balanced critical perspective. There's no mention of potential negative reviews or criticisms from other sources.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between Sheeran's previous 'folky detours' and his 'big pop' return, potentially oversimplifying the evolution of his musical style. It doesn't thoroughly explore the nuances of his musical development.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article mentions Ed Sheeran mentioning his early days sleeping on fans couches and his rise to fame, indirectly touching upon themes of social mobility and overcoming socio-economic barriers, which are relevant to reducing inequality. The success of both Sheeran and Jade Thirlwall, coming from different backgrounds, can inspire others and promote a sense of opportunity.