9 most popular Ed Sheeran songs to listen to in 2024

Ed Sheeran has broken records in the music industry and won several awards since his first project in 2011. The Halifax-born singer is renowned for his songwriting skills, catchy tunes, and impressive discography, earning him a large fan following over the years.

The 33-year-old has smashed sales records with hits like Shape of You and Perfect, amongst others. His ability to pen deep, relatable lyrics and create melodies that complement his soulful voice has made his songs top-ten magnets on the music charts. He has been awarded the title of the world’s best-selling artist and Global Recording Artist of the Year (2017).

Ed Sheeran has also sold over 150 million records worldwide and has 101 million RIAA-certified album units in the US. This article explores Ed Sheeran’s most popular songs so far.

Disclaimer: This article is ranked according to Spotify streams at the time of writing.

Shape of You, Photograph and more: Popular Ed Sheeran songs to listen to in 2024

1) Shape of You (4,021,311,531 Spotify streams)

Shape of You is a tropical house music written by the British singer, alongside Kandi Burruss, Johnny McDaid, and Kevin Briggs. The song infuses elements of dancehall and R&B. Released on January 6, 2017, it is one of the double lead singles from Sheeran's third album, Divide.

Soon after its release, the song stayed number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 non-consecutive weeks and became the first track to hit 2 billion streams on Spotify.

Shape of You explores themes of romantic yearnings, intimacy, and spontaneity. The lyrics of the pre-chorus relate to this concept:

"Girl, you know I want your love/ Your love was handmade for somebody like me/ Well, come on now, follow my lead/ I may be crazy, don't mind me,"

2) Perfect (3,094,242,376 Spotify streams)

Perfect is a love song that's reportedly inspired by the English singer's relationship with his wife, Cherry Seaborn. The ballad reflects on the sense of fulfillment and happiness that the singer has found since he discovered his soulmate.

The first verse encapsulates this feeling:

"I found a love for me/ Oh, darlin', just dive right in and follow my lead/ Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet/ Oh, I never knew you were the someone waitin' for me"

Released in March 2017, this song is penned by Ed Sheeran and features as one of the tracks from the artist's third album, Divide. Perfect has been certified platinum thirteen times by RIAA and two other versions have been recorded with Beyoncé and Andrea Bocelli.

3) Photograph (2,625,255,081 Spotify streams)

Ed Sheeran, Tom Leonard, Johnny McDaid, and Martin Harrington are credited as writers on the Photograph track. Released on May 11, 2015, the folk-pop single marks the fifth song from the 33-year-old's sophomore studio album, X.

Photograph explores themes of love, hope, healing, and self-discovery. The second verse reads:

"Lovin' can heal/ Lovin' can mend your soul/ And it's the only thing that I know, know/ I swear it will get easier/ Remember that with every piece of ya/ Mm, and it's the only thing we take with us when we die,"

The song peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified quadruple platinum in the UK.

4) Thinking Out Loud (2,574,607,268)

Thinking Out Loud is the eleventh single from his Grammy-nominated studio album, X, released in June 2014. The record is written by Ed Sheeran, alongside Backwell-based singer-songwriter, Amy Wadge.

This blue-eyed soul music depicts a love story that has its meaning rooted in themes of unconditional love, nostalgia, certainty, and timelessness. The lyrics of the second verse reflect these themes:

"When my hair's all but gone and my memory fades/ And the crowds don't remember my name/ When my hands don't play the strings the same way, mmm/ I know you will still love me the same,"

Thinking Out Loud peaked at number 2 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100 charts and became the seventh single to achieve triple platinum in the UK in the 21st century.

5) I Don't Care ft Justin Bieber (1,863,144,311 Spotify streams)

I Don’t Care feat Justin Bieber (Image via Spotify)

Released on May 10, 2019, I Don’t Care marks the epic collaboration between four-time Grammy Award winner and Canadian singer, Justin Bieber. This dancehall song is written by the duo, alongside Jason Boyd, Fred Gibson, Shellback, and Max Martin. It is a lead single from Sheeran's compilation album, Number 6 Collaborations Project.

The song lyrics capture the essence of an ideal relationship, offering a haven for individuals, and promoting a sense of belonging. The chorus reads:

"Cause I don't care when I'm with my baby, yeah/ All the bad things disappear/ Yeah, you're making me feel like maybe I am somebody/ I can deal with the bad nights when I'm with my baby, yeah"

I Don’t Care became Ed Sheeran’s fourth number one and Bieber’s sixth on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart.

6) Bad Habits (1,809,436,150 Spotify streams)

Bad Habits is the lead single from Ed Sheeran's fourth music album, = (Equals). Released on June 25, 2021, it is a synth-pop track penned by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, and Fred Gibson.

The song analyzes the sad reality of being entangled in a conflicted relationship. The lyrics depict a guy reminiscing about his bad choices over time, looking for a way to break free from the unhealthy cycle. The chorus passes the message:

"My bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone/ Conversations with a stranger I barely know/ Swearin' this'll be the last, but it probably won't/ I got nothin' left to lose, or use, or do,"

Bad Habits spent eleven consecutive weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart and Irish Singles Chart.

7) Shivers (1,643,127,377 Spotify streams)

Shivers by Ed Sheeran is a dance-pop song released in September 2021 as the second single from the singer's 14-track album, Equals.

The RIAA-certified single narrates the story of an individual overwhelmed by the excitement of finding his special someone. The lyrics of the first verse highlight the depth of connection and affection shared between a couple using sensual innuendos.

The verse reads:

"I took an arrow to the heart/ I never kissed a mouth that tastes like yours/ Strawberries and then somethin' more/ Ooh, yeah, I want it all/ Lipstick on my guitar,"

Shivers claimed the fourth position on the Billboard Hot 100.

8) Beautiful People ft Khalid (1,421,320,212 Spotify streams)

Beautiful People ft Khalid (Image via Spotify)

Beautiful People, released on June 28, 2019, is part of Sheeran's Compilation album, No. 6 Collaborations Project. The Halifax-born musician features the Young Dumb and Broke hit-maker, Khalid, on the chart-topping single.

Khalid, Ed Sheeran, Max Martin, Shellback, and Fred Gibson are credited as songwriters of the pop record. Beautiful People addresses the not-so-friendly and complicated lifestyle that comes with being a celebrity. The chorus reads:

"Beautiful people/ Drop top, designer clothes/ Front row at fashion shows/ "What d'you do?" and "Who d'you know?"/ Inside the world of beautiful people/ Champagne and rolled-up notes,"

The song has been certified platinum three times by BPI in the UK.

9) Castle On the Hill (1,381,981,598 Spotify streams)

Written by Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco, Castle On the Hill is a cross-genre song that blends the acoustic arrangements of folk-pop with the uniquely structured rhythms of rock and pop music.

Released on January 6, 2017, the record is one of the double lead singles from the British singer's third album, Divide. It depicts a coming-of-age story that shares an insight into Ed Sheeran's life. The song chronicles his life experiences from his childhood days to Adulthood. The first verse reads:

"When I was six years old, I broke my leg/ I was runnin' from my brother and his friends/ And tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down/ I was younger then, take me back to when I,"

Castle On the Hill peaked at number two on the UK singles chart.

Other popular songs from Ed Sheeran to add to your playlist include Happier, Galway Girl, The A Team and I See Fire.

Edited by DEEPALI