Why Ed Sheeran traded acoustic ballads for a synth-pop addiction anthem
In short: In early 2021, Ed Sheeran planned a slow, depressing acoustic lead single. Instead, as pandemic restrictions in England began to ease, he chose to release something entirely different: a high-energy dance-pop track called "Bad Habits" that explored the darker side of addiction.
Launched on 25 June 2021, "Bad Habits" represented Sheeran's inaugural solo track from an LP in more than four years. The song, which explores themes of addiction, was a deliberate departure from his usual style. Sheeran noted that while a slow piano version could feel like a confessional, he wanted to surprise listeners with something upbeat as the world began to open up again following COVID-19 lockdowns.
The track achieved massive commercial success, reaching number one in 28 countries, including Australia, Canada, and Germany. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it dominated the charts for eleven consecutive weeks, becoming the best-selling single of the year in both nations. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Global 200.
The song's production and style drew comparisons to artists like The Weeknd and Bronski Beat. While some critics, such as those at Pitchfork, found the track predictable, others praised its smash potential. The music video, directed by Dave Meyers and filmed in South East London, features Sheeran as a vampire, a concept inspired by the lyrics and the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The song's versatility was further demonstrated through various iterations. In August 2021, Tion Wayne and Central Cee performed on a UK drill remix; following their 2022 BRIT Awards set with Bring Me the Horizon, a heavy metal studio recording was set for 17 February 2022.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Bad Habits (Ed Sheeran song)
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